Pressure across the passage between two consecutive vanes is assumed to be same but due to rotation of the vane pressure on forward face becomes more and less on trailing face. That is, on one side of a vane there will be positive pressure and on its other side (in another passage) it will be negative, as shown in figure. Therefore, fluid will have tendency to move around the edge in the space between casing and impeller causing losses. Fixing a ring around the vanes can prevent this. This ring is called shroud. Further, pressure at impeller exit is more than that at is entrance and that the exit and entrance are connected through space between casing and blade edge. Therefore, there are chances of back flow from exit to suction side of impeller through this casing space, see Fig.9.1.3(a). Reducing clearance space can decrease it.