Types Of Pumps And Its Applications

byKnowledge -November 05, 2025

Types Of Pumps:

There are two main groups into which most pumps can be categorized:

Dynamic pumps continuously add energy to the fluids, increasing their speed.

Displacement pumps regularly add energy to the fluid stream, which increases the pressure.

1). Positive Displacement Pumps:

When a positive displacement pump is turned on, it holds some fluid in a cylinder and then forces the fluid out through a pipe or exit.

Positive displacement pumps move a constant amount of fluid with each cycle, regardless of the pressure or resistance they encounter.

This characteristic differs from that of centrifugal pumps, which use the kinetic energy generated by a spinning rotor. As a result, positive displacement pumps are ideal for applications requiring precise control of flow rates or for transporting thick and sticky fluids.

Positive displacement Pumps are:

1) Reciprocating Pumps
2) Rotary Pumps

1). Reciprocating Pumps:

Reciprocating pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that transports fluids from one location to another by moving a piston or pusher back and forth. These pumps operate by retaining a specific volume of fluid in a chamber and then releasing it through an outlet.

Reciprocating pump diagram showing piston, cylinder, and valves illustrating suction and discharge action used in hydraulic, water, and oil applications.

These pumps operate effectively and can handle fluids with a wide range of viscosities and pressures. They are often used in various industries to transport water, oil, chemicals, and other substances.

There are two main types of rotary pumps:

A). Pump with a Reciprocating Piston
B). Pump with a reciprocating plunger

A). Pump with a Reciprocating Piston:

This type of pump has a piston that moves back and forth within a cylinder. When the piston moves in one direction, it creates a vacuum that pulls fluid into the cylinder. When the piston moves in the opposite direction, it pushes the fluid out through a release valve by compressing it.

Illustration of a piston pump showing components and working mechanism used in hydraulic systems.

Single-Acting Reciprocating Piston Single-acting reciprocating piston pumps only move fluid on one side of the piston.

Pumps that have double-acting reciprocating pistons move fluid on both sides of the piston.

B). Pump with a reciprocating plunger:

Plunger pump used for high-pressure fluid applications in industries

A plunger pump is similar to a piston pump, but it uses a plunger that moves back and forth instead of a piston. Packing or any other kind of seal usually covers the plunger to keep it from leaking. Reciprocating plunger pumps are often used for high-pressure applications because they can handle more pressure than reciprocating piston pumps.

2). Rotary Pumps:

Rotary pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that moves liquid by rotating. These pumps are designed to maintain a specific volume of fluid between the rotating components and the pump casing. The fluid moves from the input to the output as the components rotate.

Many industries, such as oil and gas, food production, chemical handling, and more, use rotary pumps because they provide a smooth and steady flow.

There are many different kinds of rotating pumps, and each one has its own shape and set of features:

A). Gear Pumps:

A gear pump consists of two interconnecting gears. These gears generally mesh with each other by using spur gears. When fluid gets trapped between the gear teeth and the pump case, it creates a series of sealed holes that allow fluid to flow from the entrance to the exit. Gear pumps are easy to build and can work with many different viscosities.

B). Vane Pumps:

The vanes of vane pumps slide in and out of slots located in a rotating rotor. Fluid is trapped and moved by the contact of the vanes with the pump case. Vane pumps operate quietly and are designed to handle thin liquids and gases.

C). Screw Pumps:

Screw pumps are also known as progressive cavity pumps or helix rotor pumps. They have a screw-like rotor that is located within a stator. As the rotor turns, fluid moves along screw threads and between the rotor and stator. We call this a positive displacement action. Screw pumps move thick, rough fluids.

D). Lobe Pumps:

Lobe pumps consist of two or more lobes that are housed within a rotating casing. As the lobes of the pump rotate, they generate cavities that entrap and transport fluid. These pumps can handle pressure-sensitive fluids without damaging them.

E). Peristaltic Pumps:

Peristaltic pumps use a roller or shoe to squeeze and release a flexible tube. The roller squeezes and moves fluid through the tube. These pumps are used when it is necessary to keep the fluid being pumped away from the pump itself.

2). Dynamic pumps:

Dynamic pumps are devices that move liquids or gases based on the principles of fluid dynamics. Positive displacement pumps, such as reciprocating and rotating pumps, move a certain amount of fluid with each cycle. In contrast, dynamic pumps supply energy to the fluid, which increases its speed and pressure, leading to enhanced flow.

Dynamic pumps are utilized in various industrial applications, such as water supply, crop irrigation, oil and gas production, chemical handling, and more.

A). Centrifugal pumps

B). Axial flow pumps: these are the two main types of dynamic pumps

A). Centrifugal Pumps:

A centrifugal pump is a mechanical device that employs a revolving impeller to move fluid by converting rotational energy from a motor to kinetic energy. As the impeller rotates, it draws in fluid and expels it outward using centrifugal force, which increases both its velocity and pressure before discharge. Water delivery, wastewater treatment, and chemical processing are among the applications that utilize this energy conversion method.

Centrifugal pump showing impeller and fluid flow for industrial applications.

Centrifugal pumps are well-known for being compact, simple to use, and capable of handling a range of flow rates. They do well with low-to-medium-pressure tasks. However, single-acting reciprocating piston pumps are less effective at pumping rough or thick fluids.

There are two primary categories of centrifugal pumps: These are:

A). Horizontal centrifugal pump

B). Vertical centrifugal pumps

A). Horizontal centrifugal pump:

Horizontal centrifugal pumps are machines that use centrifugal force to transfer liquids from one location to another. These pumps have an impeller that spins and pushes the liquid toward the edge of the pump casing. This creates a fast flow. The flow exits the pump at a higher pressure than it had when entering.

These pumps are utilized in various applications, including water supply, garbage treatment, chemical processing, and oil and gas industries. Their horizontal position facilitates easy placement and maintenance. They are used in locations that require a steady liquid flow at a consistent pressure.

B). Vertical centrifugal pumps:

Vertical centrifugal pumps utilize rotational energy to transport fluids through pipes and other devices.

Vertical centrifugal pump used for moving fluids efficiently in industrial and water applications

The impellers of horizontal centrifugal pumps are horizontal, while vertical centrifugal pumps' impellers are vertical. Depending on their design, they may be used in areas with limited space since they take up less horizontal space.

They are widely used in industries like water supply, wastewater treatment, agriculture, and industrial processes. The vertical position also helps prevent fluid leakage, which can be beneficial in certain situations.

2). Axial flow pumps:

Axial flow pump showing fluid movement parallel to the pump shaft.

Axial flow pumps utilize a fan-like rotor to move the fluid. When the rotor blades push the fluid in the same direction as the pump shaft, this movement is referred to as axial flow. These pumps are excellent for moving a lot of fluid at low pressures. People often use single-acting reciprocating piston pumps to stop flooding, irrigate crops, and clean up dirty water.

Tags: Rotating Equipment