Differences between radial and axial centrifugal pumps

This category classifies pumps according to how the fluid flows through the pump. Pumps in this category include:

Radial Centrifugal Pumps：

The fluid enters the suction line in radial flow pumps and takes a 90-degree turn to enter the first stage. The design of these pumps facilitates an outward motion flow, which speeds up with the use of impellers. The fluid entering the horizontal suction flange exits through a vertical discharge flange. As such, the discharge in radial centrifugal pumps is perpendicular to the pump shaft. Such a design helps in increasing the discharge pressure while keeping the fluid flow rate lower. Radial pumps are more common in the oil & gas industry.

Axial Centrifugal Pumps：

The fluid flow in axial pumps is parallel to the pump shaft. These pumps produce flow from the propelling motion of the impeller vanes (via a lifting effect). Axial pumps are capable of handling a large amount of fluid while keeping the pressure head low. These pumps find applications in irrigation and dewatering systems, fluid circulation in power plants, and evaporators.