Side channel pumps – find manufacturers and suppliers

Side channel pumps are special rotodynamic pumps that combine the properties of centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps. They are used when comparatively low flow rates are required at high delivery pressures or when the pumped liquid contains gas.

Due to their special design, side channel pumps are self-priming, can pump liquids containing gas and work reliably even under unfavorable suction conditions. These features make them particularly interesting for demanding industrial applications.

Below you will find the mode of operation, the different types of standard pumps, their technical features and their use, as well as their advantages and their limits and limitations of use:

How side channel pumps work:

The functional principle is based on a delivery channel arranged laterally in the housing - the so-called side channel - and a star-shaped impeller with radially arranged blades.

When the impeller rotates, the pumped liquid is taken up into the spaces between the blades.
The rotation causes it to be repeatedly transported back and forth between the impeller and the side channel.
This results in multiple energy transfer within a single rotation.

This repeated acceleration of the medium leads to a continuous increase in pressure along the side channel. In contrast to the classic centrifugal pump, the pressure increase does not take place in a single pass, but through a serial energy transfer in several small steps.

The result is a comparatively high delivery head with a relatively low flow rate. Due to its design, the pump can also pump liquids containing gas and vent itself automatically.

Types of side channel pumps:

Side channel pumps are available in various designs, depending on the area of application and performance requirements.

1. Single-stage side channel pumps:
   These have a single delivery stage and are suitable for applications with moderate pressure requirements.
   They are often used for smaller flow rates.
2. Multistage side channel pumps:
   Several stages connected in series enable significantly higher delivery pressures.
   They are used when high pressure differences need to be overcome, for example for boiler feed water or emptying tanks under pressurized conditions.
3. Self-priming side channel pumps:
   These variants are specially designed for applications where the suction line is not permanently filled.
   They can process air or gas components in the medium and are therefore particularly suitable for emptying tanks or mobile applications.
4. Magnetically coupled side channel pumps:
   This design does not have a shaft seal.
   Power is transmitted via a magnetic coupling, making the system hermetically sealed.
   This variant is suitable for aggressive, toxic or environmentally hazardous media.

Use of side channel pumps:

Side channel pumps are used wherever conventional centrifugal pumps reach their limits.

1. Chemical industry:
They pump aggressive or gas-laden media and ensure stable pressure conditions even under difficult suction conditions.

2. Tank and storage technology:
When loading and unloading tanks, air or gas may be present in the flow.
Side channel pumps also work reliably in these mixing phases.

3. Boiler feed water systems:
The ability to generate high delivery pressures at low flow rates makes them suitable for feed water applications.

4. Cooling and refrigeration systems:
Here they are used when small volume flows have to be pumped under relatively high pressure.

5. Shipbuilding and offshore technology:
In maritime applications, compact design, self-priming capability and gas compatibility are decisive advantages.

6. Energy and environmental technology
They are used in systems in which media with changing operating conditions or gas contents are pumped.

Advantages of side channel pumps:

• Self-priming capability: They can operate reliably even with partially filled suction lines or gas components in the medium.
• High pressure generation: Multistage designs enable high delivery pressures with compact dimensions.
• Gas compatibility: In contrast to many centrifugal pumps, they do not immediately lose their pumping capacity if the medium contains gas.
• Operational reliability: The robust design enables reliable operation even under changing conditions.
• Compact design: They require less space than comparable multistage centrifugal pumps.
• Flexibility: Different materials and sealing systems allow them to be adapted to different media and temperatures.

Limits and limitations of side channel pumps:

Despite their advantages, side channel pumps are not suitable for every application.

• Their hydraulic efficiency is generally lower than that of optimally designed centrifugal pumps.
• For very large flow rates or highly viscous media, other pump types make more economic sense.

The selection should therefore always be based on a precise analysis of the pumping task.

Side channel pumps are specialized pumping systems that particularly come into their own with gas-laden liquids, high pressure requirements and difficult suction conditions. Thanks to their combination of self-priming capability, high pressure performance and compact design, they are indispensable in numerous industrial applications. Correctly designed and adapted to the specific requirements, side channel pumps offer a reliable, flexible and technically mature solution for demanding pumping tasks.

Here you will find an overview of the most important criteria to look out for when purchasing side channel pumps:

Side channel pumps are specialized centrifugal pumps that are used especially for applications with low flow rates, high delivery pressures and gas-laden liquids. They combine features of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps and are characterized by their self-priming capability and high pressure stability. Typical areas of application are the chemical industry, tank and storage technology, energy systems, boiler and feed water systems, cooling technology and maritime applications. In professional applications, unsuitably designed or poor quality side channel pumps can lead to cavitation, overheating, heavy wear, sealing problems, energy losses or unplanned downtimes. As they are often used in safety-relevant or sensitive processes, a structured and technically sound purchasing process is crucial for operational safety, efficiency and long-term system availability.

• A professional purchasing process begins with a detailed analysis of the conveying task.
• The required flow rate, the desired delivery head, the system pressure and possible pressure peaks are decisive.
• Side channel pumps are particularly suitable for small volume flows with high pressure requirements. The exact determination of the operating point is of central importance.
• The planned operating point should be as close as possible to the optimum efficiency range, as continuous operation outside this range can lead to increased mechanical loads, higher heat generation and reduced efficiency.
• Another key point is the analysis of the pumped medium. Chemical composition, temperature, viscosity, density and the proportion of dissolved or free gases must be taken into account.
• Side channel pumps are particularly advantageous if the medium contains gas or intermittently conveys air.
• Nevertheless, it is important to check the maximum permissible gas content and how this affects the pumping capacity and stability.
• Suitable materials such as stainless steel or special alloys are required for aggressive or corrosive media.
• Abrasive components can also have a significant impact on the service life of the impeller and housing.
• The suction conditions and the NPSH ratios play a decisive role.
• Although side channel pumps are self-priming, the actual suction conditions must be carefully evaluated.
• Factors such as suction head, line length, temperature of the medium and vapor pressure influence the cavitation tendency.
• An insufficient NPSH reserve can lead to noise, vibrations, loss of performance and component damage. A precise hydraulic design protects against these risks.
• The choice of a suitable design is also of great importance.
• Depending on the pressure requirement, a single-stage or multi-stage design may be necessary.
• Multistage side channel pumps enable higher final pressures with a compact design.
• It should also be checked whether a magnetically coupled design is appropriate, for example for toxic, flammable or environmentally critical media.
• Magnetic couplings enable a hermetically sealed design and avoid leakage risks, but increase investment costs.
• The mechanical construction and the design of the bearing and shaft systems are decisive quality features.
• Due to their design, side channel pumps generate higher internal circulation movements, which can lead to additional heat generation.
• Robust bearings, precise manufacturing tolerances and high-quality materials contribute significantly to the service life.
• The cooling of the pump - especially at higher temperatures or in continuous operation - must also be taken into account.
• Sealing is a particularly critical point in the purchasing process.
• Depending on the medium and operating pressure, single or double mechanical seals can be considered.
• In sensitive applications, a barrier fluid system may be required.
• The choice of seal not only influences safety, but also maintenance intervals and operating costs.
• Errors in this area can lead to leaks, environmental pollution or production downtime.
• Energy efficiency should not be neglected despite the lower efficiency due to the design.
• Precise dimensioning prevents unnecessary energy consumption.
• The choice of an efficient motor and, if necessary, the use of a frequency converter for speed control can also significantly reduce operating costs.
• As side channel pumps are often used in continuous or intermittent operation, even small improvements in efficiency have a long-term economic impact.
• Standards, safety requirements and certifications must be taken into account.
• Depending on the area of application, ATEX certifications for potentially explosive atmospheres, pressure equipment directives, machinery directives or industry-specific standards may be relevant.
• Complete technical documentation, material certificates and test reports are essential for legally compliant and project-safe procurement.
• Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts are also key decision criteria.
• Side channel pumps should be designed in such a way that wear parts are easily accessible and replaceable.
• The long-term availability of spare parts reduces downtimes. Information on the expected service life, recommended maintenance intervals and average operating time until failure provide information on the quality of the design.
• Professional purchasing also takes into account the manufacturer's expertise.
• Experience in comparable applications, sound technical advice, transparent performance data and reliable service are crucial for investment security.
• A manufacturer who provides support during design, commissioning and optimization makes a significant contribution to long-term process stability.
• The acquisition costs of a side channel pump are only a part of the actual total costs.
• Energy consumption, maintenance costs, seal replacements, spare parts costs and potential downtimes have a much greater impact.
• A holistic view of life cycle costs prevents short-term, price-oriented wrong decisions and promotes sustainable investments.

The professional purchase of side channel pumps is a technically demanding process that goes far beyond the selection of a suitable delivery pressure. A precise analysis of the pumping task, careful evaluation of the medium, correct hydraulic design and the selection of suitable materials and sealing systems are crucial. Equally important are compliance with standards, energy efficiency, ease of maintenance and the technical expertise of the manufacturer. Those who systematically take these factors into account and carry out a holistic life cycle cost analysis will ensure that the side channel pump works reliably, safely and economically in the long term and makes a stable contribution to the efficiency and operational safety of the entire system.

Side channel pumps can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Side channel pumps from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.