Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are the workhorse of industry—moving clean water, chemicals, light slurries, CIP solutions, hydrocarbons, cooling water, boiler feed, and more. Pumping Solutions stocks and engineers end-suction, close-coupled, vertical multistage, vertical turbine, self-priming, magnetic drive (sealless), split-case, and ANSI/API centrifugal pumps. Tell us your flow, head (TDH), viscosity, temperature, fluid chemistry, and NPSH, and we’ll size a pump that won’t cavitate, burn seals, or stall your line—often shipping the same day from California, Washington, or Arizona.
Have a spec sheet to match or an obsolete model you need crossed? Talk to a pump engineer—most quotes leave our inbox within one business hour.
Quick Selector: Centrifugal Pump Types
| Type | Typical Flow | Max Head | Viscosity Range | Common Materials | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-Suction / Close-Coupled | up to 5,000+ GPM | ~450 ft | <100 cP | Cast Iron, 316SS, Bronze | General transfer, water, non-viscous chemicals |
| Magnetic Drive (Sealless) | up to ~1,000 GPM | ~350 ft | <200 cP (typ.) | ETFE, PP, 316SS, Alloy-20, Hastelloy | Leak-free chemical transfer, corrosives, toxic fluids |
| Vertical Multistage | up to ~800 GPM | ~800+ ft | Low viscosity | 316SS, CI | High pressure / low flow: RO, boiler feed, washdown |
| Vertical Turbine | 1,000–20,000+ GPM | ~1,500+ ft | Water-like | CI, Ductile Iron, 316SS, Duplex SS | Deep well / intake, municipal/industrial water |
| Self-Priming Centrifugal | up to ~3,000 GPM | ~200 ft | Low–moderate | CI, 316SS | Wastewater, sumps, lift stations, mobile skids |
| Split-Case (Horizontal / Vertical) | 5,000–50,000+ GPM | ~700 ft | Water-like | CI, Ductile Iron, 316SS | Municipal water, cooling water, large flow systems |
| Slurry Centrifugal | up to ~10,000 GPM | ~400 ft | Abrasive solids | Hi-chrome iron, Rubber-lined, 316SS | Mining, tailings, abrasive slurries |
Why (and When) Centrifugal Pumps Win
- High flow, moderate head with excellent efficiency
- Simple, low-cost, widely available parts & service
- Multiple hydraulics and constructions to match clean liquids, chemicals, or slurries
- ANSI / API options for process and refinery service
- Magnetic drive versions for leak-free hazardous fluids
How We Size Centrifugal Pumps (So You Don’t Fight Cavitation or Burn Seals)
1) Total Dynamic Head (TDH)
We calculate friction, static lift, discharge head, and losses through valves/hoses/filters to accurately identify the pump’s best efficiency point (BEP) on the curve.
2) NPSHa vs. NPSHr
If Available NPSH (NPSHa) < Required NPSH (NPSHr) → expect cavitation, vibration, and premature failure. We balance suction conditions, temperature, vapor pressure, and piping to keep NPSHa comfortably above NPSHr.
3) Viscosity Corrections
Centrifugal pumps derate as viscosity rises. For higher viscosities (typically >100 cP), we’ll either correct the curve or propose positive displacement alternatives.
4) Materials & Seals
From 316SS, Duplex, Alloy-20, Hastelloy, PVDF, ETFE to elastomers like FKM, EPDM, PTFE, we match wetted components to your SDS. Seal choices: single, double, API 682 cartridge, or sealless magnetic drive.
Brands & Series We Stock / Engineer
| Brand / Series | Type | Flow / Head Range | Materials | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goulds / Xylem | ANSI, End-Suction, Vertical Turbine | Fractional to 20,000+ GPM | CI, 316SS, Duplex, Alloy-20 | Process & municipal workhorse |
| Grundfos CR / NB | Vertical Multistage, End-Suction | Up to ~800 GPM / 800+ ft | 316SS, CI | RO, boiler feed, booster systems |
| Gorman-Rupp | Self-Priming Centrifugal | Up to ~3,000 GPM | CI, 316SS | Wastewater, sludge, lift stations |
| Finish Thompson (FTI) / Iwaki | Magnetic Drive (Sealless) | Up to ~1,000 GPM / ~350 ft | ETFE, PP, 316SS, Alloy-20, Hastelloy | Aggressive, hazardous chemical service |
| BJM / Tsurumi | Submersible Centrifugal | Up to ~5,000 GPM | CI, 316SS, High Temp Alloys | Sumps, wastewater, high temp |
Typical Applications
- Water & Wastewater – transfer, lift stations, clarifiers, sludge recirculation
- Chemical Processing – corrosives, solvents, oxidizers (mag-drive & alloy builds)
- Boiler Feed / RO / High Pressure Wash – vertical multistage
- Food & Beverage – CIP, sanitizers, clean water, process fluids
- HVAC / Cooling Water / Chilled Water
- Mining & Minerals – slurry duty, rubber-lined or hi-chrome constructions
- Municipal / Intake / Deep Wells – vertical turbine & split-case
Parts, Kits & Accessories
- Mechanical seals (single, double, cartridge, API 682)
- Seal flush plans & barrier systems
- Elastomers & wear rings
- Motors, VFDs, baseplates, guards, couplings
- Pulsation dampeners, strainers, suction diffusers
Cross-Reference an Obsolete or Competitor Model
Send us your nameplate, model code, or curve. We’ll cross it to a currently supported pump with equal or better efficiency, correct metallurgy, and faster availability. We can also deliver drop-in footprints to minimize piping or baseplate changes.
Centrifugal Pump FAQs
Can centrifugal pumps run dry?
No. Unlike AODD or peristaltic pumps, most centrifugal pumps cannot run dry—the mechanical seal relies on liquid for lubrication and cooling. If dry-run risk exists, consider a magnetic drive pump or add run-dry protection.
What is the difference between end-suction and ANSI pumps?
ANSI pumps conform to dimensional and performance standards (ASME B73.1), enabling drop-in interchangeability across brands. Non-ANSI end-suction pumps vary by manufacturer and typically target HVAC, water, or general utility service.
How do I calculate Total Dynamic Head (TDH)?
TDH = Static Head + Friction Losses + Pressure Head (if any). We model piping, fittings, valves, strainers, and temperature to pick the pump’s BEP on the performance curve.
When should I use a magnetic drive (sealless) centrifugal pump?
Use mag-drive for toxic, corrosive, or fugitive emissions-sensitive fluids where leakage must be eliminated. They also reduce seal maintenance, but have temperature, solids, and viscosity limitations vs. sealed designs.
What’s the maximum viscosity for centrifugal pumps?
As a rule of thumb, above ~100 cP centrifugal efficiency drops rapidly; curves must be corrected. For higher viscosities, consider positive displacement technologies (gear, lobe, progressive cavity, AODD).
Upload your SDS/spec sheet or old model number—quotes typically in < 1 hour.