Basic Operating Principle of a Centrifugal Pump

How Does a Centrifugal Pump Pump Liquid

A centrifugal pump operates by converting rotational kinetic energy, often from an electric motor, into hydrodynamic energy to drive fluid. The basic operation involves an impeller that rotates inside a casing. Upon rotation of the impeller, it drives the liquid outward toward the outer impeller periphery. This creates increased velocity and pressure of the fluid, forcing it through a discharge outlet.

This process is continuous and relies on having a constant flow of liquid into the suction side of the pump to ensure smooth operation without pulsation. It’s this principle that makes centrifugal pumps ideal for applications that require constant flow rates.

Key Components and Their Functions

The key components include:

• Impeller:The rotating part that imparts energy to the fluid.
• Casing: Encloses the impeller and directs fluid flow.
• Suction and Discharge Nozzles: Entry and exit points for fluid.
• Shaft and Bearings: Transfer power from the motor to the impeller while maintaining alignment.
• Mechanical Seal or Packing: Prevents leakage along the shaft.

The LZA11th series single-stage cantilever pump has an API610 (IS013709) OH1 structure. The suspension components (bearing box, bearings, shaft, gland, pump cover, etc.) adopt an overall pull-out design, which enables inspection and maintenance of the pump without moving the inlet and outlet pipelines.

Core Advantages of Centrifugal Pumps

Easy Design and Maintenance

Centrifugal pumps possess a basic design. They consist of fewer moving components compared to other pumps, and that makes it easier to maintain them. The suction pipe and discharge pipe, for example, are located in the lower half of the casing. That facilitates easier inspection, disassembly, and assembly of the entire rotor pieces without having to take off the inlet and outlet piping.

High Flow Rate Capability

Centrifugal pumps are most appropriate for operating with large quantities of liquid in an effective way. The reason that it is capable of delivering high flow rates with a relatively small size enables it for operation in large-scale applications such as water treatment plants or chemical processes.

Smooth and Continuous Operation

Unlike positive displacement pumps, which operate in pulses, centrifugal pumps provide smooth flow. This guarantees even system performance with minimal vibration or noise.

Longgang’s Centrifugal Pump Features

Corrosion-Resistant Materials for Chemical Applications

In addition to chemical pumps made of ordinary anti-corrosion materials, Longgang has successively developed special alloy material pumps, such as anti-dilute sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, concentrated sulfuric acid, caustic soda, and other highly corrosive super-low carbon duplex stainless steel pumps. These materials ensure durability when handling aggressive fluids in chemical industries.

Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effective Operation

The independently developed BB2 efficient centrifugal pump is mainly used in crude oil transportation, the coal chemical industry, natural gas processing, and offshore drilling equipment. The verified hydraulic optimum efficiency point reaches 90.5%, which is 3.5% higher than the national first-level energy efficiency. Lower energy consumption directly translates into reduced operational costs over time.

Wide Range of Models for Different Needs

Longgang offers various models, including:

• LAD (BB1): Single or two-stage double-suction between-bearing pump
• LBD (BB2): Radially split heavy-duty process pump
• LZA (OH1), LZE (OH2), LZV (OH3): Single-stage cantilever centrifugal pumps

This diversity ensures tailored solutions for specific applications.

Applications Across Industries

Usage in Chemical Processing Plants

Longgang’s products are widely used in various industries such as the petroleum and petrochemical, coal chemical industry, and basic chemical industry. For example, their OH1/OH2 models handle corrosive chemicals safely due to robust material selection.

Performance in Water Treatment Systems

Centrifugal pumps play a vital role in water supply systems. LAD series is mainly used to transport clean or liquid containing trace particles in industrial desalination projects (reverse osmosis method) and combined cycle power plants.

Suitability for Pharmaceutical and Food Industries

With the clean operation capability and anti-corrosion properties like stainless steel material, Longgang centrifugal pumps are compatible with high hygiene demands in pharmaceutical production lines.

Comparison with Other Pumps

Differences Between Centrifugal and Positive Displacement Pumps

In contrast to positive displacement pumps, which move fixed volumes regardless of pressure conditions—best applied in viscous fluids—centrifugal pumps find better applications in low-viscosity fluids with high flow rates under varying pressure conditions.

When to Choose a Centrifugal Pump Instead of Other Types

Choose centrifugal types when your application demands:

• Continuous operation
• High throughput
• Low maintenance
• Compatibility with clean or slightly contaminated liquids

Longgang’s wide product lineup ensures there’s always a model suitable for these needs.

Choosing the Right Longgang Model

Factors to Consider Before Buying

When selecting a centrifugal pump from Longgang:

• Define your flow rate (Q) & head (H)
• Identify operating temperature & pressure
• Determine fluid characteristics: corrosiveness? Solid content?

For instance:
LZE (OH2) handles temperatures up to +450℃ at pressures up to 10MPa, ideal for high-temperature processes.

Customization Options Available

As an OEM manufacturer, we not only have strong R&D capabilities but also can customize products according to customers’ individual requirements. From special alloys to unique performance specifications, Longgang provides tailored solutions per project demands.

Maintenance for Longevity

Recommendations for Regular Inspection

Regular checks on bearing temperature, seals, and shaft alignment identify issues early. Longgang designs provide easy disassembly without pipe connection disturbance—minimizing downtime for inspections.

Easy Wear Part Replacement

Thanks to modular design like the universal pull-out design on the OH1 series, replacing seals or bearings is easy—time and labor are conserved.

FAQ

Q: Why are centrifugal pumps suitable for high-volume applications?

A: Their ability to convert kinetic energy into pressure allows them to move large quantities of liquid efficiently with minimal pulsation.

Q: Can Longgang’s centrifugal pumps handle corrosive chemicals?

A: Yes. Longgang offers special alloy material pumps resistant to acids like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid

Q: How do I choose between the OH1 vs OH2 models?

A: Choose OH1 like LZA if you prefer foot-mounted designs; choose OH2 like LZE if you need centerline-mounted options capable of handling higher temperatures up to +450℃.

Q: Are customized solutions available from Longgang?

A: Yes. We can customize products according to customer requirements, ensuring performance meets specific industrial needs.