Centrifugal Pumps

What is a centrifugal pump

A centrifugal pump is a dynamic pump that uses a rotating impeller to transfer liquid by converting mechanical energy into fluid velocity and pressure. Designed for continuous, high-flow operation, centrifugal pumps are widely used to handle clean and low-viscosity liquids across industrial, commercial and hygienic applications.

Their simple design, reliable performance and low maintenance requirements make centrifugal pumps one of the most commonly used pump technologies worldwide.

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?

As the impeller rotates, liquid enters the centre (eye) of the pump and is accelerated outwards by centrifugal force. The velocity generated by the impeller is converted into pressure within the pump casing, creating a continuous flow of liquid through the system.

Centrifugal pumps perform best with clean, free-flowing liquids and are available in a wide range of designs to suit different flow rates, pressures and process requirements.

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

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 correct centrifugal pump is critical to achieving reliable operation, high efficiency, and long service life. Proper selection requires careful evaluation of hydraulic requirements, fluid properties, mechanical design, materials, and control methods to ensure the pump operates close to its design point under all operating conditions.

1. Define Hydraulic Requirements

Flow Rate (Q)

The required flow rate is the primary sizing parameter and must be determined from system demand, expressed in m³/h, L/s, or GPM. Oversizing increases energy consumption and operating costs, while undersizing limits system performance.

Total Dynamic Head (TDH)

Calculate Total Dynamic Head as the sum of:

• Static suction and discharge head
• Friction losses in piping
• Minor losses from valves, fittings, and heat exchangers

The selected pump should operate near its Best Efficiency Point (BEP) at the required flow and head to minimise vibration, hydraulic instability, and wear.

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

Ensure NPSH Available (NPSHa) exceeds NPSH Required (NPSHr) with an adequate margin to prevent cavitation. Consider suction piping layout, fluid temperature, vapor pressure, and elevation.

2. Evaluate Fluid Properties

Fluid Type

Clean liquids, hydrocarbons, slurries, or chemical solutions directly influence pump hydraulics, sealing, and materials.

Density and Viscosity

• Increased density raises shaft power requirements
• High viscosity reduces efficiency and alters pump curves

Viscosity corrections may be required for non-Newtonian or heavy fluids.

Temperature

Elevated temperatures affect:

• Mechanical seal selection
• Bearing lubrication
• Thermal growth and clearances

Solids Content

For fluids containing abrasives or suspended solids, select:

• Open or semi-open impellers
• Hardened materials or wear coatings
• Reduced operating speeds

3. Select Pump Type and Configuration

Common centrifugal pump types include:

• End-suction pumps for general industrial service
• Split-case pumps for high flow and continuous duty
• Vertical inline pumps for space-restricted installations
• Multistage pumps for high-pressure applications

Installation Layout

• Horizontal pumps offer easy maintenance access
• Vertical pumps suit sumps, pits, and limited floor space

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.

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.