Types of Centrifugal Pumps Based on Fluid Entry at the Impeller Inlet
Centrifugal pumps are among the most widely used machines in industries for water supply, irrigation, chemical processing, and HVAC systems. Their classification depends on how the fluid enters the impeller inlet. Based on this principle, centrifugal pumps are divided into three main types: radial flow, mixed flow, and axial flow pumps.
🔹 1. Radial Flow Centrifugal Pump
Fluid Entry: Fluid enters the impeller axially and is discharged radially (perpendicular to the shaft).
Characteristics:
Low flow, high head.
Suitable for applications requiring high pressure at relatively low flow rates.
Applications:
Boiler feed pumps.
Reverse osmosis systems.
High‑pressure cleaning.
- Radial flow pumps are ideal when pressure generation is more important than volume flow.
🔹 2. Mixed Flow Centrifugal Pump
Fluid Entry: Fluid enters axially but is discharged at an angle between radial and axial directions.
Characteristics:
Medium flow, medium head.
Balanced design offering both flow capacity and pressure generation.
Applications:
Irrigation systems.
Cooling water circulation.
Industrial process pumps.
- Mixed flow pumps are versatile and commonly used in general water supply and industrial applications.
🔹 3. Axial Flow Centrifugal Pump
Fluid Entry: Fluid enters and exits the impeller in the axial direction (parallel to the shaft).
Characteristics:
High flow, low head.
Designed for maximum volume transfer at low pressure.
Applications:
Flood control and drainage.
Large‑scale water circulation.
Power plant cooling systems.
- Axial flow pumps are best suited for moving large volumes of liquid quickly.
🔹 Key Takeaways
Radial flow pumps → High pressure, low flow.
Mixed flow pumps → Balanced flow and head.
Axial flow pumps → High flow, low pressure.
Selection depends on system requirements: whether you need pressure, flow, or a balance of both.
