>

Home / News / Industry News / Horizontal SP Mixed Flow Pump: Working Principle, Applications, and Selection Guide

Industry News

Horizontal SP Mixed Flow Pump: Working Principle, Applications, and Selection Guide

Quick Answer

A horizontal SP mixed flow pump is a centrifugal pump that combines radial-flow and axial-flow characteristics, delivering high flow rates at moderate head pressures. It is widely used in chemical processing, petroleum refining, metallurgy, chemical fiber production, and power generation industries. The SP designation refers to a specific series configuration, while horizontal indicates the pump shaft is oriented horizontally for easier maintenance and alignment with standard motors.

The mixed flow design offers a flat efficiency curve, meaning the pump maintains good efficiency even when operating away from its best efficiency point. This is particularly valuable in applications with variable flow demands.


1. Working Principle

A mixed flow pump operates on a principle that sits between centrifugal and axial flow designs. The impeller directs fluid both radially (outward) and axially (along the shaft centerline), delivering higher flow rates than a pure centrifugal pump while achieving higher head than a pure axial flow pump.

Key characteristics include:

  • Flow range: 100 to 10,000 m³/h, suitable for large-volume fluid transfer
  • Head range: 5 to 50 meters, covering moderate pressure applications
  • Efficiency: 75% to 88%, with a flat efficiency curve
  • Speed: 1450 or 2900 rpm, matching standard motor configurations
  • Configuration: Horizontal shaft, single-stage design

2. Key Specifications

Capacity 100 to 10,000 m³/h

Volume of fluid the pump can move per hour

Total Head 5 to 50 meters

Pressure or height the pump can lift fluid

Temperature Range -20°C to +200°C

Depends on materials and sealing configuration

Materials 304 / 316L / 904 / 2205 / 2507 / CD4 / Hastelloy / Titanium

Matched to fluid chemistry and operating conditions


3. Comparison with Other Pump Types

Parameter Mixed Flow Pump Centrifugal Pump Axial Flow Pump
Flow Direction Radial + Axial Radial Axial
Flow Rate High Low to Medium Very High
Head Range Moderate (5-50m) High (up to 500m+) Low (1-15m)
Efficiency Curve Flat, broad range Peaked, narrow range Flat, broad range
Best Applications Industrial processing, water supply, circulation High-head, low-flow applications High-flow, low-head applications

4. Typical Applications

Chemical Processing

Circulation of corrosive fluids, transfer of chemical intermediates, and reactor feed services.

Petroleum Refining

Crude oil transfer, refined product circulation, and cooling water systems.

Metallurgical Industry

Cooling water circulation, slurry handling, and process fluid transfer.

Power Generation

Cooling water systems, condensate extraction, and auxiliary service water.

Chemical Fiber Production

Polymer solution transfer, spinning solution circulation, and process fluid handling.

Industrial Water Supply

Raw water intake, cooling tower circulation, and general industrial water distribution.


5. Material Selection Guide

304

General-purpose stainless steel for mild chemical services, water, and non-corrosive fluids.

316L

Enhanced corrosion resistance for chloride-containing fluids, chemical processing, and marine applications.

904

Super austenitic stainless steel for sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and aggressive environments.

2205

Duplex stainless steel combining high strength and corrosion resistance for chloride and acidic services.

2507

Super duplex stainless steel for highly corrosive environments, seawater, and high-temperature applications.

CD4

High-strength alloy for severe corrosion and erosion conditions, including acidic and abrasive slurries.

Hastelloy

Nickel-based alloy for extreme corrosion resistance in highly aggressive chemical environments.

Titanium

High-purity material for applications requiring exceptional corrosion resistance and low specific gravity.


6. Production and Quality Assurance

Jiangsu Huanyu Chemical New Materials Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing industrial pumps since 1987. The company employs over 100 skilled personnel and operates integrated facilities encompassing machinery manufacturing, hot and cold processing, and investment casting.

The product portfolio includes more than ten series and over 300 specifications of chemical pumps, with the horizontal SP mixed flow pump being a core offering. Each pump is manufactured using precision CNC equipment and subjected to rigorous quality control throughout the production process.


7. Procurement Checklist

1 Define required flow rate (m³/h) for your application
2 Determine total head (meters) required
3 Identify fluid properties: temperature, pH, viscosity, solids content
4 Select appropriate material based on fluid chemistry and temperature
5 Confirm motor power and speed requirements
6 Verify shaft sealing method (mechanical seal or packing)
7 Check available floor space and piping connections
8 Review supplier quality system and testing capabilities
9 Request performance curve documentation
10 Confirm warranty and after-sales support terms

8. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a mixed flow pump and a centrifugal pump?

A mixed flow pump combines radial and axial flow characteristics, delivering higher flow rates at moderate head than a pure centrifugal pump. Centrifugal pumps are better suited for high-head, low-flow applications.

What does SP stand for in the pump designation?

The SP designation refers to a specific series configuration of mixed flow pumps. The exact meaning may vary by manufacturer, but it generally indicates a standard design within the mixed flow pump category.

What materials are available for horizontal SP mixed flow pumps?

Available materials include 304, 316L, 904, 2205, 2507, CD4, Hastelloy, titanium, and 2520. Selection depends on fluid chemistry, temperature, and corrosion requirements.

What industries use horizontal SP mixed flow pumps?

These pumps are used in chemical processing, petroleum refining, metallurgy, chemical fiber production, power generation, and industrial water supply systems.

How do I select the right pump size for my application?

Selection requires defining flow rate, total head, fluid properties, and operating temperature. Consult with the manufacturer's application engineers for specific recommendations.

Looking for reliable horizontal SP mixed flow pumps?

Jiangsu Huanyu Chemical New Materials Co., Ltd. has been manufacturing chemical pumps since 1987. With over 100 employees and 300+ specifications, we offer pumps in a wide range of alloy materials to match your specific fluid conditions.

Learn more about our horizontal SP mixed flow pumps