How They Work

• Liquid enters a small opening at one end of the pump and is funneled to a rotating fan-like implement called an impeller. The impeller traps water in its segments and spins it to an opening on the opposite side where it is quickly pulled out by centrifugal force. Liquid moving faster on one side of the pump than the other creates a pressure differential which then draws more liquid to the pump.
  
  

Types

• Centrifugal pumps are available in three main types. A radial pump creates its suction solely through the use of centrifugal force generated by the impeller. An axial pump generates low pressure and suction using specially shaped impeller blades. Most centrifugal pumps use a combination of both technologies.
  
  

Size

• Centrifugal pumps are available in a huge variety of sizes. Some used in domestic sump pumps are fairly small, while others used for irrigation and industry can be huge. No matter the scale, all centrifugal pumps employ the same technology.