ABSTRACT
The centrifugal pump (including its modifications) is one of the most diversified hydraulic machines used in water or wastewater operations, treatment, and distribution and discharge.
Along with its reliability and other advantages, the centrifugal pump can also be used in a wide range of different applications. The widely diverse applications of centrifugal pumps are the result of its adaptability through various modifications, such as variations in impeller design, including the use of semi-open, open, or closed impellers; vertical or horizontal shaft configurations; and different priming mechanisms, such as conventional flooded suction, self-priming, and vacuum priming. Each of these variations enable pumps to meet certain design criteria, including head, capacity, and efficiency requirements, while ensuring maintenance accessibility, eliminating pump clogging, and accommodating piping needs. One example is when there is a need to produce higher discharge heads and the pump can be modified to include several additional impellers. Another example is when the material being pumped contains a large amount of material that could clog the pump; in this case, the pump construction can be modified to remove the major portion of the impeller from direct contact with the material being pumped.
