Pump Classification

By
Er. Laxman Singh Sankhla
B.E.Mech., Chartered Engineer
Jodhpur, India
Mail ID: laxman9992001@yahoo.co.in

Pump Classification
Although all centrifugal pumps operate on the same principle, they differ in
size, shape, and design. These variations enable centrifugal pumps to be used
for a wide range of applications, e.g., low to high pressure pumping, moving
light to heavy fluids, pumping small to large volumes, etc.
Centrifugal pumps are classified according to their design features. The design
features normally used include: shaft position, bearing position, type of
impeller, number of impellers, volute design, and fluid flow.

2.5.1 Vertical and Horizontal Pumps

Vertical and horizontal refer to the position of the shaft during normal operation
of the pump. In vertical pumps, the shaft is perpendicular to the ground with the
driver usually positioned above the pump. In horizontal pumps, the shaft is
parallel to the ground with the driver usually positioned beside the pump.
2.5.2 Overhung and Between-Bearings Pumps
Overhung and between-bearings refer to the position of the impeller in
reference to the bearings. In overhung pumps, the bearings are located on one
side of the impeller. In between-bearings pumps, the bearings are located on
both sides of the impeller.
2.5.3 Single- and Double-Suction impeller Pumps
Single and double-suction refer to the number of suction eyes in the impeller. In
single-suction impellers, fluid enters the impeller through one side only.
Double-suction impellers have a suction eye on both sides of the impeller. Fluid
enters the pump through a single intake port but is then directed toward both
sides of the impeller.
2.5.4 Single and Multi-Stage Pumps
A. Single-stage pump (Figure 2.19) with one impeller is sufficient to raise
pressure.
However, there are applications where it is necessary to raise discharge
pressure higher than is normally possible with a single impeller. Although
higher pressures can be obtained by increasing the rotation speed of the
impeller or by using a larger impeller, design and material limitations

generally dictate that a third option be used, multi-staging.

FIGURE 2.19 SINGLE- STAGE PUMP

B. Multi-stage pumps (Figure 2.20) have two or more single suction impellers
mounted on a single shaft with the discharge port of the first impeller
directed to the suction port of the second, etc. As the fluid moves from one
stage to the next, fluid pressure is increased in steps.

FIGURE 2.20 MULTI- STAGE PUMP