Pumping Essentials: A Dive into Pump Types and Uses

Share

A pump is a tool that increases water pressure to transfer liquid. It is often powered by diesel, gas, and electricity, and in a remote place, it is through solar energy. According to experts at Pumpbiz, there are various types of pumps, but the principle is always the same. Some of the common types of pumps and their uses include the following:

1.      Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement pumps help to move oils, sewage, slurries, and other thick fluids. They handle high pressure with a lower flow rate; thereby maintaining efficiency. They often work well in conditions where dynamic pumps struggle. A positive displacement pump discharges liquid in pulses instead of continuously. Although the pump is more complex in design compared to a dynamic pump, it manages varying flow rates and pressure better.

2.      Peristaltic Pumps

A peristaltic pump is known as a peristaltic dosing pump and a tube pump. It is volumetric and its application is linked to processing water treatment, food, and chemical industries. The pump often has a constant flow for mixing and measuring and can pump different liquids, like toothpaste as well as various chemicals.

3.      Submersible Pumps

Working under the ESP mechanism, these types of pumps are effective, serving as a flood defense scheme, provided they submerge in the water. They often come in handy for passive defense schemes especially when clubbed with automatic float switches. However, they are costly, for they have a special electricity cable. In addition, the electricity amount that submersible pumps use is more than other types of pumps. They are more suitable for transferring the following:

  • Food
  • Bore water
  • Chemicals
  • Blackwater
  • Groundwater
  • Stormwater
  • Rainwater

4.      Diaphragm Pumps

These types of pumps use a very flexible diaphragm so as to create reciprocating motion as well as move the liquid through the system. They are often motorless or pneumatic as well as self-priming. These make them ideal for food products, lubricants, chemicals, and other liquids that need gentle handling or low shear.

5.      Plunger Pumps

These types of pumps have the same principle as piston pumps, though with a different design. They often work under strong pressure and have a higher flow rate because of strong plunger seals. The pumps are used for different pump applications, and that includes high-pressure water cleaning and jetting. This makes it suitable for applications that require high pressure, including dewatering and oil & gas production.

6.      Centrifugal Pumps

These pumps come in various materials, sizes, and shapes, including ATEX executions, self-priming, industrial, and sanitary. They are used in different industries for various applications, including cosmetics, surface conditioning, wastewater treatment, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage.

7.      Lobe Pumps

These pumps are common in food manufacturing, paper, and chemical sectors. They are made to transport fluids that contain low and high-viscosity solid materials. These pumps also work with two intermeshing lobes, which turn without contact between their housing and lobes.

The bottom line is that pumps come in different types, each made to cater to very specific requirements. Whether it is centrifugal pumps or positive displacement pumps, understanding different kinds of pumps is important for managing water more effectively.