There are many different pump types.

Pumps operate via two

basic principles, rotodynamic and positive displacement, but
there are a few pump designs outside this categorisation.
NOTE: If the reader is unfamiliar with the concepts of
'rotodynamic' and 'positive displacement' then
Chapter 4 should be reviewed before the pump
types in this chapter are examined.
Rotodynamic machines try to be 'constant energy' devices but
don't quite make it work because of the variable inefficiencies
and the limitations of manufacturing. Positive displacement
machines try to be 'constant flow' devices but don't quite manage
to make it work because of the liquid properties and manufacturing
requirements. But ! there is a special case when constant
flow is achieved. The reader should know which concept
is better for a particular application before reading Chapter 1.
All pumps are not equal ! There are a wide range of pump
types because some designs are better; more efficient or more
consistent or last longer; at handling specific operating conditions
or specific liquid properties. Each application should be
assessed individually, on merit, when considering:

9 Liquid properties

9 Allowable leakage

9 Driver type

9 Installation arrangement

9 Operating efficiency required

9 Duty cycle

9 Allowable noise level

9 Operational safety

9 Site facilities and local staff capabilities

Remember, sometimes the liquid properties must be augmented
with the properties of entrained solids, gases or vapour.
Mixtures of liquids need all components defined in detail; very
small concentrations can create corrosion problems. There are
plenty of benign liquids which may be allowed to drip on the
floor. Some liquids are so hazardous that the vapour must not
be allowed to escape. Simple seals can be very small; complicated
seals may require a lot of space plus an external system
piped in. Not all pumps can accommodate complicated seals.
Not all pump designs can accommodate complicated sealing
system piping. It is not always possible to upgrade from a relaxed
approach to leakage to strict leakage control; a change of
pump type may be necessary if initial leakage requirements
were wrong ! Remember, the entrained/dissolved gas may be
much more of a hazard than the liquid !
Most pumps are driven by standard AC squirrel-cage motors.
However, it may be advantageous to consider a steam or gas
turbine for fast pumps. New motor designs, like switched reluctance,
are very good for high speed but require a 'black-box' of
electronics. Alternatively, an engine may be better for slow
pumps. Steam or compressed air power supplies can be beneficial
in a hazardous area. Don't forget about the installation arrangement
until the last minute. A submerged pump or a vertical
pump may provide the smallest installation footprint. Also
remember, that poor piping design can have an adverse affect
on performance, reliability and labour. Piping which is not
self-venting and not self-draining may require physical attention
during each start and stop. Consider the piping arrangement
while thinking about the pump configuration ! Much time
is wasted troubleshooting 'pumps' when it is the piping causing
all the problems !
Efficiency can be very important for large pumps; large electricity
bills ! Efficiency may be important when trying to find a pump
to operate from a 13A socket or on a 12V or 110V supply. Some
pump types are much more efficient than others. The duty cycle
must be defined as it can significantly affect pump selection.
Some pumps can operate continuously for ten years; other
pumps need tender-loving-care after twelve hours. The pump
duty cycle limitations may necessitate the installation of
standby units.
Some installations require very quiet pumps. The noise of central
heating pumps can sometimes be heard all over a building.
Laboratories usually require very quiet pumps. Pumps, which
are in close proximity to staff or the public, may have to be inherently
safe. The site services obviously affect pump and driver
selection. A steam turbine may be the preferred driver for the
pump; not if there's no steam available. Larger pumps may
need 3.3 kV or 6.6 kV powerfor the best motor sizing; there may
be additional cost expenditure required at the substation. If the
application warrants a complicated pump unit, can the local site
personnel operate it safely and maintain it ? The supplier will be
very happy to maintain it, at a cost. If the local site personnel
don't understand the pump, or the process, the cost of maintenance
may be much higher than expected Y
When considering the information to be used to define the
pump application it is very easy to spot 'maximums' and forget
that 'minimums' might be just as important. It is worthwhile to
take the time and consider that 'normal' might be much more
important than the occasional 'maximum' or 'minimum'. It might

be very worthwhile to consider the duration of 'maximum' or

'minimum' in the context of long-term 'normals'. Unless specifically
defined to the contrary, the pump supplier will assume all
process changes occur slowly; any rapid changes must be described
in detailY
When the pump application is initially considered, any applicable
specifications, standards or regulations must be listed for
discussion. Important factors, based on either the liquid or the
installation, can have a significant impact on pump selection,
pump design and other equipment selection. Remember in Europe,
that ATEX regulations apply to mechanical equipment
such as pumps and gearboxes, as well as motors. Size, that is
much bigger size, may be required for compliance. Many specifications,
standards and regulations cannot be applied retrospectively
because of the effect on equipment selection.
1.2 Checklist of pump terminology
and definitions
Modern communication can be very difficult. English is the de
facto standard language for technical subjects BUT there are
different versions of English! American English is different to
UK English. Many versions of English have been developed by
engineers who use English as a second language.
In the pump industry, users and manufacturers often refer to or
call a pump type by different names! This is inevitable given the
range of pumps and the immeasurable number of process applications
in which they are used. The same applies to pump
terminology. This terminology or "jargon" can be very confusing
and indeed often misleading.
This Section attempts to highlight a few things to watch out for
and provides an explanation of and gives guidance on some of
the more important key pump terms and descriptions that