Centrifugal Pumps
The workhorse for clean to lightly contaminated liquids across water, HVAC, RO, and process transfer. Centrifugals deliver high flow with simple maintenance and broad materials (cast iron, 316SS, engineered plastics). Options include end-suction, self-priming, and sealless mag-drive for leak-critical chemicals.
- End-suction, close-coupled & frame-mounted, ANSI B73.1 process, self-priming, and sealless mag-drive variants
- Broad hydraulic coverage: fractional to thousands of GPM; TDH from low lift to high head multistage
- Materials for water, glycol, solvents, and corrosives (CI, 316SS, PP, PVDF, ETFE-lined)
- Easy ownership: minimal moving parts, standard motors, and excellent parts availability
Manufacturers We Represent for Centrifugal
Featured Centrifugal Products
What Makes Centrifugal Different (and When It Beats Other Pumps)
How Centrifugal Pumps Work
- A spinning impeller adds velocity to the liquid; a volute/diffuser converts it to pressure.
- Best on clean or lightly contaminated liquids with stable suction conditions.
- Simple, efficient, and motor/VFD-friendly for precise control.
Where Centrifugal Wins
- High flow at moderate head: distribution, cooling loops, RO feed and transfer.
- Low ownership cost: widely available parts, standard motors, easy alignment.
- Sealless mag-drive option for hazardous or no-leak chemical service.
Best-Fit Centrifugal Configurations by Service
| Service | Ideal Configuration | Recommended Brands | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC & chilled water / hot water | End-suction or in-line; TEFC motor; VFD control | Grundfos • Goulds | Efficient curves; easy control; broad sizes and trims |
| RO feed / filtration / process water | End-suction or multistage; 316SS wetted parts | Grundfos • Goulds | Handles moderate head with clean water and low NPSHr |
| Chemical transfer (clean corrosives) | Sealless mag-drive (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Iwaki • Finish Thompson | No mechanical seal; highest chemical compatibility |
| Sump / loading / above-grade suction | Self-priming centrifugal; check/foot valve | Gorman-Rupp | Built-in priming capability speeds deployment |
| General plant transfer | ANSI B73.1 end-suction (CI/316SS) | Griswold • Goulds | Standardized footprints; rugged process duty |
Sizing inputs: duty flow/head, fluid properties (viscosity/SG/temp), NPSH available, suction geometry, materials, seal plan.
Materials & Performance
Wetted Materials
- Cast Iron / Bronze — HVAC, water supply, general service
- 316SS — clean chemicals, RO/DI, food contact
- PP / PVDF / ETFE-lined — corrosives and solvents (mag-drive)
- Seal options — single/double mechanical seal; sealless mag-drive for zero-emission duty
Real-World Ranges
- Flow: fractional to 25,000+ GPM (model dependent)
- Head: up to 400+ ft TDH (end-suction); higher with multistage
- Temp: −20 °F to 250 °F+ (material & seal dependent)
- NPSH: verify margin to avoid cavitation at duty point
Accessories That Make Centrifugal Installs Bulletproof
- VFD + DP sensor for stable flow/head and energy savings
- Suction diffuser / strainer to condition flow into the impeller
- Baseplate & alignment (frame-mounted) to protect bearings & seals
- Seal plan (flush, quench, barrier) for abrasive or hot service
- Priming aids (self-primer, foot/check valves) where suction is above liquid
Centrifugal vs. Other Common Pump Types
| Use Case | Centrifugal | AODD | Gear | Mag-Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High flow, clean liquids | Excellent | Good (lower efficiency) | Fair | Excellent (within curve) |
| Self-priming / run-dry | Self-priming models only | Excellent | Poor (flooded preferred) | Poor (never run dry) |
| Leak-critical chemicals | Seal-dependent | Good with PTFE elastomers | Fair | Excellent (sealless) |
| Viscous / solids | Fair (falls off with viscosity) | Great (low shear) | Good on clean viscous | Fair (NPSH/torque limits) |
| Capex / controls | Motor/VFD | Low (plant air) | Motor/VFD | Motor/VFD |
What We Need to Size Your Centrifugal (5-Minute Worksheet)
- Flow & head: target GPM, TDH, system curve or points
- Fluid: viscosity/SG, temperature, solids load, corrosivity
- Suction: flooded vs. lift, NPSHa, suction piping & strainers
- Environment: duty cycle, washdown, ATEX, sanitary needs
- Utilities: voltage/phase, VFD, mechanical seal plan
Top Centrifugal Lines We Stock (Placeholders)
Send your duty point—We’ll return curves, NPSH, power, and a parts-common build that ships fast.
Send Us Your System Curve—We’ll Match the Centrifugal in Minutes
Share flow/head, fluid properties, suction details, and utilities. We’ll return curves, NPSH margin, motor sizing, and a BOM that simplifies ownership.
Centrifugal Pump FAQs
Do centrifugal pumps need priming?
Yes—most require priming or a flooded suction. Use self-priming models or install below liquid level when suction lift is present.
When should I choose mag-drive instead of a mechanical seal?
Use mag-drive for hazardous, no-leak, or crystallizing fluids. It removes the seal entirely—ideal for chemicals where emissions or maintenance are critical.
Why is my pump cavitating?
Insufficient NPSH margin, undersized suction piping, clogged strainers, or high fluid temperature can cause cavitation. We’ll check NPSHa vs. NPSHr and correct suction design.
What’s the best material for my application?
Cast iron/bronze for water/HVAC, 316SS for clean chemicals or food contact, and PP/PVDF/ETFE-lined for corrosives in mag-drive builds.