Radial- and Axial-Flow Pumps

By
Er. Laxman Singh Sankhla
B.E.Mech., Chartered Engineer
Jodhpur, India
Mail ID: laxman9992001@yahoo.co.in
Radial- and Axial-Flow Pumps
Radial (Figure 2.21) and axial-flow (Figure 2.22) refer to the direction of fluid
flow through the pump in relation to the shaft.
In radial-flow pumps, the impeller is designed to direct the fluid out from the
shaft at a 90 angle- Axial-flow pumps have impellers that move fluid along a
path parallel to the shaft.
Axial-flow pumps are not true centrifugal Pumps because they do not use
centrifugal force to add energy to the fluid or a volute to convert speed of the
fluid to pressure. However, axial-flow or turbine-type pumps are commonly
classified with centrifugal pumps because their parts and maintenance
requirements are similar.

FIGURE 2.21
RADIAL-FLOW

Volute and Diffuser Pumps

FIGURE 2.22
AXIAL-FLOW

Volute and diffuser describe the area in the centrifugal pump casing where
kinetic energy of the fluid is converted into pressure. In volute pumps, the
casing forms a chamber (volute) which is wider at the discharge port than where
fluid leaves the impeller. In diffuser pumps, the volute is replaced by a diffuser
with stationary vanes, which form a series of widening chambers.