Pumps - Dynamic pumps - Centrifugal pumps
A common centrifugal pump setup is composed of one or more impellers connected to a rotary pump shaft. This arrangement produces the energy needed to conduct fluid in the pump operation and the associated piping.

The impellers rotating in sync with the pump shaft transforms dynamic mechanical energy from the motor into the power of moving fluids. As most of the energy derived by the motor will be turned into kinetic energy of the pumped fluids, a share will be directed as potential energy in fluid pressure measured against gravity.

Centrifugal Pump Process
The operation cycle starts with the pump directing fluid into its suction part and directing it onwards to the channel of its impellers. Rotating impellers then drive the pumped liquids along their spinning vanes whilst simultaneously raising the fluid velocity.

The charged fluid then exits the impeller vanes and is conveyed to a pump volute or a diffuser casing where high fluid velocity produced by the impeller vanes are changed to high fluid pressure.

Eventually, the pressurized fluid is sent to a discharge port or directed to the next stage of a multi-stage pump.
 
The major centrifugal pump distinctions are: Video
  • Radial
  • Axial
Axial and Radial Centrifugal Pumps
The major difference between radial and axial centrifugal pumps are in their orientation. A radial centrifugal pump allows an outward movement of the liquid channel in it. The pumped flow is pressurized and leaves through downstream piping.

By contrast, axial pumps provide fluid motion by a lifting force of their impeller vanes.
 
Single-Stage, Two-Stage, or Multi-Stage
The categorization of centrifugal pumps by stage is based on the number of impellers existing in their setup.
 
Single-Stage
This pump model houses only one impeller inside its casing, making maintenance relatively easy. A single-stage centrifugal pump is best adapted to low-pressure services where a significant flow rate is maintained.
 
Two-Stage
A two-stage centrifugal pump has dual impellers working together to pump the process liquids. It is a suitable device for medium head applications.
 
Multi-Stage
Multistage pumps are defined as pumps in which the fluid flows through several impellers fitted in series. If the number of stages is altered at unchanged dimensions and speeds, the flow rate of such a multistage pump remains constant while the power input and head increase proportionally to the number of stages.
 
Radial flow Radial flow parts Volute casing Radial flow sectioned Two-stage centrifugal pump
         
Axial split casing Axial split casing Axial flow centrifugal pump Axial flow centrifugal pump Axial flow centrifugal pump
         
Multistage pump Multistage pump Multistage pump Multistage pump Multistage pump