Pumps are essential to many industrial processes, as they move solids, liquids, or gasses from one location to another. Many different types of pumps are available on the market, each with its unique set of features and applications.
The selection of pumps is based on the use, operating conditions, and desired results. In this article, we will look at six different types of pumps commonly used in industrial settings.
Eccentric Movement Pumps
Eccentric movement pumps are positive displacement pumps that use an eccentric (off-center) rotating shaft to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. These pumps are solids handling pumps designed to move solids-laden fluids without clogging. They can maintain a consistent flow rate even if the fluid’s viscosity changes.
The eccentric shaft is connected to a piston, and as the shaft rotates, the piston reciprocates within the pumping chamber. This action creates a suction force that draws fluid into the chamber. As the piston moves back to its original position, the fluid is forced out of the discharge port.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are some of the most commonly used pumps in industrial settings. They are designed to move liquids or gasses through a system using centrifugal force.
The liquid or gas is forced into the pump’s impeller, which spins at high speed and creates centrifugal force. This force causes the liquid or gas to be pushed through the pump and out the discharge pipe.
Centrifugal pumps can move large volumes of liquid or gas and handle high pressures. They are often used to move water, wastewater, slurries, and chemicals. Centrifugal pumps are also very efficient and can achieve high flow rates even when operating at low speeds.
Positive Displacement Pumps
Positive displacement pumps are designed to move a fixed volume of liquid or gas with each pump stroke. This type of pump is often used to convey viscous fluids or solids-laden fluids because it can maintain a consistent throughput even if the fluid’s pressure changes.
There are many different positive displacement pumps, but they all share a few standard features. They typically have a single moving part that contacts the fluid and use an enclosed chamber to create a seal.
As the moving part of the pump moves, it creates a vacuum that pulls the fluid into the chamber. The chamber then expands and forces the fluid out of the discharge port.
Diaphragm Pumps
Diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a diaphragm to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. This type of pump is often used to move corrosive or abrasive fluids because it can be constructed from materials that are resistant to these substances.
The diaphragm is mounted on a reciprocating shaft, and as the shaft moves, the diaphragm flexes and creates a suction force. This force draws fluid into the pumping chamber, and as the diaphragm moves back to its original position, the fluid is forced out of the discharge port.
Peristaltic Pumps
Peristaltic pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a flexible tube to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. This type of pump is often used to move viscous fluids or fluids that contain suspended solids because it can maintain a consistent throughput even if the fluid’s pressure changes.
The flexible tube is mounted on a rotating shaft, and as the shaft rotates, the tube is compressed and released. This action creates a suction force that draws fluid into the pumping chamber. As the tube is released, the fluid is forced out of the discharge port.
Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps
Air-operated diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a diaphragm to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. This type of pump is often used to move corrosive or abrasive fluids because it can be constructed from materials that are resistant to these substances.
The diaphragm is mounted on a reciprocating shaft, and as the shaft moves, the diaphragm flexes and creates a suction force. This force draws fluid into the pumping chamber, and as the diaphragm moves back to its original position, the fluid is forced out of the discharge port.
Air-operated diaphragm pumps are powered by compressed air, which means they can be used in hazardous environments where electrical power is unavailable.
Different types of pumps are used in industrial processes to move large volumes of liquid or gas. Centrifugal pumps are very efficient and can achieve high flow rates. Positive displacement pumps are designed to move a fixed volume of liquid or gas with each stroke.
Diaphragm pumps use a diaphragm to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. Peristaltic pumps use a flexible tube to create a seal between the pumping chamber and the discharge port. Air-operated diaphragm pumps are powered by compressed air and can be used in hazardous environments.
