Vertical Multistage (VM) Pumps
When you need high pressure in a tight footprint, vertical multistage is the go-to. Stacked impellers on a single shaft produce big head with excellent efficiency for RO/UF feed, boiler feed, CIP, washdown, and pressure boosting. We specify 316SS wetted parts, the right seal & elastomers, and VFD controls to keep your setpoint rock-steady.
- High head in compact footprint; quiet, efficient operation
- 316SS hydraulic stack for RO/DI and clean chemicals; CI/SS combos for water/HVAC
- VFD/pressure-set variants (CRE/e-SV packs) deliver constant pressure with broad turndown
- Seal options for hot water, glycol, and light solvents (EPDM/FKM/PTFE blends)
Manufacturers We Represent for Vertical Multistage
Featured Vertical Multistage Products
What Makes Vertical Multistage Different (and When It Beats Other Pumps)
How VM Pumps Work
- Multiple impellers in series on one shaft build pressure stage by stage.
- Axial suction/discharge keeps footprint tight for skids and cabinets.
- Pairs perfectly with a VFD for constant-pressure service.
Where VM Wins
- RO/UF/NF feed where high head & clean liquid are required
- Pressure boosting for plants, washdown rings, and utility water
- Boiler feed & condensate with proper seal and NPSH margin
Best-Fit VM Configurations by Service
| Service | Ideal Configuration | Recommended Brands | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| RO/UF feed (clean water) | 316SS hydraulic stack; VFD (CRE/e-SV); EPDM or FKM seals | Grundfos • Goulds | High head, steady flow; stainless resists chloride stress |
| Boiler feed / condensate | High-temp seal kit; vented suction; NPSH margin ≥3–5 ft | Grundfos • Goulds | Handles elevated temps when seal & suction are managed |
| Plant pressure boosting | Packaged booster (CRE set) with DP sensor & check valves | Grundfos | Constant pressure with auto lead/lag and energy savings |
| Washdown / CIP utility | 316SS, clamp ends as needed; FKM seals for temp/chem | Grundfos • Goulds | Cleanable, robust, high-pressure wash headers |
| Glycol/hot water loops | CI/SS build; EPDM or FKM seals; VFD for turndown | Grundfos • Goulds | Efficient circulation with minimal footprint |
Sizing inputs: duty flow/head (or discharge pressure), fluid temp/SG/viscosity, NPSHa, materials, seal, setpoint & turndown, electrical.
Materials & Performance
Wetted Materials
- 316 Stainless hydraulic stack for RO/DI & clean chemicals
- Cast iron housings with SS internals for water/HVAC
- Seals: EPDM (water/steam), FKM (higher temp/solvents), PTFE elements as required
Real-World Ranges
- Flow: ~1–500+ GPM (model dependent)
- Head: up to 800+ ft TDH with higher stage counts
- Temp: −4 °F to 250 °F+ (material & seal dependent)
- Pressure: 230–600+ psi casings (check model limits)
Accessories That Make VM Installs Bulletproof
- VFD + DP sensor for constant pressure and soft starts
- Suction diffuser/strainer to condition inflow & protect seals
- Check/PRV & bladder tank for stable system response
- Dry-run protection (pressure/level switch) to protect seals
- Isolation & gauges across the pump for diagnostics
Vertical Multistage vs. Other Common Pump Types
| Use Case | Vertical Multistage | End-Suction | AODD | Metering (PD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High pressure on clean liquid | Excellent | Fair (needs multistage or high-head model) | Fair (inefficient at high head) | Poor (flow limited) |
| Constant-pressure control | Excellent with VFD | Good with VFD | Fair (air-set) | Poor (for dosing) |
| Self-priming / run-dry | Poor (flooded suction recommended) | Self-priming models only | Excellent | Varies |
| Corrosives / solvents | Good (316SS; check compatibility) | Good (material dependent) | Good (elastomer dependent) | Excellent for precise dose |
| Footprint | Very compact | Moderate | Compact/portable | Compact |
What We Need to Size Your VM (5-Minute Worksheet)
- Flow & head or discharge pressure at operating point(s)
- Fluid (temp, SG, viscosity, chemistry), NPSHa & suction details
- Materials (316SS vs CI/SS), seal (EPDM/FKM/PTFE)
- Controls (VFD/pressure setpoint), utilities (voltage/phase)
- Environment (washdown, sanitary, ambient, noise)
Top VM Lines We Stock (Placeholders)
Send your setpoint and flow—We’ll return curves, NPSH margin, motor sizing, and a parts-common BOM.
Send Us Your Setpoint—We’ll Match the VM in Minutes
Share flow/head (or discharge pressure), suction details and utilities. We’ll return curves, NPSH margin, motor sizing, and a BOM that simplifies ownership.
Vertical Multistage Pump FAQs
Do vertical multistage pumps self-prime?
No. VM pumps should have a flooded suction or be primed. For lifts, use a self-priming centrifugal or redesign suction.
What materials are best for RO and clean chemicals?
316SS hydraulics with EPDM or FKM seals cover most RO/DI and clean chemical services. We’ll verify compatibility from your SDS.
How do I keep pressure stable as demand changes?
Use a VFD with a DP/pressure sensor (CRE/e-SV sets). The controller trims speed to hold setpoint and reduce energy use.
What causes noise/cavitation at high speed?
Insufficient NPSH margin, restrictive suction, or hot fluid can cause cavitation. We’ll check NPSHa vs NPSHr and correct suction design.