Turbine Pumps

The operating principles of turbine pumps  

Turbine pumps are a type of centrifugal pump that are widely used in various industrial and commercial applications. The main difference between a turbine pump and a typical centrifugal pump is its impeller design. Compared to most centrifugal pumps, turbine pumps have smaller diameter impellers with rows of numerous small vanes. These vanes recirculate the fluid as it travels from the suction end to the outlet. Specifically, fluid enters at the edge of an impeller blade (not through the eye) and is accelerated not only tangentially in the direction of rotation, but also radially outward into the casing channel by centrifugal force. As the fluid strikes the casing wall it is redirected back onto an adjacent blade (vane) where additional energy is imparted.  

Turbine pumps are commonly used in the agricultural, municipal, and industrial sectors to pump large volumes of fluid at relatively low to medium pressures. These pumps work by converting the rotational energy of a motor or engine into fluid flow using a series of rotating blades or impellers.  

In a turbine pump, the fluid enters the pump through an inlet and flows through the impeller or a series of impellers (Multistage turbine pumps) arranged along a central shaft. The impeller consists of a series of curved blades or vanes that are attached to a central hub. As the impeller rotate, they impart energy to the fluid by increasing its velocity and imparting a rotational motion to the fluid.  

The fluid then exits the impellers and flows through a stationary guide vanes or diffuser, which converts the kinetic energy of the fluid into pressure energy. The diffuser typically consists of a series of stationary vanes arranged in a circular pattern around the impellers. These vanes are shaped to gradually slow down the fluid and convert its kinetic energy into pressure energy.  

The pressure generated by a turbine pump depends on a number of factors, including the size and design of the impellers, the speed of rotation, and the diameter of the discharge pipe. 

The Turbine Pumps features and benefits  

• High efficiency: Turbine pumps are designed to operate at high speeds, which allows them to achieve high levels of hydraulic efficiency. This means that they can move large volumes of fluid with relatively low power consumption.  

• Wide range of flow rates: Turbine pumps are available in a wide range of flow rates, from low-flow, high-head applications to high-flow, low-head applications. 

• Low NPSH requirements: The Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is the amount of pressure required at the pump's inlet to prevent cavitation. Turbine pumps have relatively low NPSH requirements, which means that they can be used in applications where other pumps might experience cavitation.  

• Low maintenance: Turbine pumps have relatively simple designs and few moving parts, which makes them easy to maintain and repair. They also tend to have longer service lives than other types of pumps.  

• Versatility: Turbine pumps can handle a wide range of fluids, including water, oil, and various chemicals. They can also be used in a variety of applications, from irrigation and water supply to petroleum refining and chemical processing.  

• Customizability: Turbine pumps can be customized to meet specific application requirements, such as high temperature or high-pressure applications.  

Industries and applications that uses turbine pumps  

Turbine pumps are widely used in several industries due to their numerous advantages over other types of pumps. Some of the industries that commonly use turbine pumps include: 

Oil and Gas Industry 

In the oil and gas industry, turbine pumps are used for various applications such as offshore platform water injection, crude oil transfer, and refinery processing. The pumps can handle high flow rates and high-pressure differentials, making them suitable for these applications. For example, in offshore platform water injection, turbine pumps are used to inject seawater into the oil reservoir to maintain pressure and improve oil recovery. The pumps can handle flow rates of up to 80,000 barrels per day and pressure differentials of up to 345 bar.  

Chemical Industry 

In the chemical industry, turbine pumps are used for the transfer of chemicals such as acids, alkalis, solvents, and other corrosive and hazardous substances. The pumps are designed to handle these aggressive fluids and provide reliable and efficient performance. For example, in chemical processing plants, turbine pumps are used to transfer caustic soda, which is highly corrosive and can cause severe damage to other types of pumps. The pumps can handle flow rates of up to 9500 lpm and pressure differentials of up to 70 bar.  

Power Generation Industry 

In the power generation industry, turbine pumps are used for various applications such as cooling water circulation, boiler feedwater, and condensate extraction. The pumps can handle high flow rates and pressure differentials, making them suitable for these applications. For example, in nuclear power plants, turbine pumps are used for cooling water circulation in the reactor core. The pumps can handle flow rates of up to 75000 lpm and pressure differentials of up to 100 bar.  

Water and Wastewater Industry 

 In the water and wastewater industry, turbine pumps are used for various applications such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and desalination. The pumps can handle high flow rates and pressure differentials, making them suitable for these applications. For example, in desalination plants, turbine pumps are used to transfer seawater from the intake to the treatment process. The pumps can handle flow rates of up to 190000 lpm and pressure differentials of up to 100 bar.  

Important considerations when selecting turbine pumps  

When selecting a turbine pump, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. These factors play a crucial role in determining the pump's performance and suitability for a particular application. Here are the key considerations:  

• Flow Rate: Flow rate refers to the volume of fluid that the pump can move per unit of time, typically measured in liters per second (L/s). It is essential to choose a turbine pump that can handle the required flow rate to meet the system's demands effectively.  

• Pump Head: Pump head is the measure of the energy imparted by the pump to the fluid and is usually expressed in feet or meters. It represents the pressure at which the pump can deliver the fluid. The pump head requirement depends on factors such as the height the fluid needs to be lifted or the pressure needed to overcome friction losses in the system.  

• Pressure: Pressure is a crucial consideration in pump selection, as it determines the pump's ability to overcome resistance and maintain the desired flow rate. It is essential to ensure that the turbine pump can generate sufficient pressure to meet the system's requirements, accounting for any elevation changes or pressure losses in the system.  

• Horsepower: Horsepower (HP) represents the power output of the pump motor. The horsepower requirement depends on the flow rate, pump head, and system efficiency. It is crucial to select a turbine pump with adequate horsepower to handle the desired flow and pressure while accounting for any efficiency losses in the system.  

• Power Rating: Power rating refers to the electrical power supply required to operate the pump motor. It is essential to consider the available power source and ensure that the pump's power rating matches the electrical specifications of the facility or location where the pump will be installed.  

• Outlet Diameter: The outlet diameter of the turbine pump is an important consideration as it affects the pump's performance and efficiency. The outlet diameter should be selected based on the desired flow rate and pressure requirements, ensuring that it matches the piping system's specifications and allows for smooth fluid flow.  

• Operating Temperature: The operating temperature of the fluid being pumped is a critical factor in turbine pump selection. Different pump materials and components have specific temperature limitations, and selecting a pump that can handle the fluid's temperature is essential for reliable and safe operation.  

Why buy turbine pumps from AxFlow?  

AxFlow provides turbine pumps that cater to an extensive variety of industries and applications. Exclusive to AxFlow, you will be provided with personalized recommendations from highly experienced process engineers, and access to the most prominent process technology manufacturers that are independent of the manufacturer. If you require assistance in selecting the appropriate pumps that satisfy your requirements, feel free to contact AxFlow without any delay. AxFlows engineers and specialists can help with the selection process, specifications, installation, and maintenance of your fluid handling equipment.