Centrifugal pumps are the unsung heroes of modern industry — quietly moving water, chemicals, oil, and countless fluids that keep the world running.
Centrifugal Pumps: Design and Application is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative and practical books ever written on this subject. Used by engineers, plant managers, and students alike, this book bridges the gap between theory and real-world pump operation.
Whether you’re struggling with pump selection, efficiency losses, cavitation, or maintenance issues, this book offers clear explanations backed by decades of engineering experience. It’s not light reading — but it’s incredibly valuable. Keep reading for a detailed summary, key takeaways, and where to buy this essential engineering reference.
Table of Contents
About the Book
Centrifugal Pumps: Design and Application is a technical engineering reference book focused on the design, selection, operation, and troubleshooting of centrifugal pumps across industries.
The book covers both fundamental hydraulic principles and practical field applications, making it suitable for:
- Mechanical and chemical engineers
- Pump designers and OEM professionals
- Maintenance and reliability engineers
- Engineering students and educators
Rather than focusing on one industry, it addresses pump usage in power plants, oil & gas, water treatment, chemical processing, HVAC systems, and more. Its strength lies in explaining why pumps behave the way they do — not just how to size or select them.
This book has been published in multiple editions and is often cited in engineering courses and professional training programs.
About the Author
The book is authored and edited by Igor J. Karassik, along with contributions from several respected pump and turbomachinery experts.
Igor J. Karassik was a globally recognized authority in pump engineering, with decades of experience in:
- Pump system design
- Hydraulic performance analysis
- Reliability and failure prevention
He also contributed to other influential works in fluid machinery and engineering handbooks. His reputation for combining academic rigor with field-tested insights is one of the main reasons this book remains a standard reference today.
Summary / Key Takeaways
Here are the core lessons and concepts readers gain from the book:
- Explains centrifugal pump fundamentals, including impeller design, flow behavior, and head generation
- Breaks down pump performance curves and how to interpret them correctly
- Covers cavitation causes, detection, and prevention in real systems
- Provides guidance on pump selection for specific applications
- Addresses operation, efficiency, vibration, and reliability issues
- Links pump design choices to long-term maintenance and lifecycle cost
The book avoids unnecessary fluff and focuses on engineering logic and application-based learning.
What Readers Liked
Readers consistently praise this book for several reasons:
- Deep technical accuracy without being vague or oversimplified
- Strong balance between theory and real-world examples
- Clear explanations of complex hydraulic concepts
- Excellent reference for troubleshooting pump problems
- Trusted by professionals with decades of industry experience
Many engineers consider it a desk reference they return to repeatedly rather than a one-time read.
What Could Be Better
While highly respected, the book isn’t perfect for everyone:
- It can feel dense and technical for beginners with no pump background
- Limited visuals compared to modern textbooks
- Not written for casual readers — it assumes basic engineering knowledge
If you’re looking for an introductory or simplified overview, this may feel overwhelming at first.
Why You Should Read It
If you work with pumps in any serious capacity, this book is worth your time.
It helps you:
- Avoid costly pump selection mistakes
- Understand why pumps fail, not just how to fix them
- Improve system efficiency and reliability
- Communicate better with vendors, designers, and operators
For engineers focused on long-term performance, energy efficiency, and reliability, this book delivers insights that many shorter guides simply skip
Buy This Book
If you’re ready to add this essential reference to your collection:
About the Author
