What is used to control leakage from the impeller discharge to the pump suction?

What is used to control leakage from the impeller discharge to the pump suction?

• A. Lantern ring
• B. Wear rings
• C. Shaft sleeve
• D. Coupling

Answer: (B)

The use of wear rings in a centrifugal pump is essential for controlling leakage from the impeller discharge back to the pump suction. These rings are designed to create a tight seal between the impeller and the pump casing, thereby minimizing the amount of fluid that can leak back into the suction side of the pump. This is important for maintaining system efficiency and ensuring that the pump operates effectively. Wear rings help to manage clearances between the rotating impeller and the stationary casing, ensuring that liquid is directed properly through the pump instead of leaking back. They also play a role in protecting the more expensive components of the pump from wear and damage due to fluid movement. In contrast, other components listed have different primary functions. The lantern ring, for instance, is primarily used in applications such as sealing the shaft in packing arrangements but not specifically for controlling leakage from the discharge. The shaft sleeve typically protects the shaft from wear and corrosion but does not directly manage leakage. The coupling serves to connect the motor to the pump and does not influence fluid dynamics within the pump itself. Understanding the specific roles of these components helps in recognizing why wear rings are the correct choice for controlling leakage in this scenario.

The use of wear rings in a centrifugal pump is essential for controlling leakage from the impeller discharge back to the pump suction. These rings are designed to create a tight seal between the impeller and the pump casing, thereby minimizing the amount of fluid that can leak back into the suction side of the pump. This is important for maintaining system efficiency and ensuring that the pump operates effectively.

Wear rings help to manage clearances between the rotating impeller and the stationary casing, ensuring that liquid is directed properly through the pump instead of leaking back. They also play a role in protecting the more expensive components of the pump from wear and damage due to fluid movement.

In contrast, other components listed have different primary functions. The lantern ring, for instance, is primarily used in applications such as sealing the shaft in packing arrangements but not specifically for controlling leakage from the discharge. The shaft sleeve typically protects the shaft from wear and corrosion but does not directly manage leakage. The coupling serves to connect the motor to the pump and does not influence fluid dynamics within the pump itself. Understanding the specific roles of these components helps in recognizing why wear rings are the correct choice for controlling leakage in this scenario.