Different types of industrial pumps by application

Classification of pumps

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

Dynamic pump types:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Magnetic drive pumps

Positive displacement pump types:

• 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 often limited in compatibility with many fluids. Their intricate and sensitive design is not suited for fluids containing abrasives and solids, quickly damaging the impellers during operation. Because they work at high rotational speeds, centrifugal pumps tend to shear and degrade liquids, which is important to consider for process and sanitary type ingredient transfer within a recipe/product stream. Furthermore, the design of centrifugal pumps does not allow for much variation in the flow rate dynamically in the system. The application, pressure, and flow rate need to be very stable for the pump to maintain the motor and efficiency performance.
  
  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 largely done away with issues caused by leaking mechanical seals, they can only be used with clean and homogenous fluids, making 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 possible 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 gears prevent the lobes from making contact in the pump head, which is a great feature of the design. However, these gears are an additional moving part that requires regular maintenance and needs to be replaced occasionally. In the pump head itself, the lobes have tolerances large enough to allow abrasive materials to pass, gradually wearing down the lobes and reducing the performance of the pump. Furthermore, the large tolerance makes it difficult for the pump to efficiently transfer thin and low viscosity materials. Low viscosity fluid makes its way between the lobes, reducing lift and the efficiency of rotary lobe pumps.
  
  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 Rotary lobe pump advantages and disadvantages compared 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 concerning the need for expensive spare parts. Furthermore, their size and flow rates makes gear pumps 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 contact surfaces between the 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 is sensitive to increased temperatures, abrasives and non-lubricating liquids, increasing the risk for leakages arising over time. Furthermore, the mechanical seal raises sanitation concerns for food/personal care applications and is costly to repair. Finally, the material being pumped can be altered by both the rotation churning of the fluid and the friction of the shaft and seal, transferring heat into the liquid/fluid being pumped.
  
  Are progressive cavity pumps costing you money due to 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 leak protection feature, a rupture of the hose can cause leaks into the process stream and lead to hazardous or undesirable situations. Because of this, hoses need to be replaced frequently.
  
  Frustrated by the high maintenance costs of your peristaltic pumps? Have a look at Peristaltic pumps vs diaphragm pumps and find the perfect pump for your situation.

Electric diaphragm pumps

The QUANTM electric diaphragm pump is an electrically 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 QUANTM EODD pump is self-priming and has excellent suction capabilities.
• Seal-less
  The QUANTM 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 QUANTM 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 QUANTM EODD pump can run dry without causing any damage to the system, thus avoiding expensive repairs.
• Low operating costs
  The QUANTM EODD pump’s energy-efficient electric drive reduces energy consumption by up to 80% compared to pneumatic technologies.
• Quiet operation
  The QUANTM 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.
• A wide operating range
  The QUANTM EODD pump is well suited to varying flow, pressure and applications. They pose no risk to shear-sensitive liquids and can easily handle abrasives and solids. Furthermore, it can be configured in a wide range of materials to suit most applications.
• A small footprint
  The QUANTM 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.