Tag: centrifugal pump

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TURBULENT FLOW OF CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Turbulent flow is detrimental to a centrifugal pump during handling of abrasive fluids. The drilling industry has standardized centrifugal pumps with concentric casings and wide impellers, a design that has proven to offer less turbulence and greatest pump life. The walls of a concentric style of casing (Figure 1) are an equal distance from the impeller throughout the impeller circumference, resulting in a smooth flow pattern. A volute style of casing (Figure 2) has a cutwater point that disturbs the fluid flow pattern, creating an eddy.

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CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS ACCELERATE FLUID

Standard centrifugal pumps are not self-priming and require the fluid end to be primed prior to activation. This can be accomplished by installing the pump in a location that provides a flooded suction or by using a device to prime the pump. Once the pump casing is full of fluid, it can then be energized. Running a pump dry or restricting suction flow can severely damage the fluid end, mechanical seal, or packing. The designs of self-priming pumps result in turbulent flow patterns, which cause excessive wear during pumping of abrasive fluids and increase operating costs. The drilling industry avoids using self-priming pumps due to increased downtime and costs.

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