5 Most Common Types Of Industrial Pumps Used Everywhere

Numerous industries operate effectively and efficiently with the help of pumps. Industrial pumps, like water pumps are necessary components in a number industrial processes, as they play a vital role in different applications, spanning from food and beverage manufacturing and oil and gas production to chemical processing and wastewater management. Industrial pumps are basically mechanical devices that transform mechanical energy from their motors to hydraulic energy as they transport fluid. This transfer of energy enables an industrial pump to move fluid from place to place.

Generally, industrial pumps consist of a motor, an impeller, an inlet tube, and an outlet. That said, the way an industrial pump functions differs based on the kind of pump you are using. Indeed, industrial pumps have a variety of types, with each type designed for specific fluid characteristics and applications. To learn more about the different kinds of industrial pumps, read on as this article enumerates and explains five of the most common types of pumps that are used in many industrial processes and applications.

1. Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are widely utilised in both commercial and industrial settings because of their straightforward design, efficiency, and adaptability. As their name implies, these pumps function based on centrifugal force: the impeller of the pump, a disc with blades, spins and transfers kinetic energy to the fluid, which is usually a low-viscosity liquid like water. This spinning motion propels the fluid outward into a volute casing or diffuser, thereby transforming the kinetic energy into pressure energy. 

This mechanism used by a centrifugal pump allows the fluid to be moved through processing units or piping systems. Centrifugal pumps come in various configurations, such as single-stage (i.e., for lower pressure needs), multi-stage (i.e., for higher pressures), and submersible models for operations that require full submersion. They are used in numerous industries – including agriculture, water treatment, and chemical processing – due to their capability to handle big volumes of liquid efficiently. Moreover, their simple design makes centrifugal pumps easy to maintain and fix, which ultimately makes them a practical option for numerous fluid transfer applications.

2. Positive Displacement Pumps

Another common type of industrial pump used across various industries are positive displacement pumps. These pumps are commonly employed in situations where a specific volume of fluid must be transported with each cycle, irrespective of the fluid's pressure or viscosity. In contrast to centrifugal pumps, these pumps capture and move a determined amount of fluid to the discharge port from the inlet, thereby maintaining a steady flow rate. This is accomplished through mechanisms, such as lobes, pistons, gears, or diaphragms that inflate, shrink, or rotate to create a vacuum that pulls in and then discharges the fluid. 

A notable feature of positive displacement pumps is their capability to hold high-viscosity fluids and produce high pressure, which makes them ideal for industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas. They are likewise utilised in hydraulic systems and for dealing with delicate fluids that require precise and gentle pumping. Positive displacement pumps are available in various forms, including rotary (e.g., lobe or gear pumps) and reciprocating (e.g., diaphragm and piston pumps), with each form designed for specified applications and fluid characteristics. Their design guarantees efficiency and precision, particularly in applications where a consistent flow rate is necessary despite changes in backpressure.

3. Diaphragm Pumps

Also referred to as “membrane pumps,” diaphragm pumps are a form of positive displacement pump that utilise a flexible diaphragm to transport fluids. The diaphragm, which is usually made from flexible materials like rubber, is alternately enlarged and shrunk by a mechanical or fluid drive mechanism. This movement generates a vacuum that pulls fluid into the pump chamber during the enlargement stroke and discharges it during the shrinking stroke.

One of the main benefits of diaphragm pumps is their capability to handle diverse kinds of fluids, including corrosive, viscous, and abrasive substances, as well as those with solid particles. This versatility makes them suitable for different applications, such as wastewater treatment, chemical processing, and the management of hazardous materials. Diaphragm pumps are likewise a reliable choice for many industries because of their simple, straightforward design, which reduces the risk of contamination and leakage since the fluid is fully encased within the diaphragm chamber. Moreover, the ability of diaphragm pumps to run dry without damage makes them a dependable option for sensitive and challenging pumping tasks.

4. Screw Pumps

Screw pumps are another type of positive displacement pump, which operate by utilising a single screw or multiple screws to transfer fluids along their length. These pumps typically feature either one screw or several intermeshing screws that rotate within a cylindrical housing. When the screws turn, the spaces between the threads are filled with fluid at the inlet of the pump, which is then progressively and seamlessly transferred along the screws to the discharge end. The uninterrupted, non-pulsating flow of screw pumps makes them ideal for applications that require a constant, steady flow.

Known for their efficiency and versatility, screw pumps can handle a wide variety of fluids, from high to low viscosity, including lubricating fluids like oils. They can also manage fluids with combined phases (such as gas-liquid mixtures) and operate across a broad range of capacities and pressures. Their gentle and sensitive handling of fluids makes them suitable for industries, such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, and oil and gas. In addition, just like screw compressors, screw pumps are appreciated for their noiseless operation, sturdiness, and low maintenance requirements, which result from minimal wear on the pump parts due to the lack of internal turbulence. This makes screw pumps a cost-effective and reliable choice for different fluid transfer needs across various industrial applications.

5. Submersible Pumps

Also known as “electric submersible pumps,” submersible pumps for various applications are intended to function while fully submerged in the liquid they are designed to pump. These water pumps convert the motor’s rotary energy into kinetic energy, which is then turned into potential energy and discharged through the outlet. Their operation is characterised by a direct, straightforward connection to the liquid to ensure an efficient and well-regulated flow rate and eliminate the necessity for a vertical suction lift due to their self-priming characteristic.

Submersible pumps are widely used in water wells, underground reservoirs, and sewage treatment plants, as they are capable of handling various process media, such as water, wastewater, slurry, and sewage. Their ability to function in different power capacities and phases makes them essential in industries that require the transfer of liquids from lower to higher elevations. Furthermore, the design of submersible pumps typically focuses on low noise levels, making them suitable for both residential and industrial applications. Their motor, which is enclosed in a waterproof seal, ensures dependability under submerged conditions, with parameters like inlet pipe size, phase, power, and flow rate being necessary for determining their suitability for specific tasks.

Conclusion 

Pumps are indeed indispensable in numerous industries, as they play a crucial role in the effective and efficient transfer and management of fluids. Because of this, it comes as no surprise that industrial pumps come in different sizes, shapes, and types. Each type of industrial pump serves specific needs and is ideal for various applications. The diversity of pump types, including centrifugal, positive displacement, diaphragm, screw, and submersible pumps, emphasises their adaptability and importance across industries, such as oil and gas, chemical processing, agriculture, and wastewater treatment. Ultimately, their ability to handle different fluids and conditions makes pumps essential for maintaining operational efficiency and reliability in industrial processes.