the pipe connections in the lower half, Figure 1.

9, is still used for

large flows at low heads. The design is normally used for large
and very large water services pumps, for example, clean water
pumps for large water works and distribution pumps for
industrial water.
The specific speed per impeller, half for double suction impeller
type pumps, is less than that of similar single suction pumps
and this results in a corresponding flattening of the H-Q curve.
In borderline cases the lower NPSHr value means that higher
speeds can be used. In special instances where it is desirable
to maintain as near pulsation-free flow as possible, as for example,
fan pumps for paper machines, double suction pump impellers
with staggered blades are used. Sometimes the location of
the pump connection flanges can make the use of a
double-suction pump advantageous.
Water temperature can be up to 120 ~ with standard cast iron
casings. Special bronze casings are sometimes supplied for
seawater applications. Impellers can be cast iron or bronze.
Pumps with 250 mm connections can handle 1200 m3/h at
100m. Larger pumps are available for up to 40000 m3/h at 40m.
Small pumps have pressure ratings of up to 17 barg reducing to
5 barg for the largest sizes. Power requirements are up to 5.5
MW. Packed stuffing boxes or mechanical seals can be fitted as
options.
This style of pump has been available in the past in two slightly
different two-stage versions. A two-stage pump with single entry
second stage was used as a condensate extraction pump for
steam turbo-generators. The pump grew to unmanageable
proportions in the 1960s as generators became much larger.
The design concept changed and the condensate extraction
pump became a vertical multi-stage pump. A two-stage pump
with two double entry impellers has also been available, particularly
in the United States. This style of pump was designed
when axial thrust was not fully understood and resulted in a hydraulically
balanced rotor. Neither of the two-stage designs described
here are popular currently in pump applications.
1.3.8 Horizontal single-stage double-suction radiallysplit pumps (for heavy-duty applications includes
ISO 13709, API 610 designs)
This pump, see Figure 1.10, is not as popular as the end-suction
pump. It is similar in some respects to Section 1.3.7 pumps
but has centre-line mounted radially split casings. Generally
with top-top process connections, but side-side and other variations
are available. The double entry impeller mounted between
two bearings. Rolling bearings are standard, sliding
bearings and various lube oil systems can be made to order.
The mechanical seals can be serviced by removing the coupling
and bearing housings. A spacer coupling is required. The
rotor assembly is withdrawn from the casing, away from the
driver.
These pumps tend to be slightly larger than the end-suction
pumps. Flows over 5000 m3/h are possible at heads up to 500
m. Suction sizes from 8" to 16" are popular with pressure ratings
up to 60 barg. Materials and flanges are similar to Section
1.3.6 types.
1.3.9 Horizontal two-stage end-suction overhung
impeller centrifugal pumps
These pumps are a logical extension to the single-stage pumps
described earlier. The design problem to overcome is shaft deflection.
The weight of both impellers is cantilevered from the

front bearing. Also remember that some space must be left for
shaft sealing, further increasing the overhang. Pumps for benign
liquids, in days past, could be sealed by a simple
soft-packed arrangement. This simple, but very effective arrangement
also provided a useful degree of support and damping
for the shaft. These effects helped to minimise vibration.
The primary disadvantage to soft-packing is the skill required to
pack a box, run the packing-in, and then nurture the packing