What Is an In-Line Pump?
An in-line pump is a pump that pumps liquid in a straight line.
The structure is relatively simple: a rotor built into the casing of the housing is rotated by a motor to move the liquid in the piping using centrifugal force. The pumping pressure can be increased by combining multiple internal rotors.
Compact and lightweight, it is designed for installation in minimal space. They are mainly used in water supply lines.
Uses of In-Line Pumps
As the name “in-line pump” suggests, this pump enables the pumping liquid to be directed in a straight line.
Because they are directly connected to piping, they are compact, lightweight, and can be installed in a minimum amount of space.
They are widely used mainly in water supply lines, hot water supply lines from water heaters, and well water distribution lines. In addition, as a special application, they are sometimes incorporated into closed-loop circulating cleaning systems installed alongside pipes to clean the inside of water supply system pipes.
Principle of In-Line Pumps
In-line pumps, which are directly connected to the piping, have a simple operating principle and relatively simple structure.
An impeller (rotor) is built into a sealed casing, and the rotor is rotated by a motor to transfer liquid using the centrifugal force generated.
The rotor can be stacked in two, three, or more stages to pump liquids at high pressure.
The rotor and rotating shaft operate in direct contact with the liquid inside the casing. Outside the casing, the rotor shaft is connected to a motor to rotate the rotor, and a mechanical seal is attached to the shaft to prevent liquid leakage from the connection.
Since mechanical seals and rotors deteriorate with prolonged use, regular maintenance is required. Currently, measures are being taken to extend pump life by using special corrosion-resistant materials for the mechanical seal and rotor themselves.
Various innovations have also been made in the design of the pump itself, making disassembly and maintenance easier.