Why do some pumps fail while others under preform? When a manufactured pump is needed, what options are available and what benefits do they offer. Two of today’s standard pumps are the single volute and double volute pumps. Each manufactured pump casting offers ideal characteristics for different types of jobs.
Single Volute Pump
These are the most common and have been used for several years. This pump casting style is one of the simplest manufactured components today. Their simplicity makes them more economical to manufacture and their open design allows for longer run times between required maintenance repairs. These pump castings are best used for applications that call for a constant and consistent flow of pump material that is capable of handling larger amounts of waste material. Waste material can be a variety of solids or un-wanted debris that is mixed in with the pumped material. Single volute pumps’ best performance happens at the best efficient point or BEP, this is the point where the pump moves the most amount of material having a steady flow of material feeding the pump. Any off-BEP rates causes an increase of radial load deflects on the pump shaft and excessive wearing of rings, seals and bearings. Operating a single volute pump at the BEP is the only way to lengthen or maximize the pump’s mechanical life.
Double Volute Pump
This pump casting addresses the single volute issues of not having a steady constant flow of material to feed into the pump or the presence of radial thrust differentials throughout the pump’s inner chamber. The overall design uses the same layout as single volute, with an additional divider or splitter vane that separates the initial material intake flow into two equal streams. The divider extends one stream to enter into the pump at the opposite end or at 180 degrees position from the actual intake. By spreading out the material into two streams the radial thrust differences are distributed and used against each other to effectively neutralizing one another. Having the additional splitter vane does restrict the size of waste material that can be pumped.
Having the right knowledge of various pump castings and understanding their specific benefits for each application is one of the many reason why partnering with a quality sourcing agent as Alloy Products Distribution, gives our customers the best chance to manufacture the most cost effective pump castings that meets their specific needs. By harnessing our network of the global casting market, our customers receive top quality OEM components, at the lowest competitive manufacturing costs, using the newest and best technological advancements.