Performance Characteristics of Mixed-Flow, Centrifugal, and Axial-Flow Pumps
First, it should be clarified that centrifugal pumps partially overlap with mixed-flow pumps. A more accurate classification based on the direction of fluid discharge is: radial-flow pumps, mixed-flow pumps, and axial-flow pumps, arranged in order of increasing specific speed.
- Centrifugal pumps generally feature low flow rates, high heads, and low specific speeds, typically below 200.
- Axial-flow pumps are characterized by high flow rates, low heads, and very high specific speeds, generally above 400.