7 replies to this topic

[elpasha25]

Hello everybody;
Could anybody explain to me the difference between horizontal & vertical centrifugal pumps?
Can I replace one type with another when both have same specifications?
Thank you for help

[JoeWong]

elpasha25,

Click HERE to view horizontal pump and HERE1 &HERE2 for vertical pump...you may have rough idea between them...and if they are interchangable...

JoeWong

[pleckner]

What Joe is showing you are sump pumps. You might be more interested in vertical in-line chemical process pumps. Go to the Goulds Pumps site for more information.

http://www.gouldspum...calIn-line.html

You will find that there is a vertical version of the Goulds work horse model 3298 horizontal centrifugal pump. Most the parts are even interchangeable.

If you are considering changing an existing pump then of course your post doesn't tell us what you currently have. I present the above only as an example to let you know that the short answer to your question is yes. If you have a different manufacturer, then check with them for their vertical version of your horizontal pump.

[elpasha25]

thank you for your replying to my post.
In fact, we are using an inline horizontal centrifugal pump and want to replace it. One supplier has the same pump specifications except that his pump is an inline vertical pump. Although he believe that the vertical pump will work since both are having same specifications, however, he did not (could not) answer my question about the main difference between the two type of pumps!
This is why I am posting here to have a general idea about the difference between these type of pumps , When and why to use? And hopefully I will get the convenient answer from you.
Best Regards

[Alawi]

Hello,

I have used both horizontal and vertical inline pumps for the same purpose, they were used for pumping LPG from storage tanks to road tankers, circulating the storage tanks them selves, etc. Anyway the vertical pumps were used in a very confined area may be that was one of the reasons for using such pumps, Also and although horizontal pumps are used for LPG it is common to use vertical inline pumps where NPSH is low. To increases the grayness of my answer in one case we replaced a vertical pumps with a horizontal one it should be noted that there was no problem concerning the space around the pumps also the pumps were used for handling LPG.

Kind regards

[JoeWong]

elpasha25,
Ah...if you combine post #1 & #4, then the question would be clearer.

From Process engineering perspective, as long as the pump meeting hydraulic performance and no NPSH issue, they should be "same".

From mechanical, layout & operation perspectives,

I have some points on vertical in-line pump compare to horizontal pump...
i) Space saving for vertical in-line pump. Very good option for debottlenecking project and space limited plant e.g. offshore platform
ii) Lower NPSHr for vertical in-line pump for well designed pump i.e. low NPSHr impeller at 1st stage...Slightly increase NPSHa with lower pump datum....But this is very case specific and subject to pump design. I might be wrong and only pump manufacturer can confirm.
iii) vertical in-line pump maintenance, trouble of motor dismantle and reassemble. Horizontal pump only remove coupling.
iv) subject to pump & piping design...pump may experience higher tendencies to experience vibration and dynamic stress. I might be wrong and only pump manufacturer & piping specialist can confirm.

I would request pump experts to further furnish this post with valuable input.

JoeWong

[Art Montemayor]

This matter of comparing horizontal versus vertical mounted pumps is, in my opinion, one of purely horse sense. As Joe infers, it always breaks down to trade offs. Each version has its niche. However, you should be specific about what TYPE of vertical pumps you are talking about. Deepwell pumps are one thing, but I'll concentrate on the vertical in-line, process pump as the item of discussion for now. I’ve installed and operated both horizontal and vertical versions and the following is just a quick rundown of comparisons:

1. The horizontal is a better accepted standard because of tradition, cost, & availability;
2. There is no perceptible difference in NPSH requirements between both versions; they can both handle equal NPSH situations – if properly selected and installed;
3. Vertical pump orientation demands overhead space for maintenance – especially in the heavier horsepowers, such as 15+ hp; for larger motors you require an overhead rail and hoist. Horizontals are easier to manhandle and lift, shift around.
4. Once you commit to a vertical, you have for all practical purposes increased your investment and inventory in spare parts. Vertical design is very specific as to type of bearings – primarily thrust – and these cause you to have to duplicate inventory for your vertical pumps. You can no longer have the benefit of exchanging motors and couplings with the ease you experience when you standardize on horizontals only.
5. Some vertical designs are really “tight” for space in the coupling distance piece area (in order to reduce overall height and turning moment) and this makes it rough for maintenance and handling seal leakage and maintenance. This used to be a big problem with horizontals as well, until ANSI and API specs were applied.
6. Verticals require special piping design in order to alleviate or eliminate all piping loads due to pump weight – especially in the smaller sizes;
7. Eventually, in some cases, you wind up having to independently supporting the vertical pump with structural steel – a fact that starts to defeat one of the original unique features of having a vertical pump in the first place. I have found that basically ALL pumps should have their own independent support (or foundation) in order to remove and piping stresses and allow the pump to operate with ease and totally independent.

There are more features, but I thought I’d mention a few that come immediately to mind.

[JEBradley]

I havent sat down and read through all the posts thoroughly so my apologies if im repeating a point here.

Vertically arranged centrifugal pumps allow for an in-line piping arrangement which a lot of ppl prefer. To explain what I mean by that - the discharge of a regular centrifugal pump leaves at 90 degrees to the suction stream. The suction and discharge of a vertical pump can be on the same axis.