Centrifugal irrigation pumps have many benefits, including flexibility. They are typically used with shallow or surface water sources and can also act as booster pumps in irrigation pipelines. A centrifugal irrigation pump has multiple stages that allow it to provide a wide range of flow rates while using very little energy.
There are many different types of irrigation pumps, including centrifugal, turbine, submersible, and propeller pumps. The main difference between these types is their size and cost. Some pumps are large and heavy, while others are small and lightweight. It is important to choose the right size pump for the job at hand.
A diffuser-type centrifugal pump has diffuser vanes around the impeller, which reduces the velocity of water leaving the impeller. This reduces the water's velocity and makes it easier for the pump to convert it to pressure. Large diffuser pumps often achieve efficiencies of over 90 percent. Another important benefit of diffuser pumps is that the shafts are balanced, so there is less risk of shaft failure.
High-head applications require pumps with diffuser technology. These pumps are typically single-stage or multi-stage, depending on the specific application. In addition to diffusers, diffuser pumps use a lift action to generate the flow. These pumps are best suited for conditions requiring high head and high capacity.
Selecting the right irrigation pump requires careful evaluation of various factors, including the pressure of the water source, the water flow rate, and the pressure at the sprinkler head. Using these data, you can select the most efficient pump for the job. Fortunately, most manufacturers publish pump curves that illustrate how a particular pump performs at varying pressures. By studying these curves, you'll have a better idea of what pump will work best for your application.