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Single-Stage Pipeline Pump or Multistage CDL? Choosing by Head

October 22, 2026 2 min read Haquan
Single-Stage Pipeline Pump or Multistage CDL? Choosing by Head

Both pumps install in line and both handle clean water, so the question comes up often. Look at the same duty in both ranges.

DutySingle-stage pipeline pumpMultistage CDL(F)
12.5 m³/h at 80 m40-250(I): 12.5 m³/h, 80 m, 11 kWCDL(F) 12-80: 12 m³/h, 80 m, 5.5 kW
6.3 m³/h at 50 m40-200: 6.3 m³/h, 50 m, 4 kWCDL(F) 8-50: 8 m³/h, 45 m, 2 kW
100 m³/h at 20 m100-125: 100 m³/h, 20 m, 11 kWOutside the sweet spot of the range

At high head and small flow, the multistage pump does the job with a much smaller motor. At large flow and low head, the single-stage pipeline pump is simpler, cheaper and easier to service.

A simple rule

  • Head under about 50 m, or flow above about 100 m³/h: start with a single-stage pipeline pump
  • Head above about 60 m at modest flow: look at the CDL(F)
  • Corrosive liquid: IHG stainless pipeline pump or CDL(F), depending on head
  • Liquid with fine solids: neither is ideal; ask us

Compare the two ranges in the pipeline pump table and the CDL(F) table.

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