Abstract: A method and apparatus for early fault detection in a centrifugal pump equipped with a balancing device, where the balancing device has an axial gap and optionally at least one radial gap through which a balancing flow is conducted, and with a spring element which acts on the balancing device to hold open the axial gap. Reliable information regarding impending faults is obtained while largely using existing elements by measuring the deformation of the spring element (10, 14) during operation of the centrifugal pump (24), and starting from the pump characteristics of the centrifugal pump (24) and the spring constant of the spring element (10, 14), drawing a conclusion regarding the instantaneous operating state of the centrifugal pump based on the measured deformation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for early fault detection in a centrifugal pump equipped with a balancing device, where the balancing device has an axial gap and optionally at least one radial gap through which a balancing flow is conducted, and with a spring element which acts on the balancing device to hold open the axial gap. Reliable information regarding impending faults is obtained while largely using existing elements by measuring the deformation of the spring element (10, 14) during operation of the centrifugal pump (24), and starting from the pump characteristics of the centrifugal pump (24) and the spring constant of the spring element (10, 14), drawing a conclusion regarding the instantaneous operating state of the centrifugal pump based on the measured deformation.

Abstract: To measure a wide range of flow rates, and particularly such low flow rates as 0.5 liters per hour, while being able to accurately also measure rates of about 100 liters per hour, fluid is introduced axially into a rotor (14, 36, 40) which has outlet openings (24, 36, 45) positioned at their circumference, the rotor being rotated by reaction on the rotor upon fluid flow from the outlet openings. The rotor operates within a fluid flow chamber (15) from which is conducted outwardly through a duct positioned thereabove. Inflow of fluid may be guided for linear flow by guide ribs (13). The rotor may be a hollow disk-like structure (FIGS. 1-3) with spiral guide vanes therebetween, or a T-shaped tubular structure (FIGS. 4-6).

Abstract: A centrifugal pump comprises a casing which has two volutes disposed substantially diametrically opposite each other in such a way that the end of the first volute is adjacent to the start of the second volute. The outer diameter of the casing approximates or equals the diameter of the first volute in the region of the end of the first volute. This contributes to compactness of the casing. The volutes surround a rotary impeller or a guide wheel which is installed in the casing downstream of the impeller. Each volute extends along an arc of at most 180 degrees. The casing can have one or more elongated channels extending from the end of the first volute, along the second volute, and to a common outlet nozzle for both volutes.

Abstract: The double volute casing of a centrifugal pump has a main portion which has first and second volutes extending along arcs of not more than 180 degrees. The outer diameter of the main portion equals or approximates the outer diameter of the end of the first volute, and such end is adjacent to the start of the second volute whose end communicates with an outlet nozzle of the main portion. The latter has two channels which flank the second volute and extend between the end of the first volute and the outlet nozzle. The inner sides of the channels are open and face the axial passage of the main portion. Such inner sides are sealed from the axial passage by tubular inserts which are installed in and are separably fastened to the main portion of the casing. The passage receives a single-suction or a double-suction impeller or a stationary guide wheel which is located downstream of the impeller. The main portion of the casing is a one-piece casting.