TYPES OF PUMPS: AN OVERVIEW

Pumps transfer fluids or gases from one point to another via mechanical action, and they can carry liquids from low to high levels and low to high-pressure areas. Different pumps use different power forces, including manual operation, electrical, engine, or wind power. But in most cases, they operate by a vacuum whereby air pressure pushes the liquid out.

Pumps have been in existence for many years, and more innovations have come up. When buying a pump for your application, it is best to buy the right one. Let’s look at the common types of pumps at reputable pump shops such as PumpBiz.

Centrifugal pumps

Centrifugal pumps move fluid via the transfer of rotational energy from the impeller. When the liquid enters the rotating impeller, the centrifugal force ejects it through the vane tip of the impeller. The action increases the fluid’s velocity and pressure directing it towards the outlet. Centrifugal pumps are used in different industries, including water supply, beverage processing, and fire protection systems.

Jet pumps

Jet pumps have a driving nozzle that transforms the fluid pressure into a high-speed jet to facilitate the flow. You must fill a jet pump with water to run it. In a primed system, a centrifugal pump comes in handy for pushing the water out. Typically, some water is discharged while the rest recirculates into the driveline.

Piston pumps

In Piston pumps, a high-pressure seal links to a piston, and it operates over a wide range of pressures. Used to move liquids or gases, a piston pump works through a piston cup that facilitates the oscillating mechanism whereby the downstroke causes the pressure difference. Such a working mechanism fills the pump chambers, and the upstroke pumps the fluid out for the required application. In most cases, piston pumps are found in systems that require high and consistent pressure.

Diaphragm pumps

A diaphragm pump works on the air displacement mechanism by using a combination of reciprocating rubber and thermoplastics. During operation, one side of the diaphragm pump is filled with the liquid to be pumped. When the volume increases, the diaphragm moves upwards, and the pressure decreases, allowing the fluid to go through the chamber.

When the pressure in the unit is high due to a reduced volume, the drawn fluid is drained. Consequently, the diaphragm moves up, drawing the liquid into the chamber to finish the cycle.

Rotary pumps

Rotary pumps are unique in that a fixed volume of liquid moves with every revolution. These pumps can provide continuously delivered capacity using rotating gears to move the fluid regardless of the pressure.

The revolving gear creates a liquid seal with the pump casing and facilitates fluid suction at the inlet. When drawn in the pump, the liquid is locked within the teeth of the rotating gears and transferred out.

conclusion

The above listed are some of the many pumps you will find in the market. When choosing one, consider the type, viscosity, temperature, and vapor pressure of the fluid. It is also wise to use the expertise of a pump specialist.