Impeller pumps are commonly used to move liquids with impurities through piping systems. The pump consists of a housing, impeller mechanism, motor, and support bearings. The impeller rotates and pushes the liquid outward, increasing pressure. The number of blades on the impeller can vary, and pumps can be purchased in a variety of diameters and speeds. Materials used for manufacturing depend on the fluid and operating conditions. Multiple pumps can be connected to increase horsepower and pressure capability.
An impeller pump is used to move a liquid through a piping system. This type of device is very common and can be used in many different fluid system applications. Impeller pumps are great for use with liquids that contain impurities, such as solids, because they don’t clog easily. Selecting the right impeller pump for a specific application is usually based on fluid type, flow rate and operating conditions, such as temperature and pressure.
The main parts of an impeller pump are the housing or casing, impeller mechanism, motor and support bearings. The pump housing typically consists of a cavity that contains the moving parts of the pump while maintaining a watertight seal. A motor is used to rotate a shaft connected to the impeller inside the pump housing. The impeller mechanism is supported by bearings. Most impeller pumps are electrically powered, but units powered by air pressure or hydraulic fluid are also available.
The impeller mechanism usually consists of a short, cylindrical disc that contains one or more vanes, which may also be called blades, and a smaller diameter cylindrical crankshaft that is used to connect the impeller to a drive motor. As the impeller rotates, the vanes push the liquid radially outward against the inside of the pump housing. Since the liquid is confined in the pump body, the pressure of the fluid increases as it is forced outward against the inner surface of the pump cavity and through the pump outlet. The number of blades on the impeller can vary from one to more than ten. For liquids that are very dirty or contain solids, such as sludge, sometimes only a shovel is used.
An impeller pump can be purchased in a variety of diameters, ranging from less than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) to more than 10 feet (3 meters). These pumps operate at speeds ranging from less than 30 to several thousand revolutions per minute. Multi-stage impeller pumps can be purchased, where the output of one unit is directed into another, thereby increasing capacity and pressure capability. Multiple pumps can also be connected together in series to increase horsepower and fluid system pressure.
The materials used to manufacture an impeller pump are usually based on the type of fluid it will be used with and future operating conditions. For fluid systems that use water, aluminum or cast iron housings are often used, with internal components made of bronze or stainless steel. For applications using highly corrosive fluids or operating at elevated temperatures or pressures, materials such as titanium, metal alloys and other chemically resistant materials are used to ensure acceptable pump performance and life. Impeller pumps are also manufactured using plastic, usually for small scale applications that operate at lower flow and pressure conditions.
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