Axial Pump

An Axial Pump or and Axial Flow pump (AFP) is one of the most popular Types of Pumps used in industry. These types of pumps are often used in irrigation and to circulate fluids in power plants and sewage plants. You might also hear them informally called elbow or propeller pumps. So, what is an axial pump and how does it work? Let’s take a look at these popular pumps in more detail.

 

What is Axial Pump?

 

Here at Linquip, we often get asked ‘What is an Axial Pump?’ It is an industrial pump that basically consists of a propeller in a pipe that is driven by a motor. The pressure comes from the flow of liquid over the blades. The liquid follows the same direction parallel to the axis, hence the name axial flow.

 

The propeller in the pipe on an axial pump can be driven by either a sealed motor within the pipe or an electric motor or diesel engine mounted on the outside of the pipe.

 

What are the advantages of an axial pump?

 

An axial pump is a very efficient pump. The main advantage is that they have a relatively high discharge at a relatively low head. Therefore, an axial pump can probably pump three times more water or fluid than a mixed flow or peripheral pump. This can be done at lifts of less than four meters.

 

The length of the blades is quite short in axial pumps - the effect of turning is not too severe. They have small dimensions compared to most other industrial pumps.  This means higher efficiency and low levels of hydrodynamic loss.

 

What are the disadvantages of an axial pump?

 

One of the main downsides to axial pumps is that they have poor suction and must be submerged in order to start.

 

What is the difference between an axial pump and a centrifugal pump?

 

Axial pumps and centrifugal pumps differ in the way that the fluid is moved. Most centrifugal pumps create a vacuum to move the fluid, whereas axial pumps move fluid by drawing it into their axis and using the impeller to draw it out the other side.

 

What is an Axial Pump used for?

 

So, which industries use axial pumps? Where might you find them? As axial flow pumps are perfect for high flow rates and low pressures, you are likely to find them in power plants, sewerage plants and irrigation. These are the main operations where they are used:

 

• Circulating water pumps in power plants
• Circulating large amounts of fluid in evaporators in the chemical industry
• Transporting large quantities of water from a river or reservoir to an alternative location
• Irrigation systems and flood dewatering
• Transfer pumps used in sailing
• Internal mixed liquor circulation in sewerage plants
• Crop irrigation n the farming industry (reduces energy costs in farming)

 

Best Companies for Axial Pump

 

If your business requires an axial pump, then have a look at our recommendations below. Some of the top companies that produce axial pumps include Flowserve Corporation, Sulzer, EBARA, EGGER and Big Water Tech. Some companies, such as Gould’s specialize in the pumping requirements of abrasive and corrosive slurries or solutions.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Installation, Pump Maintenance, Test & Monitoring ….