Seawater Pump Selection: Why Prioritize Split Case Pumps?

Table of contents

1. Symmetrical structure and stable operation

2. Symmetrical structure, easy maintenance

3. Suitable for high-volume, long-distance transport

4. Multiple materials suitable for conveying different media

5. Excellent control compatibility and intelligent control 

In coastal power plants, desalination facilities, marine systems, seawater transport and large-scale cooling circulation systems, seawater supply pumps play a crucial role in continuously and stably delivering highly corrosive seawater. Amid harsh operating conditions—high salinity and humidity, easy scaling and corrosion—pump selection directly impacts system operational safety and economy. Among various pump types, split-case centrifugal pumps stand out as the preferred choice for seawater supply systems, thanks to their unique structural design and operational advantages.

1、Symmetrical structure and stable operation

The split-case pump adopts a double suction impeller with a horizontal split-case structure and symmetrical inlet and outlet arrangements. Water flows in from both sides of the impeller simultaneously, effectively offsetting axial force and significantly reducing operating vibration and bearing load.

Advantages:

1. It can still maintain stable operation under conditions of high seawater flow velocity and pulsating pressure;

2. Reduce wear on mechanical seals and bearings, extending equipment life;

3. Particularly suitable for seawater transportation scenarios with large flow rates and medium to high lift.

4. Convenient maintenance and short downtime – key to reducing operation and maintenance costs.

2、Symmetrical structure , easy maintenance

Seawater systems typically operate continuously for 24 hours a day, and equipment downtime results in significant economic losses. The split-case pump’s horizontally split structure makes maintenance extremely convenient.

Advantages:

1. No need to disassemble the inlet and outlet pipelines; simply open the pump body cover to inspect and maintain the impeller, seals, and bearings.

2. Maintenance cycles are reduced by more than 50%, significantly improving system availability;

3. Suitable for installation in pump rooms or offshore platforms where space is limited but quick maintenance is required.

4. Large flow rate and high efficiency – meeting the needs of large-volume seawater discharge

3、Suitable for high-volume, long-distance transport

Split case pumps are inherently capable of delivering large flow rates, with a single pump capable of delivering hundreds to thousands of m³/h, fully meeting the high demand for seawater from coastal industries.

Advantages:

efficiency hydraulic model design ;

It can be matched with frequency converter control to achieve energy-saving operation;

Multi-stage series connection can increase the head and adapt to long-distance conveying.

Flexible material, strong corrosion resistance

4、Multiple materials suitable for conveying different media

Split-case pumps have a wide range of applications and can transport a variety of media. By changing the materials of the pump casing and flow parts, as well as the sealing method, they can also transport corrosive or conditional wastewater, or even gasoline and diesel fuel.

Optional material combinations:

1. Pump body: Ductile iron + epoxy resin coating / duplex stainless steel (such as SS2204, CD4MCu )

2. Impeller: Bronze, stainless steel 316L, 2204 or wear-resistant alloy

3. Sealing: Mechanical seal + flushing system to prevent seawater intrusion.

4. Reliable operation and compatible with automated systems – the ideal choice for smart water management.

5、Excellent control compatibility and intelligent control.

Modern seawater systems commonly employ PLC/SCADA automation control. Split-case pumps offer excellent control compatibility.

Advantages:

1. It can integrate pressure, temperature, and vibration sensors to achieve condition monitoring;

2. Supports remote start/stop, fault alarm, and automatic switching;

3. Link with the standby pump to ensure uninterrupted water supply.

In seawater supply systems, pumps are not only power sources but also the “ballast” for system reliability. Split-case pumps, with their five major advantages —stable structure, convenient maintenance, large flow rate, corrosion resistance, and intelligent adaptability— have become the industry’s recognized preferred solution. Whether for new projects or upgrading existing pumps, choosing high-performance split-case pumps is a wise investment in long-term operating costs and system safety. For customized split-case pump solutions suitable for seawater conditions, contact Zhongda Pumps for free technical consultation and hydraulic selection services!