Pump Volutes

THE BASICS OF A PUMP VOLUTE

A volute is a pump casing found in centrifugal pumps. Its curved or spiral shape is what makes the casing unique. Its primary purpose is direct process fluid flow through the pump. The term “volute” comes from the Latin word “voluta,” which means “spiral.” This refers to the curved shape of the volute that wraps around the pump’s impeller.

 A volute needs to be constructed from durable and corrosion-resistant materials. Stainless steel, CD4 or plastic pump volutes help to withstand the high pressure and temperature conditions that are present in pumps.

THE FUNCTION OF A VOLUTE IN A PUMP

As mentioned above, the volute directs fluid flow through a centrifugal pump. Here’s how it works. As the impeller rotates, it creates that centrifugal force and pushes the fluid outward towards the volute. The curved shape of the pump’s volute helps to guide the fluid smoothly through the pump. That is the primary function, but it also helps to reduce turbulence and minimize the loss of energy.

A pump volute also helps to create a beneficial pressure differential within the pump. As the fluid moves through the volute, the curved shape of the casing accelerates the fluid and creates a high-pressure zone. It is this pressure differential that propels the fluid through the pump and eventually out of the discharge port.

TYPES OF VOLUTE CASINGS FOR PUMPS

Several types of volute casings are used in pumps, and the type of casing that is best suited for a particular application will depend on the pump’s specific design and performance requirements.

FOUR COMMON TYPES OF VOLUTE CASINGS AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET

Single volute
casings

These are really the simplest and most common types of pump volute casings. They have a single curved or spiral-shaped casing that wraps around the centrifugal pump’s impeller. Single volute casings operate best at low to moderate pressures and flow rates.

However, they are suitable for a number of applications.

Double volute
casings

Double volute casings are more complex and have two curved or spiral-shaped casings that wrap around a centrifugal pump’s impeller. Though they are more complex, they offer several benefits. Double volute casings can operate at high pressures and flow rates.

When it comes to improving the pump’s performance and efficiency, double volute casings reduce turbulence and minimize the loss of energy.

Split volute
casings

Split volute casings are somewhat similar to double volute casings, but they are specially designed to make maintenance and repair easier. Split into two separate halves that can be removed from the pump for maintenance and repair, this volute is ideal

for pumps that are difficult to access or that require frequent maintenance. Using split volute casings can greatly reduce downtime and make your pump easier to service.

Barrel volute casings

The last type of centrifugal pump volute is a barrel volute casings. These are the volutes that are used in high-pressure pumps, such as booster pumps and fire pumps. Their cylindrical casing is divided into two halves, with the impeller mounted in the center.

When you have high pressure and large volumes of processing fluids, this casing helps to improve the pump’s performance and efficiency when operating in these environments.

REPLACEMENT GOULDS VOLUTES AVAILABLE AT PLATINUM PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

Our replacement Goulds volutes for centrifugal pumps 3196 are designed to provide reliable and efficient operation in a variety of industrial applications. The 3196 volutes are available in several sizes, including the ST, MT, LT, and XLT models, which range from 1.375″ to 2.500″ in size. These volutes are made from high-quality materials and are designed to fit a range of Goulds pump models, including the popular 3196 model.

GOULDS 3196 VOLUTES

ST 1.357”

GOULDS 3196 VOLUTES

MT 1.750”

GOULDS 3196 VOLUTES

LT 2.125”

GOULDS 3196 VOLUTES

XLT 2.500”

Disclaimer: Platinum Performance Products provides parts that are compatible with or can replace different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. The mention of any OEM names, trademarks, model numbers, or part numbers is purely for reference and does not indicate that we are an authorized distributor or representative of the listed companies and brands. We do not claim any association or affiliation with any of the OEM manufacturers mentioned on our website or in our product descriptions.

BENEFITS OF USING A VOLUTE CASING PUMP

Improved efficiency

The volute casing helps to guide fluid flow through the pump and creates a pressure differential that aids in the efficient operation of the pump.

Reduced turbulence and energy loss

Our bearings withstand even the harshest conditions, ensuring they’ll last for a long time.

Easy maintenance and repair

Many volute casing pumps have removable or split casings, making it far easier to access the pump’s internal components for maintenance.

Improved reliability

A high-quality volute casing can help keep your pump operating reliably and at peak performance.

Enhanced safety

The volute casing helps to prevent fluid leakage from your centrifugal pump. Reducing the risk of spills and accidents improves the safety of your operations and protects the environment.

PLATINUM PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS STOCKS THE RIGHT
VOLUTE CASING PUMP FOR YOUR APPLICATION

There are many factors to consider when deciding which volute casing pump is going to operate properly in your pumping environment. You’ll want to take into account the type of volute casing, the materials used, and the size and flow rate of the pump. It is important to select a volute casing that is designed for your specific application.

Platinum Performance Products offer a wide range of volute casing pumps, and our team of experienced professionals is here to help you select the right volute casing for your pump’s operations. If you have any questions about volute casing pumps, or if you would like to learn more about our products and services, contact us at team@3ppumps.com.