End-Suction Pump: Know if It's the Right Booster Pump For You

Using an end-suction pump for water-boosting applications is a common approach followed by many people. Here’s why it might be a great option for you.

If you are looking at this article, we can assume that you are seeking information on whether you should install a domestic water booster system. This article covers the end-suction pump, which is one of the most common water booster pumps out there. Read on to learn more about the end-suction water booster pump system.

What is an End-Suction Pump?

End-suction pumps are a type of centrifugal pump in which the suction is axial, and the discharge is perpendicular to the suction. They are often long coupled or close coupled. These pumps are designed as a back pull-out pump with a spacer coupling. This facilitates the maintenance and testing parts without disturbing the alignment with the motor. Hence, they are able to save on space and eliminate the need for motor alignment.

Typically, on a larger end-suction pump, the main feature of the casing is a dual volute to reduce the forces that are acting on the impeller, motor, shaft, or bearing. It is one of the most common types of water booster pumps, and its construction is relatively simple. Plus, end suction pumps are usually a single-stage pump and often come in multi-stage versions.

Impellers are available as enclosed radial flow, semi-open, vortex, helical screw, and disc rotor designs. The most commonly used materials are cast iron, bronze, and stainless steel. Some typical applications of end-suction pumps are:

• Sprinkler systems and hydrant systems

• Monitor systems and water curtains

• Supermarkets and office buildings

• High-rise complexes

• Hospitals and hotels

• Schools and colleges

What’s the Difference Between the Inline and End-Suction Pump?

Inline pumps are a derivative of the end-suction pump. Here, the suction and discharge are on the same axis to simplify the installation into the piping system without requiring any expensive foundations. Also, inline pumps are smaller in size than end-suction pumps and require less space. Due to their construction, inline pumps are easy to fit as valves to increase the water pressure at different points in the large processing pipes.

What is a Base Mounted End-Suction Pump?

When your water booster pump is long coupled and uses a coupling to join the pump and motor together, you will need a common base plate or frame. It supports the drives or machines and is important for large and heavy machines to reduce vibrations and piping noises. Below are some important end-suction pump piping details:

• The piping must be generously sized to permit easy flow into the suction.

• It has to be arranged in such a way that it eliminates air pockets.

• Have at least 10 pipe diameters of straight pipe in the pump suction to normalize the flow, minimize the turbulence, and optimize the pump reliability.

Final Words

Offering the added bonus of saving space for your water pressure boosting application, the end-suction pump is the most common centrifugal pump arrangement with its horizontal shaft, overhung impeller, and bearing arrangement. It is one of the simplest types of centrifugal pumps and comes with motor slide rails and back pull-out designs that allow for ready access and ease of maintenance. Plus, it’s a precision-made domestic water booster system appropriate for both electric and diesel drives.

To learn more about end-suction or split-case pumps, contact us!