Volute (pump)
![](../I/m/Centrifugal_pump_volute_Richards_1894.png)
Pump and volute casing
The volute of a centrifugal pump is the casing that receives the fluid being pumped by the impeller, slowing down the fluid's rate of flow. A volute is a curved funnel that increases in area as it approaches the discharge port.[1] The volute converts kinetic energy into pressure by reducing speed while increasing pressure, helping to balance the hydraulic pressure on the shaft of the pump.[2]
![](../I/m/Plinthed_pump%2C_Gloucester_Docks_-_geograph.org.uk_-_880296.jpg)
Large water pump from the floating docks at Gloucester
The name "volute" is inspired by the resemblance of this kind of casing to the scroll-like part near the top of an ionic order column in classical architecture, called a volute.
References
- ↑ Hoffman, Russell D. (February 2002). "All About Pumps — Volute Pumps". The Internet Glossary of Pumps. The Animated Software Company. Retrieved 2009-05-23.
- ↑ "Centrifugal Pumps: Basic Concepts of Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting (Part I)". The Chemical Engineers' Resource Page. www.cheresources.com. 2008. Retrieved 2009-05-23.