How does peripheral pump work?

A peripheral pump, also known as a regenerative or turbine pump, is a type of centrifugal pump designed for moving fluids like water. It is characterized by its unique impeller design, which differs from the traditional radial impeller found in most centrifugal pumps. Here's how a peripheral pump works:

1. Impeller Design: The key component of a peripheral pump is its impeller, which is a circular, multivane rotor with curved blades. These blades are usually crescent-shaped, and they create a unique flow pattern within the pump.

2. Inlet and Outlet: The pump has an inlet and an outlet. Fluid, typically water, enters the pump through the central inlet, which is usually located at the center of the impeller.

3. Rotation: When the pump is turned on, an electric motor or another source of mechanical power drives the impeller to rotate at high speeds. As the impeller spins, it creates a centrifugal force that propels the fluid towards the outer edge of the impeller.

4. Kinetic Energy Transfer: As the fluid moves outward along the curved blades of the impeller, it gains kinetic energy. This energy is transferred to the fluid in the form of increased velocity and pressure.

5. Recirculation and Regenerative Action: Here's where the unique feature of the peripheral pump comes into play. As the fluid reaches the outer edge of the impeller, it encounters a stationary ring or diffuser that surrounds the impeller. This diffuser redirects the flow of the fluid back towards the center of the impeller, causing the fluid to recirculate through the impeller multiple times.

6. Additional Energy Transfer: During each pass through the impeller and diffuser, the fluid gains additional kinetic energy, resulting in a significant increase in pressure. This repeated regenerative action enhances the pump's ability to generate high-pressure output.

7. Discharge: After several recirculation cycles through the impeller and diffuser, the high-pressure fluid is discharged through the pump's outlet, where it can be directed to the desired location or application.

Key Points to Note:

- Peripheral pumps are known for their ability to generate relatively high discharge pressures compared to other centrifugal pumps of similar size.

- These pumps are suitable for applications where moderate to high pressures are required, such as boosting water pressure in residential or commercial buildings.

- Peripheral pumps are often used for applications like water distribution, domestic water supply, irrigation, and pressure boosting.

- The impeller design is crucial to the pump's operation, and it is essential to maintain the impeller and diffuser in good condition to ensure optimal performance.

- Peripheral pumps are generally not suitable for handling fluids with high viscosities or those containing solid particles, as they are designed for low-viscosity liquids like water.

In summary, a peripheral pump operates by using its unique impeller and diffuser design to repeatedly recirculate fluid through the impeller, increasing its kinetic energy and generating high-pressure output. These pumps are efficient and reliable for applications requiring high-pressure fluid delivery.