The Different Types of Pumps Used Across Industries

Pumps can be found in countless spaces, supplying buildings with potable water, directing fuel to engines, supporting material handling, and so much more. As countless industries and applications take advantage of pumps for different reasons, there are a variety of options that one can choose from. With different categories of pumps varying in operations and design, it is important to have a general understanding of the most common options so that the right purchasing decision can be made.

Simply put, pumps are mechanical devices that serve to transform mechanical energy into fluid energy, allowing for it to move fluid from low-pressure levels to high-pressure ones. With this basic functionality, pumps can effectively move fluids between two spaces, regardless of the positioning of each. This is often used to surpass gravity when the intended end-space is above the beginning space. While pumps may move liquids under pressure, it is important to understand that they do not generate pressure. Instead, they simply produce a flow to surpass resistance.

Dynamic pumps are one of the major groups, and they encompass centrifugal pumps, submersible, and fire hydrant systems. Centrifugal pumps are often a staple of many industries, and they transform the kinetic energy of materials into pressure energy, generating high rotational velocities. When the pump is activated, the outlet will have an increased pressure as compared to the pump inlet. Through this operation, liquids can be driven through the system. Beyond basic centrifugal pump options, there are also vertical and horizontal centrifugal pumps as well.

The other most common dynamic pumps are submersible types, those of which may be present in sewage systems, domestic spaces, commercial applications, and much more. Utilizing varying technology or parts, submersible pumps can move stormwater, sewage, subsoil water, rainwater, gray water, trade waste, chemicals, bore water, and much more. Depending on one’s needs, high flow, low flow, low head, and high head options can be chosen from.

Alongside dynamic pumps, the other major category of pumps covers positive displacement varieties. These pumps come in various forms, common examples including diaphragm, gear pump, peristaltic, lobe, and piston pumps. Diaphragm pumps are a somewhat unique type that may be found within the pharmaceutical industry, and they rely on pneumatic pressure to operate. This means that they do not need any power, making them beneficial for areas in which combustion is a risk, no power is present, etc. Diaphragm pumps are typically designed with two chambers with diaphragms that are driven with condensed air. As the air supply shifts between chambers, fluids will be forced between chambers as well.

Piston pumps are another fairly recognizable type, especially for those who operate aircraft with reciprocating engines. With piston pumps, a piston is used to suck and discharge pressure through an up and down motion. Piston pumps are regularly used when high, reliable pressure is necessary, and a motor will often be relied on to oscillate the pistons. As the piston moves backward, it will create a void space that sucks in fluids through a vacuum force. Then, as the piston moves down, the chamber will be pressurized, forcing the fluids through the rest of the system. Beyond use in aircraft, piston pumps are also used by firefighters and automatic sprinklers.

Whether you need a centrifugal pump, gear pump, lobe pump, or other various hydraulic equipment, look no further than Industrials 360 for all of your needs. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we provide customers access to over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts that have been sourced from leading manufacturers we trust, all of which are available for purchase at any time. We are fully dedicated to the quality of our offerings, exploring every avenue possible to guarantee only the best for our customers. This is why we enact thorough vetting for our suppliers, subject much of our inventory to rigorous quality assurance measures, and uphold strict sourcing practices. As a result of our dedication, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation. If you find any item of interest on our database, submit a Request for Quote form, and a dedicated account manager will be in touch within 15 minutes. Get started today and let Industrials 360 serve as your strategic sourcing partner for all your needs.