Discussion - Specification and Applications of Crisafulli Vertical Pumps
Applications. Dependable, powerful SRS Crisafulli (SRSC) vertical pumps can pump all kinds of debris, and they are durable. They are designed for stationary applications such as storm water management (removal of storm water overflow, and flood waters), industrial waste, municipal water treatment plants, sewage digesters and lift stations, manure tanks, chemical sumps, and dry docks where slurries may contain solids (up to spherical 5 1/2 inches), and solids with a specific gravity of 1.3 (such as sand) up to 34.5% by weight and 16.92% by volume.
Capabilities. SRSC vertical pumps can pump up to 18,000 U. S. gallons per minute (GPM) with total dynamic heads (TDH) of up to 280 feet. SRSC vertical pumps are submersible, closed impeller centrifugal pumps that require no priming, no check valves, no suction pipes, no screens, and they are self-drained. With no shaft seals or housing seals, SRSC vertical pumps are virtually unaffected by silt, sand, mud, sludge or abrasives. They pass remarkably large solids and pump high-weight/high viscosity fluids with ease.
Specifications. SRSC vertical pumps are powered with electric motors up to 225 Horse Power (HP), by diesel or gasoline engines, and by the power-take-off (PTO) device on farm tractors. SRSC offers its vertical pumps in several series including Standard Duty or Severe Duty, Direct Drive, Belt Drive, Gear Box Drive, Dual Drive, or PTO Driven Gear Box Drive, altogether a product offering of 170 standard models to handle a very wide range of customer applications in a cost efficient manner. Impellers are offered either open or closed, and either single or double, and, for larger pumps, either Regular Life, Intermediate Lift, or High Lift.
Custom versions. In addition to the standard models listed below, the Company builds custom vertical pumps. A wide range of custom metals, lengths, and configurations are offered to meet the specific needs of individual customers.
Three Pump Series - L, J, & S. Generally, the performance characteristics of Crisafulli’s three pump series used in Crisafulli’s Vertical Pumps - i.e., L-Series, J-Series, and S-Series - relative to each other are - 1. L-Series pumps are relatively high flow and low head, 2. J-Series pumps are relatively high flow and high head, and 3. S-Series pumps are relatively low flow and high head.
Closed or Open, Single or Double Impellers. In all its pump series, Crisafulli offers customers choices as to impeller designs - i. e., closed single or closed double impellers, or open single or open double impellers. Open impellers are designed to handle larger diameter solids. Double impellers are designed to handle larger flows.
Application determines Impeller selection. The open and typically single suction impellers are slurry and sludge impellers and handle slightly larger solids. On L-Series pumps single suction open impellers are used on manure/slurry pumps. Double suction impellers are the typical L-series impellers and are almost always closed high volume water impellers.
Duty Designations - degrees of “ruggedness”
Standard Duty. Made with - 1/4” mild steel construction, lip-type seals, open lineshaft where applicable.
Industrial Duty. Made with - 3/8” mild steel construction, open line shaft where applicable.
Rugged Duty. Made with - Abrasion resistant steel construction, Tungsten carbide mechanical seals.
Severe Duty. Made with - Bearing Frame added to abrasion resistant pump, (1) Tungsten carbide mechanical seal, and (1) carbon ceramic mechanical seal, oil-filled column where applicable.
Intended Applications for each Duty Designation
Standard Duty: Pumping clear liquids of neutral pH containing a very minimum of solids
Industrial Duty: Pumping light, non-abrasive slurries of neutral pH containing occasional small quantities of solids
Rugged Duty: Pumping moderately abrasive slurries of near neutral pH containing solids up to 1/2” diameter
Severe Duty: Pumping moderately abrasive slurries of near neutral pH containing solids larger than 1/2” solids up to maximum diameter for pump size
Closed VS. Open Impeller
Closed Impellers utilize shrouds, commonly called “wear plates,” on both edges of the impeller vanes. These shrouds reduce recirculation and increase efficiency. Commonly used for pumping clear liquids and light slurries containing a very minimum of solids.
Open Impellers do not utilize shrouds on the suction side of the impeller vanes. Commonly used for pumping slurries and other liquids containing stringy material.
Pump Series Descriptions
Customers choose the L-Series when they need high flows, between 15’ & 60’ of head. 12” & 16” are the most popular sizes. L-Series pumps turn at low 540 RPM for longer pump life.

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