CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS
DOE-HDBK-1018/1-93
Pumps
Figure 1 Centrifugal Pump
Centrifugal pumps can also be constructed in a manner that results in two distinct volutes, each
receiving the liquid that is discharged from a 180o region of the impeller at any given time.
Pumps of this type are called double volute pumps (they may also be referred to a split volute
pumps). In some applications the double volute minimizes radial forces imparted to the shaft and
bearings due to imbalances in the pressure around the impeller. A comparison of single and
double volute centrifugal pumps is shown on Figure 2.
Figure 2 Single and Double Volutes
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