Bell & Gossett VSX Double-Suction Split-Case Pump

Overview

The Bell & Gossett VSX is a double-suction, split-case centrifugal pump platform that Bell & Gossett developed after asking specifiers and contractors what they needed: a pump that saves space, is highly efficient, installs easily and is simple to maintain. The VSX retains the proven space-saving VSC vertical split-case concept and adds new CFD-designed hydraulics, a choice of three flange orientations and a series of serviceability improvements. It covers flows from 500 to 28,000 GPM and heads from 30 to 530 feet, which suits chiller, cooling tower and large secondary loop pumping.

Seven Star LLC supplies the Bell & Gossett VSX on request to district cooling operators, consultants and mechanical contractors in Oman and the GCC, with engineering support in Muscat. Large chilled water and condenser water plants in the Gulf run long hours at high flow, so a pump that is both efficient and compact in the plant room has a measurable effect on lifetime cost.

Operating Principle

In a double-suction pump the liquid enters the impeller from both sides at once. The Bell & Gossett VSX splits the incoming flow through a suction passage into two streams that feed the two eyes of a single double-suction impeller, then collects the discharge in the volute. Because the flow enters symmetrically, axial thrust is largely balanced and the impeller can handle large flows at relatively low inlet velocity, which is why split-case pumps are the standard choice for high-flow hydronic service.

Bell & Gossett designed the VSX hydraulics starting from real duty points, matching best efficiency points to common chiller and cooling tower sizes and to typical industrial flow and head conditions. Each design was simulated with computational fluid dynamics to visualise flows and pressures inside the pump, and the same CFD work allows identical performance to be delivered in every flange configuration, so the choice of layout never compromises efficiency.

Engineering Design of the Bell & Gossett VSX

The Bell & Gossett VSX is offered as the VSC (top suction, top discharge), the VSCS (top and side) and the VSH (side and side), and each size can be built for right or left hand rotation, giving up to six installation configurations. In the VSC arrangement the vertical split-case volute supports heavy piping loads directly on its nozzles, and Bell & Gossett states that it can reduce the equipment footprint by up to 40 percent against horizontal split-case and large vertical in-line pumps. Sizes run from 4x6x10.5 up to 18x20x22.

Service access is a major design theme. There is no heavy top casing or motor to lift, and bearings, mechanical seals and shaft sleeves can be inspected or replaced from either side without disturbing the piping or motor. Bearings are maintenance-free, the one-piece unitized seal uses a single elastomeric bellows and fewer parts, the groutless baseplate was developed with finite element analysis, and an alignment-friendly split element coupling sits inside an ANSI B15.1 and OSHA 1910.219 compliant guard with viewing windows.

Key Features

The Bell & Gossett VSX platform combines these features for large pumping systems:

• CFD-designed hydraulics cover 500 to 28,000 GPM (114 to 6400 m3/h) and 30 to 530 ft (9 to 161 m) of head.
• Three flange layouts (VSC, VSCS, VSH) with right or left rotation deliver identical performance.
• The VSC vertical configuration reduces plant room footprint by up to 40% and supports piping loads on its nozzles.
• Bearings, seals and sleeves are serviceable from either side without lifting casings or motors.
• Maintenance-free bearings remove regular greasing and the risk of mixing greases.
• A one-piece unitized seal simplifies replacement, with balanced seals for 300 psig and the largest sizes.
• A groutless steel baseplate and alignment-friendly coupling shorten installation time.
• Working pressures of 175 or 300 psig with 125# or 250# ANSI flanges, for 0 to 300°F liquids.

Industrial Applications

Bell & Gossett engineered the VSX around chiller, cooling tower, secondary loop and general pumping duties. In Oman the Bell & Gossett VSX fits primary and condenser water pumps in district cooling plants serving new urban developments around Muscat, large chilled water systems in airports, universities, hospitals and malls, and cooling water circulation in industrial facilities in Sohar, Duqm and Salalah. The vertical VSC layout is especially useful in crowded plant rooms or when an existing plant is being expanded within the same building.

The option of 300 psig construction suits high-rise buildings and systems with high static pressure, while the right and left hand rotation versions make it easier to arrange pumps in mirror-image pairs. Seven Star LLC supplies the Bell & Gossett VSX together with Bell & Gossett spare parts, and our engineering team in Muscat helps consultants and contractors across the GCC select the size, flange layout and seal option from the published curves.

Technical Specifications

The Bell & Gossett VSX data below is taken from the Bell & Gossett B-475E and B-476E brochures.

For smaller duties see the Bell & Gossett Series e-1531 pump, the Pentair Aurora 3800 end suction pump and the KSB Etanorm centrifugal pump.

How to Order

To order the Bell & Gossett VSX, send Seven Star LLC a formal RFQ with the design flow, head, fluid temperature, working pressure and preferred flange layout, and our engineering team will confirm the size and options. We offer engineering support in Muscat for customers across Oman and the GCC. Download the Bell & Gossett VSX technical brochure from this page, and contact our pumps division for seals, bearings and delivery schedules.