Horizontal or vertical centrifugal pump?

[Kenyi]

If I have two identical performance pumps (same capacity, pressure, etc) only difference is one has vertical shaft and other one has horizontal shaft. If my system have enough NPSHa to satisfy NPSHr for both pumps, what other consideration I have do to select one of these pumps?

Regards

 

[TenPenny]

Single biggest determining factor is probably floor space - the vertical will take a lot less space.

 

[rcooper]

Ideally the pumps are mounted horizontally, especially if they are large. If there is limited space, they can be mounted vertically.

 

[dcasto]

The seals and bearings will be differnt and your maintenance people will need to be informed. The pumps arrangement will also require a look at the system to remove them for repair. Think about cranes if they are large enougn.

When installing larger horizontal you may need to grout them in and have a good leveling system. The horizontal will be more forgiving, but they still need to be level.

Most vertical pumps are installed below grade to get the NPSH value required, if you have enough NPSH you can mount the vertical above ground. This will cost more.

Verticle pumps can be restaged more easily than horizontals.

 

[d23]

Kenyi,

Not knowing the pump specifications you may need to consider additional thrust if using a vertical pump. The weight of large impellers and shafts along with gravity will add to the bearing load in a vertical configuration. The pump manufacture should be able to help with this if you are close on bearing limits.

D23

 

[Artisi]

There is no rule to define the use of vertical over horizontal or horizontal over vertical. It comes down to choice, preference, real estate available for installation etc.

Pumps designed for vertical installation already have the correct bearing configuration and can be installed without any problems, just take a look at all the submersible pumps installed throughout the world - plus all the large waste water, cooling tower and large circulating water pumps - how many millions are there installed and running without problems?

Kenyi (Mechanical) What size units are you looking at?