Difference Between Centrifugal Pump and Jet Pump

In this article, we will explore and contrast two common types of pumps: the centrifugal pump and the jet pump. Each of these pumps has distinct characteristics and operating principles, making them suitable for various applications. The centrifugal pump is a widely used type of pump known for its simplicity and effectiveness. It operates on the principle of centrifugal force. As the impeller, a central component of the pump rotates, it imparts energy to the fluid, typically water, causing it to move outward from the center of rotation.

This action increases the fluid’s pressure and velocity, enabling the pump to transport it to different locations or heights. On the other hand, a jet pump, often used in well systems, operates on a different principle. It uses a jet, or stream of fluid, to create a low-pressure area, which then sucks the fluid from the source. This type of pump is particularly effective in lifting water from below the pump, making it a popular choice for drawing water from wells. Throughout this article, we will delve into the detailed functioning of both centrifugal and jet pumps, examining their design, working principles, and the difference between centrifugal pump and jet pump that make each suited for specific applications.

What is Jet Pump?

A jet pump is a type of fluid pump that employs a unique mechanism to move liquids, and sometimes gases, from one place to another. This mechanism involves the use of a jet or stream of fluid to generate a fluid flow. Jet pumps are versatile and can be used in various applications, including water wells, oil wells, and certain industrial processes. The core principle behind a jet pump’s operation is the Venturi effect. This effect occurs when a fluid flowing through a constricted section of a pipe experiences a decrease in pressure and an increase in velocity. In a jet pump, a high-velocity jet of fluid is ejected from a nozzle. This jet travels through a venturi tube, where it mixes with and accelerates the surrounding fluid (or the fluid being pumped).

The mixed fluid then enters the diffuser, where the velocity decreases and the pressure increases, enabling the fluid to be lifted and transported to its destination. Applications of jet pumps span from domestic water supply (especially in deep well water extraction) to industrial applications such as oil recovery, chemical processing, and scenarios where handling mixed phases of fluids and gases is required. Jet pumps also have some limitations. They are generally less efficient than other types of pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, especially when lifting fluid from great depths. Their efficiency can also be affected by the viscosity of the fluid being pumped.

What is Centrifugal Pump?

A centrifugal pump is a type of mechanical pump that uses rotational energy, typically from an electric motor or engine, to move fluids by means of centrifugal force. It is one of the most commonly used pumps in various applications due to its simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. Centrifugal pumps are widely used in industries such as water treatment, chemical processing, agriculture, and building services like heating and cooling systems. The fundamental principle behind a centrifugal pump is the conversion of rotational kinetic energy to the hydrodynamic energy of the fluid flow.

The primary component responsible for this conversion is the impeller, a rotating disk with a series of backward-curved vanes. When the impeller rotates, it imparts energy to the fluid, causing the fluid to spin and generating centrifugal force. This force moves the fluid radially outward into a diffuser or volute chamber, where the velocity of the fluid is transformed into pressure energy, propelling the fluid to the desired location or height.

A centrifugal pump is commonly used in water supply systems, HVAC systems, sewage treatment, irrigation, and various industrial processes where large volumes of fluids need to be moved. On the other hand, centrifugal pumps are not ideal for every application. They generally cannot handle highly viscous fluids or fluids with high solid content. Additionally, they require a primed system, as they cannot pump air or create a vacuum to draw fluid into the suction port.

Is a Jet Pump a Centrifugal Pump A Jet Pump?

is not a centrifugal pump. Although both are types of pumps used for moving fluids, they operate on different principles and have distinct designs and applications. A centrifugal pump uses the principle of centrifugal force to move the fluid. It has an impeller that rotates within a casing, creating a force that increases the pressure and velocity of the fluid, thus enabling it to be transported through the pump system. Centrifugal pumps are widely used for their efficiency in handling large volumes of fluid and are common in water supply, industrial applications, and HVAC systems. In contrast, a jet pump operates based on the Venturi effect.

It uses a jet (a high-velocity stream of fluid) to create a region of low pressure that draws the fluid into the pump. This type of pump is often used for drawing water from wells, especially deep wells, and is known for its ability to lift water from greater depths compared to centrifugal pumps. Jet pumps do not have an impeller like centrifugal pumps; instead, they use a nozzle and venturi tube to create the necessary fluid movement. So, while both jet pumps and centrifugal pumps are used for fluid movement, their operational principles and structural designs are quite different.

What is the Difference Between Jet Water Pump and Centrifugal Pump?

The difference between centrifugal pump and jet pump lie in their operational mechanisms, designs, and typical applications. Each type of pump is suited for specific situations based on these characteristics.

1. Operational Mechanism:

  • Jet Water Pump: Jet pumps operate based on the Venturi effect. They use a jet or stream of water to create a low-pressure area that draws the water from the source (like a well). This is achieved by a nozzle and venturi tube setup, where the high-velocity jet mixes with the water being pumped, increasing its pressure and enabling it to be lifted to the surface.
  • Centrifugal Pump: Centrifugal pumps function using centrifugal force. An impeller inside the pump rotates, imparting energy to the water. This rotation creates a force that increases the water’s velocity. As the water moves through the volute casing of the pump, this kinetic energy is converted into pressure energy, allowing the water to be transported through the pump system.

2. Design and Components:

  • Jet Water Pump: This typically includes a nozzle and venturi tube, which are crucial for creating the low-pressure area necessary for its operation. Jet pumps often have two pipes running into the well: one for the jet and one for drawing water up.
  • Centrifugal Pump: Characterized by its impeller and volute casing The design is simpler in the sense that water enters the pump, is acted upon by the impeller and exits through the discharge port.

3. Applications and Suitability:

  • Jet Water Pump: These pumps are especially suitable for drawing water from greater depths, like in deep wells. They can lift water from deeper below the pump level compared to centrifugal pumps. Jet pumps are common in residential water supply systems, especially where the water table is deep.
  • Centrifugal Pump: More suited for applications where large volumes of water need to be moved from a relatively shallow source. They are widely used in water supply systems, irrigation systems, HVAC systems, and in various industrial applications. They are not ideal for extracting water from great depths.

4. Efficiency and Flow Characteristics:

  • Jet Water Pump: Generally less efficient than centrifugal pumps, particularly when lifting water from great depths. They can handle a mixture of air and water, which can be an advantage in certain situations.
  • Centrifugal Pump: tends to be more efficient in terms of energy usage, especially when dealing with large volumes of water. However, they cannot handle air well and need to be primed before use.
Conclusion

In summary, while both jet water pumps and centrifugal pumps are used for pumping water, they differ significantly in their operational principles, design, and best-use scenarios. Jet pumps are preferable for deeper water sources, whereas centrifugal pumps are more efficient for large-volume water transfer from shallower sources.