Misconceptions Related to Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are one of the most prominent pumps used for industrial purposes. These pumps were designed to transfer fluids using the rotational energy from one or more driven rotors called impellers. The impellers rotate rapidly and when the fluid enters, it is cast out by the centrifugal force in a rotating motion across its circumference by the impeller’s vane tips.
Although centrifugal pumps are very significant, there are some myths and misconceptions when it comes to using them for industrial purposes. Let us try to unlearn these misconceptions and bust the myths.
Myths and Misconceptions Related to Centrifugal Pumps
The common myths and misconceptions heard about the centrifugal pumps are:
1. Venting running centrifugal pumps is okay
When you vent a running centrifugal pump, the centrifugal force might throw the heavier liquid out of the vent. This will result in heavy liquid thrown out and just light air inside the pumps.
2. the bearing cases must be cooled down in case the ball bearings start getting hot
When the ball bearings get hot due to the working of the pumps, one must try to stay away from the bearing cases. Trying to cool down the diameter of the bearing cases from outside might lead to the metal shrinking, increasing the load. This will result in more heat being added to the ball bearings.
3. Centrifugal pumps cannot pump air
This is one of the most heard misconceptions about the centrifugal pumps. Centrifugal pumps can surely pump air, but not high enough to overpower the pressure exerted by the atmosphere. Everything in centrifugal pumps gets pumped to the same height. The power required to pump varies considering the type of material and its density.
4. It is okay to start a centrifugal pump with the discharge valve being shut in order to save power
The fact that it keeping the discharge valve will save power is true. There is a high chance that keeping the discharge valve shut may put undue radical thrust on the impeller. This can result in the fracture of the shaft or the mechanical seal might fail.
5. It is okay to fill the tank from anywhere; top or bottom
When people say it doesn’t matter where you fill the tank from, it is incorrect. It majorly depends on what pump you are using to fill the tank. In the case of a centrifugal pump, the tank needs to be filled from the top. This will help you avoid changing its head while filling the tank. On the other hand, if it is a positive displacement pump, filling the tank from the bottom will help you save power.
You can approach Ambica Machine Tools in case you are looking for professional advice related to pumps. Ambica Machine Tools has an experience of more than 10 years in the field of pumps; dealing with pumps, giving pumping solutions and manufacturing pumps for industrial purposes.
