How does a side channel pump work?

The liquid is drawn in and enters the impeller blades and the side channel which is open at just one point in the casing, rather than the entire circumference. As the star shaped impeller rotates, the pumped fluid moves back and forth several times between the blades of the impeller and the side channel. This creates a strong transfer of energy and results in an increase in pressure up to 10 times greater than that of centrifugal pump rotating at the same speed.

Where are side channel pumps used?

They are usually designed for low flow, high pressure applications involving any low viscosity, clean fluids and chemicals including those at high temperatures with entrained gas or vapour content up to 50%.

Can side channel pumps handle solids?

Due to their narrow tolerances, side channel pumps are unable to hande solids. All liquids pumped must be clean and free of particles.

Are side channel pumps self priming?

Yes! As the fluid collects in the outer area of the side channel and impeller blades, a liquid ring forms to facilite the self-priming process like a positive displacement pump, making it ideal for difficult suction conditions.

Can side channel pumps be used with shear sensitive fluids?

Unfortunately not. The high internal velocity/force that is applied upon the fluidlike a centrifugal pump can damage or alter the consistency of a delicate fluid.

Need help choosing the right pump or technical advice? Call the team on 01773 533 283.

Liverani Falco Side Channel Pump

Chemical Transfer Pump & Seawater Pump

Key Specifications
Max Flow Rate	140lpm
Max Head	22M
Max Temperature	130°C
Max Viscosity	100 cP
Solids	0mm
Size	1 1/4” to 1 1/2”

Enquire now about this product

The Liverani Falco Series are engine driven side channel pumps; a low cost, self priming option. These liquid ring pumps are used for a variety of transfer and offloading applications of clean and low viscosity fluids, typically in the marine industry.

The pump head is from the Nautic range therefore features the double bearing support (front and back) of the pump shaft, double lip seal (front and back) and all bronze construction. The Falco series area lightweight, robust and versatile bronze self priming side channel pump.

Features of the Falco Series Liquid Ring Pump:

Liquid ring pump with 2 stroke manual start petrol engine
Carrying handle and integral baseplate
Self priming up to 6m without the need of a non return valve.
Reversible operation
Low risk of cavitation due to low NPSHr
Short period of dry running
Transfer of fluids with gases and vapour in suspension without a pulsing effect
Supplied with BSP M Fittings as standard and free issued hose tail / pipe fittings
Operating Speeds up to 1400 rpm

Thanks to the following features the Liverani Falco side channel pump is an option that can be applied to many application requirements.

High entrained gas capabilities - Liquids with up to 50% gas content can be handled without any dry run damage e.g condensate
Low NPSH required - Can pump liquids close to boiling point without risk of cavitation such as LPG
High temperature handling - Liquids can be transferred at temperatures up to 165°C which is where other pumping technologies fail
Reversible operation – Allows cleaning solution to be ran through after use for hygienic pump applications, and tank to tank transfer applications.
Self-priming up to 6m – Enables the emptying of tanks and drums without a non-return valve or regular manual priming being required.
Various accessories available - Trolley for portability, bypass valve for nozzle dispensing, control panel, variable speed drive, level sensors and dry run protection

Like centrifugal pumps, side channel pumps have narrow tolerances that make them suited to only clean, low viscosity fluid free from solids. However, their uses do vary. Firstly, side channel pumps can handle high temperature fluids that are pumped close to boiling point and also can pump fluids that contain up to 50% gas content with little interruption to fluid flow. Their hygienic design and their reversible operation means that the Liverani Falco liquid ring pump is ideal for the below applications:

Marine Applications:	Industrial Applications:
Fresh and sea water pump Boiler feed Condensate extraction Aquaculture recirculation systems Low viscosity fuel and lubrication transfer	Hot water transfer Condensate extraction LPG Low viscosity fuel and lubrication transfer Process water and chemical pumping Corrosive acids and solvents Refrigerants and coolants

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION:

Description	Bronze	Stainless Steel AISI 316	Nitrile (NBR)
Part List
Pump Body	•
Impeller	•
Shaft		•
Mechanical Seal
Lip Seal			•

FAQs

Side channel pumps, or liquid ring pumps as they are otherwise known, are somewhat of a hybrid between a positive displacement pump and a centrifugal pump. Upon start up, a side channel pump begins to operate like a positive displacement pump as it self primes, but soon begins to act like a centrifugal pump once the side channels become filled with fluid.