A single stage centrifugal pump is the workhorse for moving water from A to B: tank to tank, dam to trough, irrigation mains, wash-down lines and heating or cooling loops. It isn't the right tool for every job, though. This guide covers where it fits, how the models in our Centrifugal Pumps range differ, and the one mistake that kills them early.
Flow, not pressure
A single impeller moves a lot of water but adds a moderate amount of pressure. That's ideal for transfer and irrigation, where you need volume. For house pressure, where you need strong pressure at modest flow and on-off control, a pressure pump or a multistage pump is usually the better fit.
Size a transfer pump on two numbers: the flow you need, and the total head it has to work against. Total head is the vertical lift from the water level to the outlet, plus friction in the pipe and fittings. Then read the pump curve on the datasheet at that head. The max flow figures below are at zero head, so a real job will see less.
The range compared
| Model | Motor | Body | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyjet HSS70-055-1 | 0.55kW | 304 stainless | 10 bar, 60°C | $479.55 |
| Hyjet HSS210-11-1 | 1.1kW | 304 stainless | 10 bar, 60°C | $611.55 |
| Hyjet HSS210-15-1 | 1.5kW | 304 stainless | 10 bar, 60°C | $754.55 |
| Hyjet HSS370-22-1 | 2.2kW | 304 stainless | 10 bar, 60°C | $826.05 |
| Hyjet SE160-1 | 1.1kW | Cast iron, brass impeller, 2 inch | 6 bar, 0 to 90°C, 450 L/min max | $1,172.55 |
| Hyjet SE210-1 | 1.5kW | Cast iron, brass impeller, 2 inch | 6 bar, 0 to 90°C, 450 L/min max | $1,205.55 |
| Pedrollo CPm 160B | 1.5kW | Cast iron | 220 L/min max | $1,304.55 |
Ratings and prices are as listed at the time of writing.
Cast iron or stainless?
- Hot water or heating loops: the Hyjet SE is rated for liquid up to 90°C. The HSS stops at 60°C, so it's not the pick for hot circuits.
- Higher pressure: the HSS is rated to 10 bar working pressure, against 6 bar for the SE.
- Big volumes: the SE's 2 inch connections and 450 L/min max flow suit irrigation mains and tank transfer.
- Rainwater, wash-down and continuous duty: the HSS's 304 stainless wetted parts and continuous duty rating suit water that sits in the pump, and corrosive conditions.
The priming trap
Standard centrifugal pumps can't pull water up a dry suction line. Pedrollo says so directly on the CPm listing: it needs flooded suction or a foot valve. Treat the others the same way unless their datasheet says otherwise. That means either the water source sits above the pump, or you fit a foot valve on the suction line and prime the pump before first start. Running one dry, even briefly, can wreck the mechanical seal.
For water below the pump, a self-priming jet pump is the safer choice. For emptying pits or flooded areas, use a submersible drainage pump instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a centrifugal pump used for?
Moving large volumes of water at moderate pressure: tank transfer, irrigation, wash-down and heating or cooling circulation. For house pressure, a pressure pump or multistage pump is usually better.
Are centrifugal pumps self-priming?
Standard ones aren't. The Pedrollo CPm listing says it needs flooded suction or a foot valve. Assume the same for others unless the datasheet says otherwise.
Can I use a stainless centrifugal pump for hot water?
Check the rating. The Hyjet HSS series is rated to 60°C. The cast iron Hyjet SE series is rated for liquid from 0 to 90°C.
Why is the max flow higher than what I get on site?
Max flow is measured at zero head. On a real job the pump works against lift and pipe friction, so read the pump curve at your total head to see actual flow.