A Channel Impeller works directly on the pumped liquid with the liquid passing through the impeller itself. It can be described as a closed, semi-open or open impeller.
The impeller can have one or more channels of varying size, allowing for the free passage of impurities up to a particular size. In those with more than one channel, fibrous impurities may get caught on the leading edges of the vane, causing the pump to clog. Liquid with a high sand content will cause problems with clearance, but when specified correctly this pump type can have efficiencies as high as 80-85%.