The working principle of a centrifugal pump
The working principle of a centrifugal pump involves the use of high-speed rotation to facilitate fluid movement. When the pump is started, the shaft imparts rotation to the blades, which in turn create a centrifugal force that propels the liquid outward from the center of the impeller. As the fluid passes through the blades, it gains kinetic energy and pressure, resulting in an increase in velocity.
In the pump's housing, the fluid decelerates as it moves through the expanding discharge passage, converting some of its kinetic energy back into pressure. This pressurized fluid then flows radially outwards along the outlet pipe. Simultaneously, a low-pressure zone forms at the center of the impeller, drawing more fluid from the source due to the difference in total head or pressure between the storage tank and the impeller.
Continuous pumping occurs as the blades rotate, drawing in and expelling liquid. The mechanical energy imparted to the fluid by the pump is primarily in the form of increased pressure. To operate effectively, a centrifugal pump must be filled with water before starting, as a lack of water could lead to overheating, vibrations, and reduced flow (a condition known as "cavitation"), potentially causing damage to the equipment.
