Chapter 10: Pumps

Question 1

Describe a centrifugal pump

Answer 1

Centrifugal pumps are popular because of their simplicity, compactness, low cost, and ability to operate under a wide variety of conditions. The two essential parts are a rotating member with vanes, the impeller, and a surrounding case. The impeller driven at a high speed throws water into the volute, which channels it through the nozzle to the discharge piping (see Figure below). This action depends partly on centrifugal force, hence, the particular name given to the pump.