What the impeller is?

An impeller is a driven rotor used to increase the pressure and flow of a fluid. It is the opposite of a turbine pump, which extracts energy from, and reduces the pressure of, a flowing fluid.

Strictly speaking, propellers are a sub-class of impellers where the flow both enters and leaves axially, but in many contexts the term “impeller” is reserved for non-propellor rotors where the flow enters axially and leaves radially, especially when creating suction in a pump or compressor. 

What are the types of impeller?

1, Open impeller

2, Semi open impeller

3, Closed impeller

4, Double suction impeller

5, Mixed flow impeller 

What Is The Definition Of Different Types Of Impeller?

Open impeller

An open impeller consists of nothing but vanes. Vanes are attached to the central hub, without any form or sidewall or shroud.  

Semi-open impeller

Semi-open impellers only have a back wall that adds strength to the impeller. 

Closed impeller

Closed-impellers are also referred to as ‘enclosed impellers’. This type of impeller has both a front and back shroud; the impeller vanes are sandwiched between the two shrouds. 

Double-suction impeller

Double suction impellers draw fluid into the impeller vanes from both sides, balancing out the axial thrust the impeller imposes on the pump’s shaft bearings. 

Mixed flow impeller

Mixed flow impellers are similar to radial flow impellers but subject the fluid to a degree of radial flow in order to improve efficiency 

How to choose an impeller?

There are several factors we need to consider when we choose an impeller.

1, Function

Learn in detail what you would use it for and to what extent the expected wear and tear would be.

2, Flow

The flow pattern dictates the type of pump impeller you should get.  

3, Material

What media or fluid is going to pass through the impeller? Does it contain solids? How corrosive is it? 

4, Cost

The initial costs are higher for a quality impeller. Still, it gives you a higher return on investment because you spend less on maintenance. It also boosts productivity as it spends more time working.