Applications Advantages and Disadvantages of Centrifugal Pump

Applications of centrifugal pump

Centrifugal pumps are generally high-discharge, low-pressure pumps. In this pump, the pressure head is increased by adopting multi-stage operation. The first stage increases the pressure to a certain point, and then the next step increases it even more until you reach your desired pressure. Centrifugal pumps are used in many everyday applications, such as pumps for water tankers, wastewater, industry and even emergency firefighter vehicles.

• Centrifugal pumps are well suited for water/ wastewater systems because they can handle high volumes, and change in flow is not difficult. It is used in the domestic water system.
• Pumps water from the source to the field for agriculture and irrigation purposes
• They can be used to pump viscous fluids, such as paper slurry, muddy water, oil etc.
• A specially designed centrifugal pump with an impeller with few numbers of vanes is used for non-clog pumping; it can pass solids of a few inches. It can be used for dredging purposes.
• Centrifugal pump is used in energy and oil refineries, power plants, chemical and process industries. It is used in boiler feed applications.
• It is used in building services, including pressure boosting, fire protection sprinkler systems and air conditioners.
• Operating hydraulic machineries such as lifts, cranes, elevators and other hydraulic equipment.

Advantages of centrifugal pump

The centrifugal pump has several advantages over a reciprocating pump.

1. A centrifugal pump is a higher-speed pump resulting in a compact size. They are smaller and lighter than the positive displacement pump of the same capacity.
2. Centrifugal pump is relatively inexpensive, making it an economical choice for low-budget applications.
3. Because it is free from vigorous vibration, a simpler foundation is sufficient and easy to install.
4. In almost every case, the centrifugal pump is capable of using direct drive.
5. It gives continuous delivery and is free from pressure fluctuations or pulsating flow. It reduces the chance of breaking pipe.
6. Wide tolerance for moving parts is permitted. Since close tolerance is not necessary, the operating life of the pump also improves.
7. The maintenance costs for a centrifugal pump are lower than any other type of pump. Routine preventive maintenance requirements for centrifugal-type pumps are not as demanding as for other pumping systems.
8. When handling liquids containing solids, such as paper pulp, a centrifugal pump can deliver a constant weight of solid matter regardless of the variation in consistency. The heavier consistencies cause greater friction loss, thus reducing flow and compensating for consistency changes in some measure.
9. Self-limited pressure: Safety is ensured by predetermining maximum pressure. Because the centrifugal pump's pumping action is limited to certain fixed pressure by the manufacturer, it will not operate at a higher level than a predetermined maximum pressure. Thus, when the discharge valve is suddenly closed, the pump cannot generate additional pressure that might damage the system or potentially result in a hazardous working situation.
10. It has greater adaptability to a wider range of conditions. When the head on a pump is reduced, its capacity increases. As a result, when a low-head system is used, the centrifugal pump will move a higher volume of water than when it is used in a high-head system.

Disadvantages of centrifugal pump

1. The single-stage centrifugal pump won't develop a high-pressure head.
2. The speed of a centrifugal pump cannot be adjusted without the use of additional equipment. Even so, it is not easy to adjust the speed of a centrifugal pump.
3. The high efficiency of a system can only be maintained over a narrow range. When the pump is operated outside of its optimum range, efficiency is significantly reduced.
4. Centrifugal pumps have relatively poor suction power, usually requiring priming before they can work. Additional equipment is needed for priming. An air leak on the suction side of a pump negatively affects its performance.
5. A centrifugal pump is not fully free from cavitation; this phenomenon causes severe corrosion of its impeller and casing surfaces.
6. Centrifugal pumps cannot handle highly viscous liquid efficiently compared to positive displacement pumps.
7. If the centrifugal pump stops without closing its discharge pipe, it may run backwards.