Centrifugal Pump Pros and Cons

A comprehensive understanding of the sanitary pumping options that are available to you, will ensure that you find the pump to meet your application. This article will help you understand the operation and use of the sanitary centrifugal pump, the pros and cons, and if it is right for your processes.

 

Although there are a wide variety of centrifugal pumps, Rodem specializes in sanitary or food grade pumps only. Meaning, every Rodem pump is specifically designed for use in hygienic environments including the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical, brewery, and personal care industries.

HOW IT WORKS

Centrifugal pumps are able to move liquid by generating velocity from a centrifugal force. The fluid enters the eye of the impeller through the pump’s suction nozzle. The vanes of the impeller then grab the fluid and rotate it until it exits the pump on the discharge side. The fluid actually leaves the pump under a greater pressure than when it entered the pump.

WHEN TO USE A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Centrifugal pumps perform best when used with water, oils or other liquid products of low viscosity. The efficiency of the pump will decrease when pumping viscous products. Centrifugal pumps are ideal for moving high volumes of thin liquids.

THE PROS & CONS

Efficiency is the biggest selling point of the food grade centrifugal pump. If you need to move a large amount of low viscosity liquids quickly, this is your pump. They can be sized to move more gallons per minute than most other food grade pumps. Remember, this only works with a compatible product!

 

One of the biggest drawbacks of centrifugal pumps is their sensitivity to operating environment. Pump cavitations and other vibrations caused by the surrounding conditions can cause significant damage and expensive repairs due to pitting on the impeller or casing in food grade centrifugal pumps. Although in many cases, cavitation can be prevented before it even begins by ensuring you have a good system design. The more information you have when designing a system and selecting a pump, the better!

 

With a wide variety of food grade centrifugal pumps available on the marketplace today, selecting a pump can be overwhelming. This article is intended to provide you with useful information about the uses of centrifugal pumps, but of course each application is different. If you are experiencing issues with an existing centrifugal pump or want to learn more about which one is right for your process, be sure to reach out to a pump professional.

 

Learn more about our lines of centrifugal pumps here and talk to an expert today to discover how they can improve your process.