disadvantages of centrifugal pump|centrifugal pump problems

Centrifugal pumps - Useful Information What is a centrifugal pump? A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device designed to move a fluid by means of the transfer of rotational energy from one or more driven rotors, called impellers. Fluid enters the rapidly rotating impeller along its axis and is cast out by centrifugal force along its circumference through the impeller’s vane tips.

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in various industries for their efficiency and reliability in moving fluids. However, like any other equipment, centrifugal pumps also have their disadvantages that need to be considered when selecting the right pump for a specific application. In this article, we will explore the disadvantages of centrifugal pumps in detail.

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of centrifugal pumps. Discover high flow rates, versatile applications, and considerations for suction lift and viscous fluids.

Limited Suction Power

One of the main disadvantages of centrifugal pumps is their limited suction power. Unlike positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps rely on centrifugal force to move fluids, which limits their ability to create a strong suction force. This means that centrifugal pumps may not be suitable for applications where a high level of suction power is required.

Submersion or Priming Required

Another disadvantage of centrifugal pumps is that they often require submersion or priming to effectively move water or other fluids. Priming is the process of filling the pump with liquid before it can start pumping effectively. This can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, especially in applications where the pump needs to be started and stopped frequently.

Efficiency Decrease at Low Flow Rates

Centrifugal pumps are designed to operate most efficiently at their best efficiency point (BEP), which is typically at or near the pump's maximum flow rate. At low flow rates, centrifugal pumps may experience a decrease in efficiency, leading to higher energy consumption and operating costs. This is an important consideration for applications that require variable flow rates.

Limited Ability to Handle Viscous Fluids

Centrifugal pumps are not well-suited for handling highly viscous fluids. The design of centrifugal pumps, with their high-speed impellers, may struggle to effectively move thick or viscous fluids. In such cases, positive displacement pumps may be a more suitable choice, as they are better equipped to handle viscous fluids with ease.

Prone to Cavitation

Cavitation is a common problem in centrifugal pumps that occurs when the pressure of the fluid drops below its vapor pressure, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles. These bubbles can implode with great force, causing damage to the pump impeller and other components. Centrifugal pumps are more prone to cavitation compared to other types of pumps, making proper pump selection and maintenance crucial to avoid this issue.

Disadvantages include limited suction power, requiring submersion or priming for effective water movement. The advantages and disadvantages of centrifugal pumps play a pivotal role in a multitude of industries, spanning oil …

In this article we learn how to perform pump calculations in both imperial and metric units to assess pumping performance following the change of flow rate, pump speed, head pressure and power. These formulas are .

disadvantages of centrifugal pump|centrifugal pump problems