Centrifugal pump with segmented diffuser

摘要

A centrifugal pump (2) with a volute (12) and at least one stage with an associated impeller (4) and removable diffuser assembly (14) comprises: multiple diffuser segments (16), each diffuser segment comprising a central passage (18) from an inner curvilinear surface (20) to an outer curvilinear surface (22) and a curvilinear leading engagement surface (28) between a leading end of its curvilinear inner surface and its curvilinear outer surface; multiple curvilinear volute mounting surfaces (26) within the volute, each curvilinear mounting surface receiving a corresponding diffuser segment to mount the diffuser segments in a generally annular pattern about the impeller to form the removable diffuser assembly, with the curvilinear inner surface of each diffuser segment proximate an outer periphery of the impeller and the curvilinear leading engagement surface (28) of each diffuser segment engaging a trailing portion of the curvilinear outer surface (22) of an adjacent one of the diffuser segments; and a volute connecting passage (30) within the volute for coupling the central passages of each diffuser segment to a pump outlet (32).