A split casing pump is a device with a casing split perpendicular or radially across the shaft. This design allows easy access to the pump’s internal parts for maintenance. The term “split casing pump” is commonly used to describe a type of double suction pump or pipeline pump designed to produce high-volume flows. This is achieved through a back-to-back impeller design, where two impellers are mounted together within a double volute.
Axially split pumps, also called split casing pump designs, feature a double impeller mounted on a shaft, twin wear rings, double mechanical seals or packing boxes, twin bearings, and double volutes. They are renowned for their exceptional efficiency and are frequently used in water and oil pipelines, where they work around the clock to transport large volumes over extensive distances.
These units are generally equipped with inline suction and discharge and are intended to generate high flow rates at comparatively low pressures, typically below 200 meters. When the top section of the casing is removed, the pump’s maintenance is made easy because its components fit snugly within the case, making them highly accessible
Split casing pumps can be designed either in a horizontal or vertical orientation. Regarding maintenance, horizontal units are generally more convenient because they do not require motor removal to access the pump components, which is often necessary with vertical designs. This is particularly true for larger pumps.
Different Categories Of Split-Case Pumps
Split-Case pumps come in various categories, which are given below:
• Single-Stage, Horizontally Split-Case Pump:
The most commonly used type is the horizontal split-case pump with a single impeller. This pump has a horizontally split casing, making it easy to maintain and repair.
These pumps are often used in applications where a large volume of liquid needs to be moved, such as in municipal water supply systems or industrial processes. They are known for their high flow rates and low maintenance requirements, making them popular in various industries. Additionally, they are designed to handle a range of fluids, from water to corrosive chemicals, and can be customized to meet specific performance requirements.
• Multistage, Horizontally Split-Case Pump:
Unlike the single-stage split-case pump, the multistage split-case pump has multiple impellers arranged in a series and a horizontally split casing for easy maintenance. In addition, this type of pump is specifically designed to handle applications that require high-pressure pumping over long distances.
Due to its unique design, the multistage, horizontally split-case pump is ideal for water supply systems, irrigation, and high-pressure industrial processes. It can efficiently move large volumes of liquid over significant distances while maintaining a consistent flow rate and pressure. In addition, its modular design allows easy customization to meet specific flow and pressure requirements.
• Vertical Split-Case Pump:
A pump with a vertically split casing is a vertical split-case pump, which can be either single-stage or multistage.
Vertical split-case pumps are commonly used in applications requiring a compact design, such as building water supply systems or industrial processes. They are ideal for limited horizontal space, as they need less floor space than their horizontally split counterparts. Additionally, these pumps are easier to install, operate, and maintain due to their compact design.
This pump type’s vertically split casing allows easy access to the impeller and other internal components, making maintenance and repair work more efficient. This type of pump is also known for its high efficiency and low vibration, resulting in smoother operation and longer service life.
• Axially Split-Case Pump:
An axially split-case pump is a pump that has a casing split along its shaft axis, and it can be either single or multistage.
Axially split-case pumps are commonly used in applications where a large volume of liquid needs to be moved, such as in water supply systems, irrigation, and industrial processes. They are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and ease of maintenance, making them a popular choice in many industries.
This type of pump’s split casing allows easy access to the internal components, making maintenance and repair work more efficient. Additionally, the axially split-case pump has a balanced design, which reduces vibrations and prolongs the pump’s service life. Finally, these pumps can handle a wide range of fluids, from water to abrasive slurries and corrosive chemicals, making them highly versatile in their applications.
Split-Case Pumps: Pros And Cons
Pros Of Split-Case Pumps
- Split-case pumps have been engineered to achieve high levels of effectiveness. As a result, these pumps can provide substantial fluid volumes within the low to medium range at discharge pressures. Moreover, split-case pumps operate with remarkable efficiency.
- Split-case centrifugal pumps are designed in such a way that they facilitate easy maintenance. Due to their design, accessing these pumps’ impellers and other internal components is a simple process. Consequently, maintenance of split-case centrifugal pumps requires less effort and time.
- Split-case pumps produce lower noise and vibration levels than other pump types. This is because the impeller is mounted on a shaft supported by bearings on both ends, reducing noise pollution.
- Centrifugal pumps with split cases are highly versatile and can be employed across various applications. They are suitable for HVAC systems, firefighting, water supply systems, industrial processes, etc.
Cons Of Split-Case Pumps
- Compared to other types of pumps, split-case industrial pumps have larger physical dimensions and weigh more, leading to challenges in their installation and transportation. This can result in additional expenses and difficulties.
- Although split-case pumps are known for their ability to deliver high flow rates, their pressure capacity is limited compared to other pump types. This means that they may not be appropriate for high-pressure applications.
- The construction of split-case pumps is relatively intricate, leading to a higher initial cost than other pump types. This may make them less cost-effective for smaller projects.
- There is a risk of water leakage around the seal areas of split-case pumps, which can increase maintenance costs in the long run.
Primary Applications Of Split-Case Pumps
Split-Case centrifugal pumps are primarily used in the industrial sector, particularly in cases requiring higher pressure or extended operational periods.
HVAC Applications:
In HVAC systems, split-case pumps are frequently used to circulate water and other fluids.
Municipal Water Treatment Facilities:
Split-case pumps find everyday use in municipal water treatment plants for distributing potable water, irrigation, fire protection, and water circulation.
Industrial Production:
Split-case pumps are also widely utilized in industrial production settings such as power generation, mining, paper mills, and chemical processing.
Agriculture:
Split-case industrial pumps have significant agricultural usage for irrigating and distributing water, guaranteeing good crop development and yield.
Oil And Gas Sector:
The oil and gas industry relies heavily on split-case pumps to transport and circulate fluids such as natural gas, crude oil, and refined petroleum products.
Wastewater Management:
In wastewater treatment plants, split-case centrifugal pumps transfer sludge and other wastewater materials between various treatment units.
Mining Industry:
In mining operations, split-case pumps serve many purposes, such as dewatering, transporting slurries, and pumping water from mining pits.
Fire Safety:
Split-case pumps are integral to fire protection systems, providing a consistent and dependable water supply for firefighting purposes.
Conclusion
The split-case pump is a versatile and reliable pumping solution that finds widespread use in various industrial, commercial, and municipal applications. Its design, which features a split-casing and an impeller, allows easy maintenance and repair while providing consistent and efficient fluid transfer. The split-case pump’s wide range of applications includes but is not limited to HVAC systems, water treatment facilities, industrial manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and fire protection. With its ability to handle high pressures and extended operational periods, the split-case pump is an essential component of numerous systems. As a result, its continued use is expected to persist for the foreseeable future.
