Understanding the Concept of 'Shut Off Head' in Centrifugal Pumps

If you have just begun to educate yourself about centrifugal pumps, you may not be familiar with the meaning of 'head' in this context. Therefore, let's begin with that.

The head of a pump is a gauge of its ability to produce kinetic energy. If the pump's outlet is facing upward, the head would indicate the maximum height that the pumped fluid can achieve.

Is pressure synonymous with head?

The pressure is not utilized for gauging the energy generated by a pump due to its susceptibility to gravity. However, the head remains unaffected by the fluid's weight during measurement.

Can you define the term 'shut off head'?

The maximum achievable head of a water pump, known as shut off head, is reached when there is zero flow and consumes minimal power. A clear indication of shut off head is when the pump experiences increased vibrations and generates excessive noise.

It is not advisable to run your pump with no flow for a prolonged duration.

If you are curious about the reason, it is important to understand the potential consequences of running your pumps without any flow for extended periods of time:

When the impeller is in motion, it will produce heat that is sufficient enough to cause the water inside the pump to boil. This increase in temperature can cause the mechanical seal to fail and result in damage or melting of the plastic components of the pump. In residential systems, it is possible for water to seep into the motor windings. Ultimately, due to the high pressure, the pressure switch will shut down the pump, resulting in minimal or no flow.

At the Vijay Engineering and Machinery Company, our top priority is the safety of our clients. We are committed to taking all necessary measures to promote the proper utilization of our premium Kirloskar pumps. If you have any inquiries about your pump, we are always available to help. Simply click here to get in touch with us.