Pump Selection

and Specification
Department Editor: Kate Torzewski

Centrifugal pumps
The most widely used pump in the chemical process industries for
liquid transfer is the centrifugal pump. Available in a wide range of
sizes and capacities, these pumps are suitable for a wide range of
applications. Advantages of the centrifugal style include: simplicity, low initial cost, uniform flow, small footprint, low maintenance
expense and quiet operation.

 

 



 

 

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n choosing a pump, it is important to match a pumps capabilities with system requirements and the characteristics of the liquid
being processed. These factors include the inlet conditions,
required flowrate, differential pressure and liquid characteristics.
Generally, the quality of the liquid should remain unchanged after
passage through a pump. Therefore, material compatibility, viscosity, shear sensitivity and the presence of particulate matter in a
liquid are important considerations in pump selection.
Most engineering applications employ either centrifugal or
positive displacement (PD) pumps for fluid handling. These pumps
function in very different ways, so pump selection should be based
on the unique conditions of a process.

belong to a greater category of kinetic pumps.

A simple way to narrow down pump styles is to determine the
required capacity that your pump must handle. Based upon a
required capacity in gal/min. and a pressure in lbf/in.2, the pump
coverage chart below can help engineers focus their selection to a
just a few pump styles.

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PUMP SELECTION










Positive displacement pumps

Though engineers may be first inclined to install centrifugal pumps,
many applications dictate the need for PD pumps. Because of their
mechanical design and ability to create flow from a pressure input,
PD pumps provide a high efficiency under most conditions, thus
reducing energy use and operation costs.

Choosing centrifugal versus positive displacement

These two main pump styles respond very differently to various
operating conditions, so it is essential to evaluate the requirements
of a process prior to choosing an appropriate pump. Table 1 illustrates the mechanical differences between these pumps, as well
as the effects of pressure, viscosity and inlet conditions on flowrate
and pump efficiency.

Range of operation
Pump styles range far beyond simply PD and centrifugal pumps.
PD pumps encompass many specific styles, including a variety of
reciprocating, rotary and blow-cover pumps. Likewise, centrifugal
pumps encompass radial, mixed, and axial flow styles, which all
Pump Comparison Chart
Centrifugal
Pump

Positive displacement
pump

The pump captures

confined amounts of
liquid and transfers
Mechanics
them from the suction
to discharge port.
Flow is created and
pressure results
Flow varies with
Flow is constant with
Performance
changing pressure
changing pressure
Efficiency decreases
Efficiency increases with
Viscosity
with increasing viscosity increasing viscosity
Efficiency peaks at the
best-of-efficiency point.
Efficiency increases
Efficiency
At higher or
with increasing pressure
lower pressures,
efficiency decreases
Liquid must be in the
Negative pressure is
pump to create a presInlet
created at the inlet port.
sure differential. A dry
conditions
A dry pump will prime
pump will not prime on
on its own
its own
The pump imparts a
velocity to the liquid,
resulting in a pressure
at the outlet.
Pressure is created
and flow results



  
   
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PUMP Specifications
Based on the application in which a pump will be used, the pump
type, and service and operating conditions, the specifications of a
pump can be determined.
Casting connection: Volute casing efficiently converts velocity energy impacted to the liquid from the impeller into pressure energy.
A casing with guide vanes reduce loses and improve efficiency
over a wide range of capacities, and are best for multistage highhead pumps
Impeller details: Closed-type impellers are most efficient. Opentype impellers are best for viscous liquids, liquids containing solid
matter, and general purposes
Sealings: Rotating shafts must have proper sealing methods to
prevent leakage without affecting process efficiency negatively.
Seals can be grouped into the categories of noncontacting seals
and mechanical face seals. Noncontacting seals are often used
for gas service in high-speed rotating equipment. Mechanical face
seals provide excellent sealing for high leakage protection
Bearings: Factors to take into consideration while choosing a
bearing type include shaft-speed range, maximum tolerable shaft
misalignment, critical-speed analysis, loading of compressor
impellers, and more. Bearing styles include: cylindrical bore; cylindrical bore with dammed groove; lemon bore; three lobe; offset
halves; tilting pad; plain washer; and taper land
Materials: Pump material is often stainless steel. Material should
be chosen to reduce costs and maintain personnel safety while
avoiding materials that will react with the process liquid to create
corrosion, erosion or liquid contamination

References

1. Perrys Chemical Engineers Handbook, 7th ed. New York: McGraw

Hill, 1997.
2. Petersen, J. and Jacoby, Rodger. Selecting a Positive Displacement Pump,
Chem. Eng. August 2007, pp. 4246.