Selecting the right pump is one of the highest-impact decisions industrial and marine engineers and facility managers make. Pumps are the heart of any fluid system, and their performance determines how reliably and efficiently water, chemicals, or seawater move through processes.
A pump that doesn’t align with system requirements can drive up energy consumption, accelerate wear and tear, and increase downtime.
That’s why MCE partners with Peerless Pumps, a trusted name in American-made, high-performance pumping solutions.
Peerless Pumps has decades of proven success in developing reliable pumps, while MCE provides the service, repair, and integration expertise needed to keep pumps performing over the long haul.
Related: Powering Shipyards: How MCE Supports U.S. Shipbuilding
Vertical Turbine Pumps vs. Horizontal Split Case Pumps
Peerless Pumps is well-known for vertical turbines (VT) and horizontal split case (HSC) pump configurations. Both are popular options for sectors like shipbuilding, industrial fluid transfer applications, and chemical processing.
However, there are key differences in orientation and casing style and how each interacts with the system layout, maintenance practices, and operating conditions, especially how and whether they stand up to seawater, debris, and tight spaces.
We recommend evaluating the system's flow rate, pressure needs, and specific operational conditions to determine the right pump type.
When comparing vertical turbine pumps and horizontal split case pumps, engineers typically weigh factors like:
- Water Source: VT pumps are ideal for below-grade water sources, while HSC pumps are suitable for surface-level or pressurized water sources.
- Space Availability: VT pumps require less floor space, making them suitable for facilities with limited space. HSC pumps need more room for installation and maintenance.
- Maintenance Requirements: HSC pumps offer better accessibility for maintenance, while VT pumps may have more challenging access to submerged parts.
- System Requirements: VT pumps handle high head and variable suction lifts. HSC pumps are ideal for high-flow, moderate to high head applications.
When to Choose Vertical Turbine Pumps
Vertical turbine pumps are used to pump fluids from low-lying sources to higher elevation. They enable fluid transport for power generation, chemical processing, oil and gas pipelines, fire protection, and cooling systems.
Vertical turbine pumps are ideal for deep-set or below-grade applications such as intake wells, sumps, or underground tank systems. Excellent for high head or deep suction lifts, small footprint, and variable head ranges, they:
- Handle variable flow and suction lift scenarios
- Require less floor space
- Offer customizable column length and impeller stages
- Are designed for high-pressure activities
Applications: Industrial fluid-transfer applications often use vertical turbine pumps in sump systems, while marine applications rely on fire pumps for shipyards.
- Commercial building
- Industrial facilities
- Energy facilities
- Oil & gas facilities
- Power plants
- Marine applications
Considerations: Vertical turbine pumps require precise alignment during installation, and maintenance and repair activities are more difficult due to submerged parts. Also, vertical turbine pumps are acceptable for seawater service only if built of suitable alloys.
When to Choose Horizontal Split Case Pumps
Horizontal split case (HSC) pumps are centrifugal pumps in which pump housing is divided into two distinct chambers, allowing for easy maintenance. HSC are often floor-mounted, large-bore, double-suction casings with split bodies.
Great for high flows at moderate to high heads, easy mechanical access for service, grease or oil-lubricated bearings isolated from the pumped fluid. HSC pumps are suitable for above-ground sources and are highly efficient with low noise levels. Horizontal split case pumps are typically used in clean water, chemical, or process fluid transfer.
Horizontal split case pumps are commonly used in pulp and paper processes, shore plants, pump rooms, chemical plants, and facility booster systems because they:
- Are easy to maintain with top-access casing
- Offer smooth and efficient performance at high flows
- Provide a long service life with minimal wear
Applications: Horizontal split case pumps are often used in pump rooms, shore plants, and some shipboard or industrial skids. Other uses include:
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial facilities
- Energy facilities
- Oil & gas facilities
- Power plants
Considerations: Horizontal split case pumps require more floor space than vertical turbine pumps and also require a flooded suction or pressurized fluid source.
Both types of pumps are excellent choices for fire protection systems, each with distinct advantages. Your choice should depend on your specific water source, space, and operational requirements.
MCE Helps You Choose the Right Industrial and Marine Pumps
Deciding on the right pump system doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team of fluid power and pump engineers can help evaluate your system requirements against your site layout and maintenance goals to recommend the right configuration for your exact needs.
Our factory-trained technicians are available for support, as well as remanufacturing services for your pump systems. Learn more.
By combining Peerless Pumps engineering expertise with MCE’s supply, service and remanufacturing capabilities, you can be sure the pump you choose will go the distance.
Schedule a consultation to go over your industrial or marine pump needs today.
