Book excerpt: This book is both a state-of-the-art review of centrifugal pump technology and a practical guide to designers. Continuous development over a period of several decades has led to a rational approach to the understanding, design, and development of centrifugal pumps. Many aspects of this consistent approach are outlined in this book. Detailed description of all the important elements of a pump stage are included. Particular attention is paid to the impeller and the diffuser, which are the key elements in achieving the necesary head rise. Inlets, volutes, collectors, and return channels are also discussed in depth. Extensive use is made of the graphs, line drawings, and photographs. The text includes several hundred references which cover all of the important developments int the technology base over the past forty years. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental testing are emphasized as essentials parts of the design review process. [Source : d'après la 4e de couverture].