Why do some pumps fail while others fail when preforming? When it comes time to build a pump, what options are available and the benefits they offer. The two standard pumps available today are single volute and double volute pumps. Each manufactured pump casting offers ideal characteristics for a different type of job.

single volute pump
These are the most common and have been used for several years. This pump mold is one of the easiest parts to manufacture today. Their simplicity makes them more economical to manufacture, and their open design allows extended run times between required maintenance repairs. These pump castings are best suited for applications that require a constant and consistent flow of pump material capable of handling large amounts of scrap. Waste can be various solids or unwanted debris mixed with the pumped material. The best performance of a single volute pump occurs at the point of optimum efficiency, or BEP, which is the point where the pump moves the most material, with a steady flow of material to the pump. Any rate of deviation from BEP will result in increased radial load deflection on the pump shaft and excessive wear of rings, seals and bearings. Running a single volute pump at BEP is the only way to extend or maximize the mechanical life of the pump.

Double volute pump
This pump casting solves the single volute problem where there is no steady and constant flow of material into the pump or there is a differential radial thrust throughout the pump cavity. The overall design uses the same layout as the single volute with an additional splitter or splitter vane that splits the initial material inlet flow into two equal streams. The diverter extends a stream of water into the pump at the other end of the pump or at a 180-degree angle to the actual water inlet. By dispersing the material into two streams, the radial thrust differences are distributed and cancel each other out, effectively canceling each other out. Having extra diverter vanes does limit the size of waste that can be pumped.

Having the right knowledge of the various pump castings and understanding their specific benefits in each application is one of the many reasons to work with a quality sourcing agent for Alloy Products Distribution, which provides our customers with the most cost-effective pump castings to manufacture. the best opportunity to meet their specific needs. By leveraging our global network of foundry markets, our customers have access to the highest quality OEM components at the lowest competitive manufacturing costs using the latest and greatest technological advancements.