Types of Centrifugal Pumps: End Suction, Vertical Turbine, Multistage and More

Centrifugal pumps are the most common pumps in industry. They use a spinning impeller to move liquid, and they come in many forms. This guide explains the main types and what each is used for.

End suction pumps

The fluid enters at the end of the pump and leaves from the top. They are compact, simple and widely used for water, cooling and general process duties. Chemical process versions, in thermoplastic or alloy, are built for corrosive fluids.

Split case pumps

The casing splits along the shaft centreline, so the rotating parts can be removed without disturbing the pipework. They are used for large flows in water supply, cooling and fire duties.

Multistage pumps

Several impellers in series build high pressure. They are used for boiler feed, pressure boosting and long pipelines.

Vertical turbine and sump pumps

The pump bowls sit in the liquid and a long shaft connects them to a motor above. They are used for deep tanks, wells, cooling water intakes and sumps where there is no suction lift.

Axial flow pumps

A propeller-type impeller moves very large flows at low head, for example in drainage, circulation and flood control.

Magnetic-drive (sealless) pumps

A magnetic coupling replaces the shaft seal, so there is no seal to leak. They are used for toxic, hazardous and corrosive fluids and must not run dry.

Self-priming pumps

They can lift liquid from below the pump and start without being filled by hand, which suits tank emptying and sumps.

How to choose between them

1. Work out the flow and the head (total pressure) you need.
2. Check the fluid: corrosive, hot, abrasive or containing solids all change the choice.
3. Check the available suction conditions, called NPSH. Too little causes cavitation and damage.
4. Decide whether seal leakage is acceptable. If not, consider a sealless pump.
5. Check any project standard, such as API 610 for refinery duties.

Centrifugal pumps are poor for thick fluids and for accurate dosing. For those, see positive displacement pumps or the full guide to types of pumps. Our centrifugal pumps page lists what we supply.

Power Energy Gulf supplies chemical process centrifugal pumps in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Contact us with your fluid, flow and pressure details and we will recommend a suitable pump.