3/3/2015

PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob

PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob
Contributedby:PumpScoutStaff
Therearelotsofpumptypesavailable,butwhichoneisrightforyou?Understandingwhichpumptypeisrightforyourapplicationiscriticaltoreducecosts
andincreasethelifeofyourpumpandsystem.We'veworkedwithleadingpumpexpertstoputtogetherthiscomprehensiveguidetothemostpopularpump
types.Theindividualpumptypesarelistedintheleftcolumnandaregroupedbyeithercentrifugalpumpsorpositivedisplacementpumps.
ThiscontentisacopywriteofPumpScout.comandcannotbecopiedorreproduced.Ifyouwouldliketosharethisvaluableinformationwithothers,please
considerlinkingtothispage.

PumpType

BasicDescription

KeyFeatures

Applications
Used

Recommended
Media(Fluid)

Advantages

Centrifugal
Pumps

Generalnamefor
pumpswithoneor
moreimpellers.Many
typesand
configurationsfor
differentapplications.
Seebelowforspecific
centrifugalpump
types.

Oneormore
impellers.Casingis
voluteordiffuser
type.Normally
electricmotordriven,
butotherdrivetypes
available.

Allsortsofliquids
canbepumpswith
centrifugalpumps.
Highestflowrates
ofallpumptypes.
Handlescleanor
dirtyliquids,and
liquidswithlow
viscosity.Liquid
shouldnotcontain
airorvapors.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Bestpumpchoice
forlowerviscosity
(thin)liquidsand
highflowrates.No
pulsationsthat
maybefoundin
somepositive
displacement
pumps.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Dimensional
standardization
allowsthecomplete
piping,foundation,
andbuildingdesign
tobecompleted
beforethepump
supplierischosen.
Also,thispermits
thepumpbrandto
beswitchedinthe
fieldwithouthaving
torepipeormodify
themotor,
coupling,or
bedplate.This
pumptypehas
morematerial
optionsthanother
types.

Crudeoilandall
typesof
hydrocarbons.

MeetsAPI610
requirements,
assuringsafety
andreliabilityfor
highpressure,high
temperature
hydrocarbon
services.

Flooddewatering,
powerplant
circulatingwater
pump,evaporator
services,and
irrigation.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids.Can
pumpliquidswithor
withoutsolidsif
properimpellertype
ischosen.

Thispumptypeis
thebesttypeto
achieveveryhigh
flowratewithvery
lowhead,a
hydraulic
requirement
neededforcertain
applicationssuch
asflood
dewatering.

Potablewater
distribution,
irrigationbooster,
coolingwater
booster,process
boosterservice

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Normallynotused
forliquidscontaining
solids.Availablein
alloysforcorrosive
services.

Allowsthebuilding
upofadditional
pressurethatis
requiredtomove
liquidalong
distanceortouse
thehighpressure
forsprayingor
otherservices.

ANSIProcess
Pumps

ANSIProcesspumps
aretheonly
dimensionallystandard
pumptypeintheU.S.
pumpindustry(e.g.,
comparablesizesofall
manufacturershave
identicalenvelopeand
interfacedimensions.)
ANSIprocesspumps
are,bydefinition,a
horizontal,endsuction,
singlestage
pump.Thepump
meetsANSIB73.1
(ASMEB73.1).

Consideredanend
suctionpump,frame
mounted.Normally
suppliedwithopen
impellers.
Dimensionally
standardsizes
suppliedbyall
manufacturers.
Availableinawide
varietyofalloysand
nonmetalsformany
corrosiveservices.

Transferand
processapplications
inchemicalplants,
pulpandpaper
mills,refineries,food
processingplants,
andgeneral
servicesin
manufacturing
plantsofalltypes.

APIProcess
Pumps

TheAPIpumptype
appliestopumpsbuilt
totheAPI610
standardforpumps
forrefineries,
pipelines,andother
hydrocarbon
processing
applications.It
includesendsuction,
horizontalsplitcase,
verticalturbine,and
othertypes.

MeetsAPI610
standardfor
hydrocarbon
services.Includes
closedimpellers,with
lockedwearingrings.
Normallycenterline
mountedtominimize
thermalmovement.

Hydrocarbon
transferand
processing
servicesin
refineries,pipelines,
andhydrocarbon
processingplants.

AxialFlowPumps

BoosterPumps

CannedMotor

AxialFlowpumpsare
averyhighflow,low
headtypeofpump.
Alsocalledapropeller
pump.

Singlestage,high
specificspeedimpeller
forhighflowlowhead.

Boosterpumpsare
usedtofurtherboost
thepressureina
system.Itmaybean
endsuction,inline
circulator,horizontal
splitcase,orvertical
turbineinacantypeof
pump.

Boosterpumpsare
almostalwaysamulti
stagepump(has
morethanone
impeller).Allother
featuresarequite
specifictothe
application.

CannedMotorpumps
areseallesscentrifugal
pumps.Theimpelleris
directlyattachedtothe

Pumpandmotorare
closecoupled,sono
mechanicalseal.
Pumprotorincludesa
circulatingpathof
pumpedliquidto

Pumpingchemicals,
hydrocarbons,or
otherliquidsthatare
difficulttoseal,or
wherethe
consequencesof
leakageare
serious.Pumping

http://www.pumpscout.com/articlesscoutguide/pumptypesguideaid100.html

Alltypesofthin(non

Eliminatesthe
mechanicalseal,
oneofthelargest
componentsof

Flow
Rate
Ranges

5200,000
gpm

19
757,080lpm

TotalHead
(Pressure)
Ranges

107,500ft

32,286m

Horse
Power
Ranges

0.125
5,000hp

105,000
gpm

50750ft

38
18,927lpm

22325psi

1010,000
gpm

507,500ft

3837,854
lpm

223251psi

5,000
200,000
gpm

18,927
757,08lpm

510,000
gpm

15,000
hp

1030ft

101,500
hp

413psi

2007,500ft

1937,854
lpm

873,251psi

51,500
gpm

1250hp

15,000
hp

25400ft
0.5300

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PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob
Pumps

motorrotor,withacan
separatingthewetted
rotorfromthemotor
stator.

lubricatesleeve
bearingsandthrust
surfaces.Thesewear
areasaremadeof
ceramic,silicon
carbide,ortungsten
carbide.

ChopperPumpsarea
typeofcentrifugal
pumpthatisdesigned
tochopupsolidsand
stringymaterialasit
pumps.Itisavailable
inaverticalcolumn
andendsuction
configuration.

Pumpimpeller
containsheavyduty
grindingteeth,and
manyhave
replaceablewear
platesinthecasing,
toallowchoppingof
solidsasthepump
operates.

Chopperpumpsare
usedinapplications
thatplug
conventionalsolids
handling
wastewaterpumps
inindustrial,
chemical,andfool
processing
facilities.

Liquidscontaining
solidsandstringy
materialthatwould
otherwisebedifficult
topump.

Abletopump
liquidscontaining
longstringy
materialsorother
solidsthatwould
plugupinother
pumptypes.

Circulatorpumpsis
generallyapumpwith
inlinesuctionand
dischargeflanges.

Inlinesuctionand
dischargepiping
connections.Pump
maybeequippedwith
atraditionalmotorand
coupling,ormayhave
awettedrotormotor
thateliminatesthe
seal.

Circulatorpumps
areusedinHVAC
systemsinbuildings
(chilledwater
circulation,hot
watercirculation,
potablewater
circulation).Also
circulationofcooling
waterinplants.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids.

Inlinedesignsaves
onfloorspace.

Cryogenicpumpsare
usedtohandlevery
lowtemperature
liquids.

Specialmaterials,
seals,andclearances
totolerateverylow
temperatures.

Lowtemperature
applicationsin
processindustries,
LNGsupply,and
semiconductor
manufacturing.

Idealforverylow
temperatureliquids.

Abletotoleratethe
lowtemperatures
foundincertain
applications.

Drumpumpsareused
topumpsmall
quantitiesofliquidout
ofdrumsandcarboys.
Pumpisveryslimtofit
indrumopening.
Normallysuppliedas
centrifugalpump,but
positivedisplacement
pumptypesare
availableforthicker
liquidsandpastes.

Smalldiametertube
surroundingtheshaft
fitsintotheopeningof
a55gallondrum.
Normallyhasahand
triggercontrolled
motor.

Pumpingsmall
quantitiesofliquids
outof55gallon
drumsandlarger
carboys.

Widevarietyofthin
andthickliquids,
includingcorrosive
liquids.

Verypracticalway
topumpsmall
amountsofvarious
fluidsthatare
storedindrumsor
carboys.

EndSuction
Pumps

Endsuctionpumps
arethecommontype
ofcentrifugalpump.
Hashorizontalshaft
withoverhung
impeller.Flowgoesin
theendofthecasing,
andoutthetop.

Horizontalshaft,
singleimpeller(see
multistagecategory
forpumpswithmore
impellers).Various
impellertypesfor
cleananddirty
services,many
materialoptions

Anytransferor
circulationofliquid.
Handlescleanor
dirtyliquids,and
liquidswithlow
viscosity.Liquid
shouldnotcontain
airorvapors.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Lowestfirstcost
optionformost
applications.
Stockedbymost
distributorsin
commonsizes.

FirePumps

Centrifugalpumpused
forfirefightingin
buildings,plants,and
otherlocations.May
meetUL/NFPA
standardsforfire
pumps.Normallythisis
ahorizontalsplitcase
orverticalturbine
pumpforUL/FM
services.Nonlisted
pumpsmaybeend
suctiontype.

Water

Meets
requirementsof
UL/FMforfire
fightingpumps.
Suppliersoften
includecomplete
system,including
engineand
controls.

ChopperPumps

CirculatorPumps

CryogenicPumps

DrumPumps

GrinderPumps

HorizontalSplit
CasePumps

Listedpumpsmeet
therequirementsof
UL/FMforfirefighting
services.

heattransferfluids
whicharehigh
temperatureor
whichareproneto
costlyevaporative
losseswith
traditional
mechanicalseals.

Firefightingservices
ofalltypes,both
UL/FMlistedand
unlisted.

viscousliquids).

pumpmaintenance
cost.Plus,the
pumpisassuredto
beleakfree.

195,678
lpm

11173psi

5010,000
gpm

Grinderpumpsarea
typeofsubmersible
sewagepumpthathas
cuttingteeth
incorporatedontothe
impeller,togrindthe
sewageforpressure
sewerapplications.
Alsoavailablein
progressingcavity
pumppositive
displacementtype.

Grindingteethonthe
inletoftheimpeller,
submersiblemotor.

Residential
pressuresewer
systems.

Sewageandother
wastewater.

Thistypeof
sewagepump
allowssmaller
diametersewage
linesthantypical
gravitydrain
sewers.Also,the
sewerlinescan
followthecontour
ofthelandsince
theydonthaveto
continuouslydrain
tothecollection
point.

HorizontalSplitCase
pumpsareatypesof
centrifugalpumptype
hasasingledouble
suctionimpeller
supportedbetween
bearings.Casingis
splithorizontallyfor
maintenance.Suction
anddischargeflanges
areopposedtoeach
other.

Doublesuction
impellergivesbetter
NPSHandloweraxial
thrust.Casingis
normallydouble
volute,toreduce
radialbearingloads.
Pumphastwoseals,
bothsealingsuction
pressure.

Usuallyhigherflow
rateapplications
thanendsuction
pumps.Usedfor
coolingwater,plant
makeupwater,
potablewater
distribution,fire
pumps,pipelines,
andothermain
processflows.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Normallynotusedfor
liquidscontaining
solids.Availablein
alloysforcorrosive
services.

Thispumptype
permitsmuch
higherflowrates
thanendsuction
pumps.Thedouble
suctionimpellerhas
noaxialthrust
loads,andisless
likelytocavitate.

15200ft

189
37,854lpm

787psi

5750gpm

192,839
lpm

51,000
gpm

251,000ft

11434psi

2265lpm

2075ft

10750ft

1926,498
lpm

4325psi

205,000
gpm

1001,200ft

7618,927
lpm

43520psi

550gpm

50150ft

19189lpm

2265psi

379
378,540lpm

0.5500
hp

0.251hp

933psi

57,000
gpm

100
100,000
gpm

150hp

978psi

193,785
lpm

1500hp

20180ft

0.570
gpm

hp

0.125
250hp

10800
hp

0.55hp

501,500ft

35,000
hp

22650psi

Jetpumpsareatype
ofhomewaterwell

http://www.pumpscout.com/articlesscoutguide/pumptypesguideaid100.html

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PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob
Horizontalend
suctionpumpwith
ejectoreither
mountedonthepump
(forshallowwell
services),orlocated
downinthewell.

Domesticwater
wells

MagneticDrive
Pumps

Magneticdrivepumps
areatypeofsealless
centrifugalpump.It
transmitsthetorque
fromthemotortothe
impellerbymeansofa
rotatingoutermagnet
whichtransmitsthe
magneticfluxthrough
acantoaninner
magnetthatis
attachedtothe
impeller.Theinsideof
thecanisthusisolated,
withnoshaft
penetration,andthe
sealiseliminated.

Magnetsaretypically
madeofceramic,
samariumcobalt,or
neodymium.Bushings
andthrustsurfaces
insidethecanare
madeofsilicon
carbideortungsten
carbide,orceramic,to
handlethepotentially
abrasiveliquidthat
circulatesinsidethe
can.Mostmustbe
protectedagainstloss
offlow,whichcould
seriouslydamagethe
pumpdueto
temperaturebuildup
duetothemagnetic
flux.

Pumpingchemicals,
hydrocarbons,or
otherliquidsthatare
difficulttoseal,or
wherethe
consequencesof
leakageareserious.
Pumpingheat
transferfluidswhich
arehigh
temperatureor
whichareproneto
costlyevaporative
losseswith
traditional
mechanicalseals.

Alltypesofthin(non
viscousliquids).

MultistagePumps

Multistagepumpsuse
multipleimpellerswith
eitherdiffusersor
volutesgeneratemore
headthansinglestage
(singleimpeller)
pumps.Availablein
horizontalandvertical
orientations.

Casingmaybesplit
radiallyoraxially.
Axialthrustmayor
maynotbebalanced
out,dependingon
design.Impellersare
encloseddesignwith
diffuserorvolute
casing.

Higherpressure
servicessuchas
boilerfeedwater,
condensate,
pipelines,reverse
osmosis,and
decaling.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Normallynotused
forliquidscontaining
solids.Availablein
alloysforcorrosive
services.

Bestwaystoget
highpressurewith
acentrifugalpump.
Thrustloadsmay
belowerthan
singlestage
designs.

Regererativeturbine
pumpsarenot
consideredatrue
centrifugal,butworks
onthesamekinetic
principalasa
centrifugal
pump.Insteadofan
impellerwithvanes,
theturbineimpeller
hasbladessimilarto
turbines,which
generatethehead.
Normallyitisend
suction,singlestage,
thoughmultistage
versionsareavailable.

Normallysinglestage,
thoughmultisageis
available.Pumphas
verytightinternal
clearances,soliquid
pumpedmustbequite
clean.Pumphasvery
steepheadcapacity
curve,sopumpmust
beprotectedagainst
possiblyoperating
againstclosedvalve.

Smallboilerfeed
pumpsfordry
cleaners,bakeries,
andsimilarsmall
commercialboilers.
AlsousedinOEM
applicationssuchas
chillerandlaser
cooling.

Thin,clearliquids.

Verycompact
pumpforlowflow,
highhead
applications.This
mayresultinspace
savingsand
reducedcostfor
smallboilerfeed
pumps.Thispump
typehandlesvapor
andairmixedin
withtheliquid
betterthan
traditional
centrifugalpumps.

Slurrypumpisa
generaltermfora
pumpthathandlesan
abrasiveslurry.They
maybeconsideredan
endsuctionpump,
verticalcolumnpump,
orsubmersiblepump.

Pumpsare
constructedeitherof
highnickelcastiron
(whiteiron)to
withstandthe
abrasivewearof
slurries,orthepump
islinedwithrubberfor
moreroundedged
slurries.Pumpsoften
havereplaceable
wearplatesononeor
bothsidesofthe
impeller.

Mining,minerals
processing,
transportationof
slurriesfor
processing,and
dredging.Also
pumpsusedin
slurryapplications
incoalfiredpower
plants,steelmills,
cementmills,etc.

Veryabrasiveliquids
ofalltypes.

SelfPriming
Pumps

SelfPrimingpumps
areatypeof
centrifugalthatcanbe
locatedabovethe
suctionreservoir
withoutanexternal
primingsystem.End
suctionconfiguration,
butenlargedcaseto
supportpriming.

Noneedforexternal
primingorfootvalves.

Sumppumpsand
dewatering
applications.
Transferservices
wherepumpmust
belocatedabove
thesuctionvessel.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Noneedfor
externalpriming

Submersible
Pumps

Submersiblepumps
involveasubmersible
motorwithaclose
coupledtosingle
stagepumpthat
allowstheentire
assemblytooperated
submerged.

Submergedmotor,
eitherairfilledoroil
filled.Different
impellersare
designedto
accommodatesolids
ofvarioussizes.

Sumppump
services,effluent
andsewage
servicesrangingin
sizefromproducts
forhomestomain
sewagetreatment
plants.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.

Eliminatescolumn
shaftandbearings
foundincolumn
sumppump.More
compact,reduced
sumpinstallation
cost.Maybe
locatedinareas
pronetoflooding.

TrashPumps

Trashpumpsarea
typeofselfpriming
centrifugalor
submersiblecentrifugal
pumpdesignedto
handlerocksandother
solidswhile
dewatering.

Openornonclog
enclosedimpellers,
designedtopass
rocksandother
debris.Pumpsmaybe
selfpriming.Seals
usuallyhavehardened
faces.

Dewatering
constructionsites,
mines,andutility
pits.

Dirtywater
containingmud,
rocks,stone,and
otherdebris.

Designedtopump
thesolidsand
abrasivesfoundin
manydewatering
applications.

JetPumps

Regenerative
TurbinePumps

SlurryPumps

pumpthatisusedfor
lowerflowratesthan
verticalturbinetypes.
Itisahorizontalend
suctionpump,put
makesuseofan
ejectortoassistthe
flow.

Verticalsumppumps

Variousimpellertypes

http://www.pumpscout.com/articlesscoutguide/pumptypesguideaid100.html

Water

Lowercost
domesticwell
pumpthan
submersible.

Eliminatesthe
mechanicalseal,
oneofthelargest
componentsof
pumpmaintenance
cost.Plus,the
pumpisassuredto
beleakfree.

Ordinarypumps
wouldn'twithstand
theabrasivewear
thatslurriescause
onpumpparts.
Slurrypumpsare
designedtohandle
abrasiveslurries
andgivepumps
thelongestlife
possible.

170gpm

20200ft

4265lpm

987psi

54,000
gpm

251,000ft

1915,142
lpm

11434psi

510,000
gpm

2007,500ft

1937,854
lpm

873,251psi

1200gpm

501,200ft

4757lpm

22520psi

1030,000
gpm

30250ft

38
113,560lpm

13108psi

57,000
gpm

1926,498
lpm

4152psi

10200ft

........

1928,391
lpm

487psi

51,000
gpm

0.5300
hp

15,000
hp

0.575hp

12000
hp

10350ft

57,500
gpm

0.55hp

1150hp

0.25250
hp

25150ft

........

193,785
lpm

1165psi

0.2550
hp

Waterandrelatively

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PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob
VerticalSump
Pumps

VerticalTurbine
Pumps

WellPumps

Positive
Displacement
Pumps

AODDPumps

ConcretePump

DiaphragmPumps

involveaverticalshaft
supportedinacenter
column.Single
impeller,openor
enclosed,pumps
throughavolute
casingandthenouta
dischargecolumn
pipe.
Verticalturbinepumps
areaverticalshaft
pumpthatisdesigned
tofitinaborehole
well.Canalsopump
outofopenreservoir,
river,intakestructure,
ortank,orcanbe
mountedinbarrelfor
boosterpump
applications.Pumpcan
haveoneormore
impellersanddiffuser
bowls,dependingon
totalhead
requirement.

forcleananddirty
services.Sleeve
bearingsinthe
columnpipeneedto
belubricatedbythe
sumpwater,or
externallywithwater
orgrease.

Availablewithopen
andenclosed
impellers.Sleeve
bearingsinpump
diffuserbowlsare
lubricatedbyliquid
pumped.Verticalhigh
thrustmotormounted
ontopforproduct
lubricatedlineshaft
bearings,or
submersiblemotor
mountedbelowpump
toeliminatelineshaft
andlineshaftbearings.

Sumppump
services.

thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Relativelylowcost
sumppump.Most
designsneedno
shaftseal,since
shaftcolumnnot
pressurized.

Irrigation,potable
watersupply,plant
makeupwater,
coolingwater,fire
pumps,potable
waterdistribution,
boosterpumps,
processpumps.

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids(won't
pumpthickeroils).
Canpumpliquids
withorwithoutsolids
ifproperimpeller
typeischosen.
Availableinalloysfor
corrosiveservices.

Onlypracticalway
topumpfroma
deepwell.Wide
flowandhead
ranges.Lowfloor
spaceusage.
Immersedpump
eliminatespriming.
Cannedpump
versionexcellent
forlowNPSH
services

Availablewithopen
andenclosed
impellers.Sleeve
bearingsinpump
diffuserbowlsare
Atypeofvertical
lubricatedbyliquid
turbinepumpdesigned
pumped.Verticalhigh
especiallyforuseina
thrustmotormounted
drilledboreholewell.
ontopforproduct
Also,forlowerflow
lubricatedlineshaft
ratesrefertojetpump
bearings,or
typeabove.
submersiblemotor
mountedbelowpump
toeliminatelineshaft
andlineshaft
bearings.

Irrigation,potable
watersupply,plant
makeupwater,
coolingwater,fire
pumps,potable
waterdistribution

Waterandrelatively
thinliquids.Can
pumpliquidswithor
withoutsolidsif
properimpellertype
ischosen.

Onlypracticalway
topumpfroma
deepwell.Wide
flowandhead
ranges.Lowfloor
spaceusage.
Immersedpump
eliminatespriming.

Apositivedisplacement
(PD)pumpisa
generalnamefora
pumptypethatdoes
nothaveimpellers,but
ratherrelieson
rotatingor
reciprocatingpartsto
directlypushtheliquid
inanenclosedvolume,
untilenoughpressure
isbuiltuptomovethe
liquidintothe
dischargesystem.This
includesmanyspecific
typesforspecific
applications,as
describedbelow.

Alltypesofservices
inmanyindustries
wherepositive
displacementpumps
arefavoredover
centrifugalpumps
duetohighviscosity,
presenceoffragile
orshearsensitive
solids,orneedfor
lowflowandhigh
pressure.

Highviscosityfluids,
somethinnerfluids,
fluidscontaining
solids,especially
fragilesolids,and
shearsensitive
liquids.

Bestchoicefor
higherviscosity
services,andto
moveliquidsgently.
Mayalsobe
neededforlow
flow,highpressure
combination,or
otherapplication
niches.Sometypes
areinherentlyself
priming,and
severaltypesare
sealless.

Widerangeof
liquids,including
liquidscontaining
solids,andcorrosive
liquids.

Canbeused
whereno
electricityis
available,if
compressedairis
available.Available
inavarietyof
metalandnon
metallicmaterials
dependingonthe
fluidpumped.Able
topumpliquids
containinglarge
solids.Pumpis
seallessandcan
rundry.

Bestwaytomove
concretelong
distancesandup
heightsduring
pour.

Pumpworkson
positivedisplacement
principal,eitherrotary
orreciprocatingtype.
Seebelowfor
featuresofspecific
types.

AODDpumpsareany
typeofreciprocating
diaphragmpump
containingtwo
diaphragmsand
drivenbyairinsteadof
byelectricmotor.

Airsectionwith
shuttlevalveapplies
airalternatelytothe
twodiaphragms.
Eachdiaphragmhas
asetofcheckvalves.

Manyapplications
ingeneralplant
servicewhere
electricityisn't
available,orwhere
theliquidbeing
pumpedhashigh
solidscontentor
highviscosity.

Concretepumpsarea
typeofreciprocating
positivedisplacement
pumpthatisspecially
designedtopump
concreteandother
mixedaggregate
solutions.

Highpressure
dischargeforpumping
concretelong
distancesoruphigh
elevations.Materials
ofconstructionthat
canhandlethe
abrasiveaggregate.

Concretepouring,
construction
projects.

Concreteandother
aggregatesolutions.

Diaphragmpumpsare
atypeofreciprocating
positivedisplacement
pumpinwhichliquidis
pumpedbya
reciprocating
diaphragm,whichis
drivenbyasolenoid,a
mechanicaldrive,ora
fluiddrive.Other
versionsareair
operated(seeAODD
typebelow).Pump
hasinletandoutlet
checkvalves.

Pumpcontains
reciprocating
diaphragmandinlet
andoutletcheck
valves.

Manyapplications
ingeneralplant
servicewherethe
liquidbeingpumped
hashighsolids
contentorhigh
viscosity.

Widerangeof
liquids,including
liquidscontaining
solids,andcorrosive
liquids.

Flexibleimpeller
pumpsareatypeof
rotarypositive

Handlesawide
rangeofliquids,
includingliquids
containingsolids.
Pumpissealless,
andcanrundry
withoutdamaging
thepump.

57,500
gpm

15150ft

1928,391
lpm

765psi

50
150,000
gpm

189
567,810lpm

152,000ft

201,000ft

189
75,708lpm

9434psi

10100,000
psi

.3856,781
lpm

.76,895bar

0.25300
gpm

10125psi

11,136
lpm

.79bar

101,000
gpm

383,785
lpm

269bar

46,814
lpm

13,000
hp

0.55,000
hp

0.2530
hp

251,000psi

11,800
gpm

15,000
hp

7867psi

5020,000
gpm

0.115,000
gpm

0.5250
hp

2515,000
psi

10500
hp

0.52,000
hp

21,034bar

Usedasbilgeand

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3/3/2015

PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob
FlexibleImpeller
Pumps

displacementpump
thathasarotating
rubberimpellerwith
vanesthatbendand
thenstraightenasthe
impellerrotatesto
conformtotheinternal
caminthepump
casing.

Variousrubber
materialsavailablefor
correctcompatibility
withthefluidpumped.

ballastpumpsin
smallandmedium
marineservices.
Alsofoundinother
applicationsinplants
wherefluidscontain
somesolids.

Water,seawater,
andotherthinliquids,
includingliquids
containingsome
solids.

Relativelylowcost
waytomoveliquids
containingsome
amountsofsolids.

Mostcommon
pumpforcleanoils
andotherviscous
liquids.

Oilsandotherhigh
viscosityliquids.
Usuallyonlysuited
forcleanliquids(no
solids).

Mostwidelyused
forcleanoil
services.Few
movingparts,
simple
construction.

Gearpumpsarea
typeofrotarypositive
displacementpumpin
whichliquidispumped
bypassingbetween
twomeshinggears
andthesurrounding
casing.Thereare
internalandexternal
geartypes.

Internalandexternal
geartypes.Typically
doesn'thandlesolids
orabrasiveliquids.

Lobepumpsinvolve
twoshaftsdrivelobes
whichmeshwitheach
other,butdonottouch
duetotheuseof
timinggears.This
allowsgentlepumping
ofliquidscontaining
softorfragilesolids,or
viscousliquids.

Pumphastiming
gearssothatlobes
don'tcontacteach
otherwhilepumping.
Availableinsanitary
optionsforfood,
pharmaceutical,and
biotechservices.

Availableinsanitary
optionsforfood,
beverage,
pharmaceutical,and
biotechapplications.

Liquidswhichare
viscousorwhich
containfragilesolids
orareshear
sensitive.

Thisisthenormal
pumpofchoicefor
sanitary
applications
pumpingviscous
liquidsorliquids
containingfragile
solids.Nometalto
metalcontactinside
thepump.

Meteringpumpsarea
typeofreciprocating
positivedisplacement
diaphragmpumpthat
hasaverylowflow
rate(typically
measuredingallons
perhourorperday,
ratherthanper
minute).Flowrateis
adjustable.

Pumpistypicallya
diaphragmstyle,
thougholderdesigns
areplungertype.
Diaphragmisdriven
bysolenoid,
mechanicalactuation,
orhydraulicactuation.
Pumpincludesinlet
andoutletcheck
valves.Normally
containsstrokelength
adjustmenttovary
flowrate,andsome
pumpscanalso
controlflowratewith
speedcontrol.

Usedtometeror
doseverylowflow
rateswithhigh
accuracy.Most
commonapplication
ischemical
treatmentofwater
inboilers,cooling
towers,potable
water,etc.

Widevarietyofthin
andthickliquids,
includingcorrosive
liquids.

Accurate,
repeatable
volumetricflow
measurement.
Abilitytoeasily
adjusttheflowrate
byadjustingstroke
lengthorspeed.

PeristalticPumps
(HosePump)

Peristalticpumpsor
hosepumpsareatype
ofrotarypositive
displacementpump
thathasarolleror
shoethatsqueezesa
tubeorhoseasit
rotates.Thesqueezing
actionmovestheliquid
alongthetube.

Includesreplaceable
hosethatmustbe
compatiblewiththe
pumpedliquid.This
hoseistypicallyableto
bereplacedwhen
worn.

Thispumptypeis
usedtohandle
chlorineandother
disinfectantsin
commercial
swimmingpools,in
wineries,insewage
treatmentplants,
andinmanyOEM
applicationswhere
seallesspumpingis
aplus.

Widerangeofliquids,
includingliquids
containingsolids,and
corrosiveliquids.

Thispumptype
requiresnoseal,
andkeepsthe
liquidinsidethe
tube,sozero
leakage.

PistonPumps

Pistonpumpsarea
typeofreciprocating
positivedisplacement
pumpthathas,double
actingreciprocating
pistons.

Pumpincludesoneor
moredoubleacting
pistons,sealedwith
oringsagainst
cylinderwalls.Pump
hasaninletandoutlet
checkvalveforeach
piston.

Usedinoil
production,inwash
downservices,
pressurewashing,
carwashes,
reverseosmosis,
andother
applicationswhere
highpressureis
needed.

Waterandotherthin
liquids,including
liquidscontaining
abrasives.

Maybebetter
alternativethan
plungerpumpin
certain
applications,such
asabrasiveliquids.
Slowerspeeds
maymeanless
maintenance.

Plungerpumpsarea
typeofreciprocating
positivedisplacement
pumpthathas,
typically,threeorfive
singleacting
reciprocatingplungers.

Pumpincludesoneor
moresingleacting
plungers,sealedwith
packingagainst
cylinderwalls.Pump
hasaninletandoutlet
checkvalveforeach
plunger.

Usedinoil
production,inwash
downservices,
pressurewashing,
carwashes,reverse
osmosis,andother
applicationswhere
highpressureis
needed.

Waterandotherthin
liquids,crudeoils.

Bestwayto
achieveveryhigh
pressureswhen
pumping.

ProgressiveCavity
Pumps

Progressivecavity
pumpsareatypeof
rotarypositive
displamentpumpthat
hasasinglethreaded
helicallyshapedrotor
turninginsideofa
doublethreaded
helicallyshaped
rubberstator.This
producesa
progressingcavity
thatmovestheliquid
throughthepumpand
pressurizesit.

Rotorisan
interferencefitinside
theelectrometric
statortominimize
leakage(slip).
Startingtorquemay
behigherthan
runningtorque
becauseofthis.

Usedtopump
polymersand
dewateredsludgein
sewagetreatment
applications,andin
pumpingliquids
whichareviscous
orcontainsolidsin
industrialplants
suchaspulpmills,
petrochemical,and
chemicalplants.

Widevarietyofthin
andthickliquids,
includingcorrosive
liquidsandliquids
containingsolids.

Sometimes
consideredthe
pumpoflast
resort,asitwill
handledifficult
liquidswhichare
viscousorcontain
solidsandwhich
otherpumptypes
cannot
accommodate.

ScrewPumps

Screwpumpsusetwo
intermeshingscrews,
drivenbytiminggears,
moveoilsandother
viscousliquids.Also
availablewiththree
screws,onedrivingthe

Twoscrewpumps
makeuseoftiming
gearssothatmeshing
screwsdon'tdrive
eachother.Triple
screwtypeshaveone
screwdrivingthe
othertwoanddon't

Fueltransfer,
elevators,andother
applications
requiringrelatively
highflowratesof
viscousliquids.

Oils,fuels,andother
highviscosityliquids.
Alsohandlestwo
phaseliquid/gas
mixtures.

Highestflowrateof
positive
displacement
pumps.

GearPumps

LobePumps

MeteringPumps

PlungerPumps

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5150gpm

1060psi

19568lpm

.74bar

11,500
gpm

102,500psi

45,678
lpm

.7138bar

253,000
gpm

9511,356
lpm

331bar

.03876
lpm

0.2200
gpm

1030,000
psi

.717bar

192,650
lpm

51,200
gpm
........
194,543
lpm

102,400
gpm

0.12540
hp

505,000psi

1500hp

3345bar

50100,000
psi
........

15,000
hp

36,895bar

502,000psi

389,085
lpm

3138bar

5015,000
gpm

0.12560
hp

10250psi

.78757
lpm

1500hp

.72,068bar

5700gpm

0.52,000
hp

50450psi

.0120
gpm

0.2510
hp

1500hp

504,500psi

189
56,781lpm

3310bar

55,000
hp

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PumpTypesGuideFindtherightpumpforthejob

VanePumps

other.

includetiminggears.

Vanepumpsusea
rotorwithvanes
locatedinslots,
rotatinginsidean
eccentricallyshaped
casing.Astherotor
turns,thevanesmove
inandoutoftheslots.

Slidingvanesare
oftenmadeof
carbon.

Analternativetoa
gearpumpfor
transferringoilsand
otherviscous
liquids.Alsogood
forthinnerliquids.

Oilsandotherhigh
viscosityliquids.
Usuallyonlysuited
forcleanliquids(no
solids).Alsogoodfor
thinliquidslike
gasolineandwater.

Goodforboththick
andthinliquids,so
oftenchosenfor
terminalsandtruck
unloadingwhere
manytypesof
liquidsarehandled.

52,500
gpm

20200psi

199,464
lpm

114bar

1300hp

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