Different Types of Industrial Pumps by Application.

Classification of Pumps.

Industrial pumps and be separated into two primary classifications: dynamic pumps and positive displacement pumps.

Dynamic Pump Types:

• Centrifugal pumps.
• Magnetic drive pumps.

Positive Displacement Pump Tools:

• Rotary lobe pumps.
• Gear pumps.
• Progressive cavity pumps.
• Peristaltic pumps.
• Diaphragm Pumps.

Dynamic pump types and applications

Dynamic pumps have rotating impellers or blades to transfer fluid from one place to another. The most common type is centrifugal pumps. Dynamic pumps are commonly used for applications requiring high flow rates and low viscosity fluids, such as water treatment and distribution, chemical processing plants and oil refineries.

• Centrifugal pumps.
  Centrifugal pumps are reasonably priced but rather incompatible with many fluids. Their intricate and sensitive design is not suited for abrasives and solids, which will quickly damage the impellers. Because they work at high rotational speeds, centrifugal pumps tend to shear and degrade liquids, which is important to consider with process and sanitary type ingredient transfer within a recipe/product stream. Additionally, the design of centrifugal pumps does not allow for much variation in the flow rate dynamically in the system. The application, pressure and flow rates need to be very stable for the pump to be efficient.
  
  Diaphragm pumps solve many of these common issues. Have a look at Diaphragm Pumps vs Centrifugal Pumps - Pros and Cons to explore an alternative solution.

• Magnetic drive pumps
  Although magnetic drive pumps have done away with issues caused by leaking mechanical seals, they can only be used with clean liquids, which makes them unsuitable for applications that involve solids. Furthermore, the very nature of the magnetic drive system can lead to overheating or transferring the drive’s heat signature into the fluid, leaving the material in an altered composition. In some cases of continuous operation at higher flow rates, heat generated by the magnets can be so high that it will actually cook or bake constituents of the process liquid onto the impeller magnet hub, resulting in build-up of a deposit that lowers performance and will eventually cause mechanical failures.
  
  Is the excess heat produced by your magnetic drive pump causing issues? Take a look at What are Magnetic Drive Pumps - Benefits and Disadvantages to find out more about poPositive displacement pump types and applicationsssible alternative.

Positive displacement pump types and applications.

Positive displacement pumps are designed to handle a wide range of viscosities and provide a constant flow, which makes them common options for applications requiring precise flow rates or high pressures. Common applications include the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

• Rotary lobe pumps.
  Rotary lobe pumps require complicated timing gears, which are located in the gearbox. These prevent the lobes from making contact, which is a great feature of this design. However, these gears are an additional moving piece that requires regular maintenance and needs to be replaced on occasion. In the pump head itself, the lobes have tolerances large enough to allow abrasive materials to pass, gradually wearing down the lobes and the performance of the pump. Furthermore, the large tolerance makes it difficult for the pump to efficiently transfer thin and low viscosity materials. The low viscosity fluid makes its way between the lobes, reducing lift and efficiency.
  
  Would you like to find out more about rotary lobe pumps and how electric diaphragm pumps can improve transfer efficiency and reduce energy costs? Have a look at Comparing Rotary Lobe Pump Advantages and Disadvantages to Electric Diaphragm Pumps.

• Gear pumps.
  Gear pumps are unique in that they have the ability to pump high viscosity fluids within a fairly large temperature range, but because of the complexity of their design, they are plagued by high maintenance costs especially looking at the need for expensive spare parts. Because of their size, gear pumps are unsuitable for operations with large bulk flow rates. As with many other pumps with large metallic surfaces contacting internally, abrasives are a concern.
  
  Are you tired of your gear pumps losing efficiency too soon? Learn how electric diaphragm pumps can save you money and improve output in Gear Pumps vs Diaphragm Pumps - Advantages and Disadvantages.

• Progressive cavity pumps.
  Running dry is by far the main reason these pumps fail. Fluid always has to be pumped to lubricate the contacting surfaces between rotor and stator. The progressive cavity pump drive transmits its power to the internal screw through the pump casing using a rotary shaft seal. A mechanical seal is an expensive wear part and sensitive to increased heat, abrasives and non-lubricating liquids, increasing the risk for leakages over time. Furthermore, the mechanical seal raises sanitation concerns and is costly to repair. Finally, the material being pumped can be altered by the rotation and friction of the shaft and seal, further heating the liquid.
  
  Are progressive cavity pumps costing you money through extra maintenance and pump downtime? Have a look at What is a progressive cavity pump and what is it used for to discover electric diaphragm pump solutions.

• Peristaltic pumps.
  While peristaltic pumps are widely used and trusted for a variety of applications, especially for smaller flow rates, users tend to be frustrated at the pumps’ significant footprint and high maintenance costs. The flexible hose used in peristaltic pumps tends to degrade with time, particularly when used with abrasives. Unless the unit is equipped with an expensive leak protection feature, rupture of the hose can cause leaks and lead to hazardous situations. Because of this, hoses need to be replaced frequently.
  
  Frustrated by the high maintenance costs of your peristaltic pumps? Have a look at The benefits of EODD pumps compared to peristaltic pumps and find the perfect pump for your situation.

Electric Diaphragm Pumps.

The QUANTM electric diaphragm pump is an electric operated double diaphragm (EODD) pump from Graco that addresses many of the common concerns above with other types of pumps. Compared to traditional industrial pump types,QUANTM provides much more operational flexibility and control. Take a look at the benefits:

• Self-priming.
  The Husky EODD pump is self-priming and has excellent suction capabilities.
• Seal-less.
  The Husky EODD’s seal-less diaphragm pump design eliminates expensive rotational seals, saving you money on spare parts and reducing downtime.
• Stalls under pressure.
  Graco’s Husky EODD pump is the only electric diaphragm pump on the market that stalls under pressure, without the need for pressure sensors and additional controllers, to prevent pump failures from clogged lines or closed valves.
• Runs dry.
  The Husky EODD pump can run dry indefinitely without causing any damage to the system, thus avoiding expensive repairs.
• Low operating costs
  The Husky EODD pump’s energy-efficient electric drive reduces energy consumption by up to five times compared to other technologies.
• Quiet operation.
  The Husky EODD does not require a muffler to dampen the noise caused by the air emitted by an air motor, so it runs much more quietly than AODD pumps.
• Wide operating range.
  The Husky EODD pump is well suited to varying flow, pressure and applications. It poses no risk for shear-sensitive liquids and can easily handle abrasives and solids. Furthermore, it can be configured in a wide range of materials to suit any application.
• Small footprint.
  The Husky EODD pump is extremely compact, so it takes up minimal space on the work floor.
• Low Shear
  QUANTM pumps have a gentle pumping action that minimises breakdown of sensitive materials.