How Does a Centrifugal Pump Operate?
Discs and Vanes Centrifugal pumps utilize a round disc attached to a central shaft. This shaft is generally attached to an electric motor. As the electric motor rotates, it moves the disc in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Machined onto the flat disc is a series of upright fins or vanes. These vanes are set at 90 degrees, or perpendicular to the face of the disc. It is these fins or vanes that serve to move the water from one location to another by creating a difference of pressure. The vanes of a centrifugal pump do not really “push” the water. The vanes create a pressure difference in the liquid in order to move it to another location. Drinking Straw and Glass The centrifugal pump has both an inlet and outlet generally clearly marked on the pump housing. Only by properly connecting these two ports of the pump can the pump move a liquid. If you where to connect the outlet to the end of the pipe you wanted to “get” the water from, nothing would happen. In fact, you mi
