Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are widely used for efficient, continuous transfer of water, chemicals and other low-to-medium viscosity liquids across industrial and hygienic processes.

AxFlow UK supplies a broad range of industrial centrifugal pumps, including ISO and EN process pumps, hygienic pumps, self-priming pumps, multistage pumps, magnetic-drive and canned-motor pumps, API process pumps and specialist solids-handling designs.

Our engineers can help select the correct pump using the required flow, total head, liquid properties, system curve, NPSH available, materials, sealing requirements and expected operating range.

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What is a centrifugal pump

A centrifugal pump is a dynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to increase the velocity of a liquid.

Liquid enters the pump near the centre of the impeller and is accelerated towards its outer diameter. The pump casing or diffuser then converts much of this velocity into pressure, producing continuous flow through the system.

Centrifugal pumps are particularly well suited to continuous transfer of relatively free-flowing liquids and are available in many configurations for industrial, chemical, water, hygienic and high-pressure applications.

Why Buy Centrifugal Pumps From AxFlow

With over 80 ranges of centrifugal pumps from 11 different manufacturers, AxFlow is one of the leading suppliers of centrifugal pumps in the UK

Our range of centrifugal pumps covers almost every type of centrifugal pump that you can think of. This includes DIN pumps, ISO pumps, hygienic centrifugal pumps, API centrifugal pumps, multistage centrifugal pumps, centrifugal pumps that handle solids and canned centrifugal pumps.

With such a large choice of centrifugal pumps we will offer you the most appropriate pump for your application.

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• DIN 24255 (EN 733) • ISO 5199-2858 • API • ATEX •

• Magnetic Drive • Multistage • Double Suction • Canned • Plastic Lined

• Self Priming • Chemically Resistant • Hygienic • Solids Handling

Our centrifugal pump partners

Gruppo Aturia DIN 2455, ISO 5199, boiler feed, mag drive, API 610, API 685, canned pumps for the nuclear industry, bore hole pumps, APV Hygienic pumps Wernert ISO 5199 lined pumps. Warman Soilds handling pumps  Argal Plastic mag drive, plastic mech sealed, plastic column pumps. Waukesha Hygienic pumps. Hermetic Canned pumps. Hayward Gordon Soilds handling pumps. Finder API 610 pumps. Varisco Industrial self priming pumps. Bungartz Specialist low NPSHa pumps.

How Does a Centrifugal Pump Work?

A centrifugal pump operates through four basic stages:

1. Liquid enters the suction connection and reaches the impeller eye.
2. The rotating impeller transfers energy to the liquid.
3. Liquid accelerates outwards through the impeller.
4. The casing or diffuser converts part of that velocity into pressure before the liquid leaves through the discharge.

Unlike a positive displacement pump, a centrifugal pump's flow is determined by the interaction between the pump curve and the system curve.

This is why centrifugal pump selection must consider the complete system rather than flow rate alone.

Why Choose a Centrifugal Pump?

Centrifugal pumps are often the preferred choice where high flow rates, continuous operation and efficient liquid transfer are required.

Key benefits include:

• High flow capacity
• Continuous, smooth flow
• Simple, reliable design
• Low maintenance requirements
• Energy-efficient operation
• Wide range of materials and configurations
• Suitable for hygienic, industrial and chemical applications
• Cost-effective for transferring low-viscosity liquids

Centrifugal pumps are especially effective when handling clean or relatively free-flowing liquids at medium-to-high flow rates.

Where can centrifugal pumps be used

Centrifugal pumps are utilised through a variety of different industries as a result of their efficiency and versatillity.

They tend to be used in the transfer of low viscosity fluids, with some of the main applications where centrifugal pumps are used include water supply and distribution systems, wastewater treatment plants as well as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and food and beverage production. Centrifugal pumps tend to be ideal for processes that require a continuous and steady flow of fluids, making them a essential in a range of different processes across varyingsectors.

Applications of Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are used across a wide range of industries to transfer clean and low-viscosity liquids efficiently.

Water & Wastewater

Used for water transfer, pressure boosting, filtration systems and wastewater treatment processes.

Chemical Processing

Suitable for solvents, acids, alkalis and process chemicals where the correct material compatibility is selected.

Food & Beverage

Hygienic centrifugal pumps are widely used for milk, beverages, CIP systems and other low-viscosity food products.

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology

Designed for hygienic fluid handling, cleanability and contamination-sensitive processes.

General Industry

Commonly used for cooling water, utilities, HVAC systems, boiler feed, cleaning systems and general liquid transfer.

How to select a Centrifugal Pump

Selecting the right centrifugal pump starts with understanding both the liquid being pumped and the operating conditions. Choosing the correct pump improves efficiency, reduces maintenance and helps maximise service life.

When selecting a centrifugal pump, consider:

• Flow rate – How much liquid needs to be transferred within a given time.
• Head (Pressure) – The pressure required to move the liquid through the system, including pipework, valves and equipment.
• Fluid properties – Consider viscosity, temperature, chemical compatibility and whether the liquid contains suspended solids.
• Materials of construction – Ensure the pump materials are suitable for the process fluid to minimise wear and corrosion.
• Seal arrangement – Choose the appropriate sealing solution based on the application, fluid characteristics and environmental requirements.
• Installation conditions – Factors such as suction lift, available NPSH and the installation environment can significantly influence pump performance.

If you're unsure which centrifugal pump is best suited to your application, AxFlow's engineers can assess your process requirements and recommend the most appropriate solution for reliable, efficient operation.

When Not to Use a Centrifugal Pump

Although centrifugal pumps are highly versatile, they are not the best choice for every application.

A centrifugal pump may not be suitable where:

• High-viscosity liquids require consistent flow.
• Accurate metering or dosing is essential.
• Frequent dry running may occur.
• High suction lift is required.
• Abrasive slurries or large solids are present.

In these situations, progressive cavity pumps, rotary lobe pumps, peristaltic pumps or AODD pumps may provide a more suitable solution depending on the application.

What is NPSH and why does it matter?

NPSH — Net Positive Suction Head — describes the pressure conditions at the pump suction relative to the liquid's vapour pressure.

Two values are important:

NPSHa — NPSH available
Determined by the installation and process conditions.

NPSHr — NPSH required
Associated with the pump's hydraulic design and operating point.

The installation must provide sufficient NPSH available above the pump requirement, with an appropriate engineering margin.

Poor suction conditions can lead to cavitation, unstable flow and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a centrifugal pump?

A centrifugal pump uses a rotating impeller to move liquid by converting mechanical energy into flow and pressure.

What are centrifugal pumps used for?

They are commonly used for transferring water, chemicals, food products, pharmaceuticals and other low-viscosity liquids across industrial processes.

Can centrifugal pumps handle viscous liquids?

Centrifugal pumps are most efficient with low-viscosity liquids. As viscosity increases, performance typically decreases, making positive displacement pumps a better choice for many high-viscosity applications.

Can centrifugal pumps handle solids?

Some centrifugal pump designs can handle suspended solids, but large or abrasive solids may require specialist solids handling pumps.

Are centrifugal pumps self-priming?

Most centrifugal pumps are not self-priming and require the pump casing to be filled before operation. Self-priming centrifugal pumps are available for applications where suction lift is required.

How do I choose the right centrifugal pump?

Pump selection should consider flow rate, head, fluid properties, temperature, solids content, materials of construction and the operating environment.