Manufacturer of Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump is a machine that uses centrifugal force generated by an impeller spinning at high speed to convert mechanical energy into kinetic and pressure energy, moving low-viscosity fluids such as water, solvents, and light chemicals.

Fluid enters through the center of the impeller (the impeller eye) and is accelerated radially by the vanes. The high velocity at the impeller outlet is converted into pressure by the volute (spiral casing). The pressure difference between suction and discharge drives the fluid through the system.

The characteristic curve is a graph that plots flow rate (Q) against manometric head (H), efficiency (η), and power (P) of the pump. It is essential for selecting the ideal operating point — the BEP (Best Efficiency Point) — where the pump operates at maximum efficiency and minimum wear.

Centrifugal pumps are ideal for low-viscosity fluids (up to ~100 cP): industrial water, process water, solvents, light chemicals, juices, milk, effluents, cooling water, and fire fighting. For viscous fluids, gear pumps are more appropriate.

A normalized centrifugal pump follows standardized dimensions that ensure interchangeability between manufacturers. The FBCN series from FB Bombas is horizontally normalized with a back pull-out design for simplified maintenance without disconnecting the piping. Registered with CRCC Petrobras.

Choose a centrifugal pump when the fluid has low viscosity (<100 cP), when you need high flow rates, when the required pressure is moderate, and when operating cost is a priority. For viscous fluids or precise metering, a gear pump is more suitable.

In many cases, yes. The FBCN is standardized and is a candidate to replace centrifugal pumps from manufacturers such as KSB, Schneider, Dancor, Ebara, Sulzer, OMEL, Thebe, Wilo and Famac. Equivalence is confirmed model by model: dimensional drawing, shaft centre, flanges, baseplate, coupling, Q×H duty point, NPSHr and power. Brazilian manufacturer since 1944, CRCC Petrobras, ASME B73.1 compliant.

The difference lies in the electric motor. A single-phase centrifugal pump uses 220V single-phase power, suitable for lower power ratings (up to ~5 HP) in installations without three-phase supply. A three-phase centrifugal pump operates on 220/380/440V three-phase power, required for higher power ratings and industrial applications. The FBCN series from FB Bombas accommodates both configurations, with motors from 1 HP up to high industrial power ratings.

The main components are: impeller — the rotating part with vanes that accelerates the fluid; volute — the spiral casing that converts velocity into pressure; shaft — transmits torque from the motor to the impeller; mechanical seal or packing — sealing between rotating and stationary parts; bearings — support the shaft; and wear ring — a replaceable part that maintains controlled clearance between impeller and volute.

A horizontal centrifugal pump is the most common configuration in industry, with the shaft positioned horizontally. The FBCN series from FB Bombas is horizontal, normalized to ASME B73.1, with back pull-out construction. This configuration facilitates maintenance, installation, and alignment, making it ideal for process, industrial water, and fire fighting applications.

The impeller is the rotating component of a centrifugal pump, with curved vanes that transfer energy to the fluid through centrifugal force. In the FBCN series, the impeller is a radial single-suction type with a wear ring on the pressure side. The impeller diameter defines the manometric head — larger impellers generate more pressure. Materials vary by application: cast iron, stainless steel, or special alloys.

A stainless steel centrifugal pump is essential when the fluid is corrosive, requires purity, or operates at high temperatures. Typical applications include: chemical industry (diluted acids, solvents), food and beverage (juices, milk), pharmaceutical (purified water), and petrochemical. The FBCN series from FB Bombas is manufactured in various alloys: AISI 316, AISI 304, Duplex, and special alloys available upon request.

The power rating depends on flow rate, manometric head, fluid density, and viscosity. As a reference: 5 HP pumps handle flow rates up to ~30 m³/h at moderate heads; 10 HP reaches ~60 m³/h; and 15 HP handles up to ~100 m³/h — but this varies by model and operating point. The correct approach is to select by Q×H curve and add power reserve: 20% for up to 2 HP, 15% for up to 20 HP, and 10% above 20 HP (per the FBCN manual).

Manometric head (H) is the total energy the pump delivers to the fluid, expressed in meters of liquid column. It includes: elevation difference between suction and discharge, friction losses in the piping, and required pressure at the delivery point. The FBCN series from FB Bombas achieves up to 135 meters of manometric head, with Q×H curves available for each of the 53 models (43 standard DN25-150 + 10 large capacity DN200-300).

Cavitation occurs when the suction pressure drops below the fluid’s vapor pressure, forming bubbles that implode and damage the impeller. To prevent it: ensure the available NPSH in the system always exceeds the required NPSH of the pump (with a minimum margin of 0.5 m); reduce losses in the suction line; position the pump as close to and below the reservoir level as possible; and avoid operating far above or below the BEP.

No. A conventional centrifugal pump — including the FB Bombas FBCN series — is not self-priming: it requires flooded suction or prior priming (adequate available NPSH). True self-priming at FB comes only from the gear pumps (FBE/FBEI), intended for oils and viscous fluids, not water or sewage. For water above the pump level, the solution is flooded suction or a priming device.