DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUMPS AND THEIR WORKING
What is a Pump?
A pump is a device used to transfer different types of liquids or gases from one place to another
by applying mechanical action. These devices typically convert electrical energy into hydraulic
energy.
Generally, pumps are operated by a mechanism (reciprocating or rotary) and take energy to do
mechanical work that moves the working fluid. This equipment is capable of lifting liquids from
low to high levels and moving fluids from low to high-pressure areas.
Pumps are powered by means of several power sources, requiring a manual operation,
electricity, engine, wind power, and more. Typically, pumps work by a vacuum in which air
pressure forces the liquid out. All pumps work by creating an area of low pressure.
Pumps have been used for so long, so it’s no wonder that there are a wide variety of sizes and types
available. So let’s discuss them one by one which is described below.
Types of Pumps
Following are the main types of pumps:
1. Dynamic pump
1. Centrifugal pump
1. Axial flow
2. Mixed flow
3. Peripherial
2. Special effect pump
1. Jet pump
2. Electromagnetic pump
2. Positive displacement
1. Reciprocating pump
1. Piston pump
2. Plunger pump
3. Diaphragm pump
2. Rotary pump
1. Screw pump
2. Progressive cavity pump
3. Gear pump
#1 Dynamic Pump
A dynamic pump uses centrifugal force to create velocity in the liquid. This velocity is further
converted into pressure energy by decreasing the kinetic energy. This difference in pressure moves
the fluid through the system.
1
,It consists of a rotating impeller that creates a vacuum that moves the fluid. The impeller is held
in the housing as it reduces the pressure at the inlet. This created motion drives the fluid outside
the housing of the pump. At this stage, the pressure builds up to send it out for discharge. These
are classified into two types.
#1 Centrifugal Pump
Image: IndiaMart
Centrifugal pumps are employed to move the fluid through the transfer of rotational energy from
the rotor, this device is known as an impeller. The fluid enters the rotating impeller and is ejected
by centrifugal force through the vane tip of the impeller.
This action of the impeller causes the fluid velocity and pressure to increase and also directs it
towards the outlet. The pump casing is specially designed to compress fluid from the pump inlet,
direct it into the impeller and control the fluid before discharging.
Pumps of this type are used for the water supply, fire protection systems, and beverage industries.
These are also classified into three types, which are explained below.
#1 Axial Flow
The Axial flow type of pump basically consists of an axial impeller in a pipe. The propeller can be
pushed directly into the pipe with help of an arranged electric motor or by a petrol/diesel
engine that is mounted on the outside the pipe.
Axial flow pumps have an electronic rotor that handles the liquid along a path parallel to the axis
of the pump. Thus, the fluid travels in a fairly straight path from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe
through the pump. These are used as compressors in turbo-jet engines.
#2 Mixed Flow
Mixed flow pumps are a combined version of both radial flow pumps and axial flow pumps. This
pump is built with an impeller that sits and twists within the pipe, but the turning mechanism is
essentially diagonal.
It uses centrifugal force to move the water along, accelerating it further with a push from the axial
direction of the impeller. This action generates enough force to produce a high rate of flow. Pumps
of this type are used for those requiring a high level of flow combined with a relatively low
discharge pressure.
2
,#3 Peripheral Pump
It is a closely-coupled centrifugal pump consisting of an impeller with a large number of radial
vanes at the outer edges. These pumps require clean fluid because of the narrow clearance between
the impeller vane and the pump casing, meaning any solids will clog the impeller.
The centrifugal force inside the rotor generates a flow between the impeller and the casing channel.
The speed of the fluid and the impeller are basically the same. Therefore, the fluid flows from the
covered channel to the impeller in a rotational path, and this cycle is repeated.
#2 Special Effect Pump
The kinetic pumps are also known as special effects pumps. This type of pump is one in which
adding energy is still kinetic and velocity, but it employs other effects than centrifugal pumps.
These pumps are further classified into two types.
#1 Jet Pump
These types of pumps are used to flow the fluid by a driving nozzle that converts the fluid pressure
into a high-speed jet. To run a typical jet pump, it must be completely filled with water. When the
system is primed, a centrifugal pump is used to push the water out.
Some of the water gets discharged while the rest is recirculated into the driveline. When water
enters the nozzle, fluid is pushed through the venturi by generating a vacuum. Then, it draws the
water up the well through a foot valve. As the water moves the venturi tube into the section line it
comes with a greater pressure to force the water back into the pump impeller.
#2 Electromagnetic Pump
An electromagnetic pump is installed for moving mediums alike liquid metals, molten salts, brine,
or other electrically conductive liquids by using electromagnetism energy. In this, a magnetic field
is set at right angles to the direction in which the liquid moves and the current flows.
This generates an electromagnetic force that moves the liquid forward. These are commonly used
to pump liquid metal through the cooling system. In addition, they are also seen in many
wave soldering machines that use electromagnetic pumps to circulate the molten solder.
#2 Positive Displacement Pump
3
, A positive displacement pump uses the reciprocating, rotary, or pneumatic motion to move the
liquid through the pump. Here, the discharge of the fluid occurs in the form of pulses instead of a
smooth liquid flow.
These types of pumps are operated by trapping a fixed amount of fluid into the pump chamber at
an inlet valve and then it discharges through an outlet valve. These pumps are utilized based on
their ability to work in high viscosity fluid at high pressure.
#1 Reciprocating Pump
Reciprocating pumps use the amount of water that is collected in an enclosed volume and is sent
to discharge by applying pressure. Reciprocating pumps are used with low volume flow at high
pressure.
This pump consists of a piston that moves back and forth in a fixed cylinder. The piston is fastened
to the crankshaft via a connecting rod. This piston moves as the movement of the connecting rod
are due to the movement of the crankshaft. This crankshaft connects to a motor which helps it to
turn.
#1 Piston Pump
These are types of pumps where a high-pressure seal is connected with a piston. Piston pumps are
used to move liquids or gases and they operate over a wide range of pressures. In this, the pumps
can also deal with viscous media and media containing solid particles.
This pump works by means of a piston cup which provides the oscillating mechanism where the
down-stroke causes the pressure difference. This action fills the pump chambers, where the up-
stroke pumps the fluid out for the required application. It is usually used in systems that require
high and consistent pressure.
#2 Plunger Pump
In this type of pump, the high-pressure seal is fixed and a cylindrical plunger slides through the
seal. Plunger pumps use a plunger instead of the piston to move media through a cylindrical
chamber.
These are operated by either steam-powered, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drives. These are
often used in higher pressures, to move municipal and industrial sewage.
4
What is a Pump?
A pump is a device used to transfer different types of liquids or gases from one place to another
by applying mechanical action. These devices typically convert electrical energy into hydraulic
energy.
Generally, pumps are operated by a mechanism (reciprocating or rotary) and take energy to do
mechanical work that moves the working fluid. This equipment is capable of lifting liquids from
low to high levels and moving fluids from low to high-pressure areas.
Pumps are powered by means of several power sources, requiring a manual operation,
electricity, engine, wind power, and more. Typically, pumps work by a vacuum in which air
pressure forces the liquid out. All pumps work by creating an area of low pressure.
Pumps have been used for so long, so it’s no wonder that there are a wide variety of sizes and types
available. So let’s discuss them one by one which is described below.
Types of Pumps
Following are the main types of pumps:
1. Dynamic pump
1. Centrifugal pump
1. Axial flow
2. Mixed flow
3. Peripherial
2. Special effect pump
1. Jet pump
2. Electromagnetic pump
2. Positive displacement
1. Reciprocating pump
1. Piston pump
2. Plunger pump
3. Diaphragm pump
2. Rotary pump
1. Screw pump
2. Progressive cavity pump
3. Gear pump
#1 Dynamic Pump
A dynamic pump uses centrifugal force to create velocity in the liquid. This velocity is further
converted into pressure energy by decreasing the kinetic energy. This difference in pressure moves
the fluid through the system.
1
,It consists of a rotating impeller that creates a vacuum that moves the fluid. The impeller is held
in the housing as it reduces the pressure at the inlet. This created motion drives the fluid outside
the housing of the pump. At this stage, the pressure builds up to send it out for discharge. These
are classified into two types.
#1 Centrifugal Pump
Image: IndiaMart
Centrifugal pumps are employed to move the fluid through the transfer of rotational energy from
the rotor, this device is known as an impeller. The fluid enters the rotating impeller and is ejected
by centrifugal force through the vane tip of the impeller.
This action of the impeller causes the fluid velocity and pressure to increase and also directs it
towards the outlet. The pump casing is specially designed to compress fluid from the pump inlet,
direct it into the impeller and control the fluid before discharging.
Pumps of this type are used for the water supply, fire protection systems, and beverage industries.
These are also classified into three types, which are explained below.
#1 Axial Flow
The Axial flow type of pump basically consists of an axial impeller in a pipe. The propeller can be
pushed directly into the pipe with help of an arranged electric motor or by a petrol/diesel
engine that is mounted on the outside the pipe.
Axial flow pumps have an electronic rotor that handles the liquid along a path parallel to the axis
of the pump. Thus, the fluid travels in a fairly straight path from the inlet pipe to the outlet pipe
through the pump. These are used as compressors in turbo-jet engines.
#2 Mixed Flow
Mixed flow pumps are a combined version of both radial flow pumps and axial flow pumps. This
pump is built with an impeller that sits and twists within the pipe, but the turning mechanism is
essentially diagonal.
It uses centrifugal force to move the water along, accelerating it further with a push from the axial
direction of the impeller. This action generates enough force to produce a high rate of flow. Pumps
of this type are used for those requiring a high level of flow combined with a relatively low
discharge pressure.
2
,#3 Peripheral Pump
It is a closely-coupled centrifugal pump consisting of an impeller with a large number of radial
vanes at the outer edges. These pumps require clean fluid because of the narrow clearance between
the impeller vane and the pump casing, meaning any solids will clog the impeller.
The centrifugal force inside the rotor generates a flow between the impeller and the casing channel.
The speed of the fluid and the impeller are basically the same. Therefore, the fluid flows from the
covered channel to the impeller in a rotational path, and this cycle is repeated.
#2 Special Effect Pump
The kinetic pumps are also known as special effects pumps. This type of pump is one in which
adding energy is still kinetic and velocity, but it employs other effects than centrifugal pumps.
These pumps are further classified into two types.
#1 Jet Pump
These types of pumps are used to flow the fluid by a driving nozzle that converts the fluid pressure
into a high-speed jet. To run a typical jet pump, it must be completely filled with water. When the
system is primed, a centrifugal pump is used to push the water out.
Some of the water gets discharged while the rest is recirculated into the driveline. When water
enters the nozzle, fluid is pushed through the venturi by generating a vacuum. Then, it draws the
water up the well through a foot valve. As the water moves the venturi tube into the section line it
comes with a greater pressure to force the water back into the pump impeller.
#2 Electromagnetic Pump
An electromagnetic pump is installed for moving mediums alike liquid metals, molten salts, brine,
or other electrically conductive liquids by using electromagnetism energy. In this, a magnetic field
is set at right angles to the direction in which the liquid moves and the current flows.
This generates an electromagnetic force that moves the liquid forward. These are commonly used
to pump liquid metal through the cooling system. In addition, they are also seen in many
wave soldering machines that use electromagnetic pumps to circulate the molten solder.
#2 Positive Displacement Pump
3
, A positive displacement pump uses the reciprocating, rotary, or pneumatic motion to move the
liquid through the pump. Here, the discharge of the fluid occurs in the form of pulses instead of a
smooth liquid flow.
These types of pumps are operated by trapping a fixed amount of fluid into the pump chamber at
an inlet valve and then it discharges through an outlet valve. These pumps are utilized based on
their ability to work in high viscosity fluid at high pressure.
#1 Reciprocating Pump
Reciprocating pumps use the amount of water that is collected in an enclosed volume and is sent
to discharge by applying pressure. Reciprocating pumps are used with low volume flow at high
pressure.
This pump consists of a piston that moves back and forth in a fixed cylinder. The piston is fastened
to the crankshaft via a connecting rod. This piston moves as the movement of the connecting rod
are due to the movement of the crankshaft. This crankshaft connects to a motor which helps it to
turn.
#1 Piston Pump
These are types of pumps where a high-pressure seal is connected with a piston. Piston pumps are
used to move liquids or gases and they operate over a wide range of pressures. In this, the pumps
can also deal with viscous media and media containing solid particles.
This pump works by means of a piston cup which provides the oscillating mechanism where the
down-stroke causes the pressure difference. This action fills the pump chambers, where the up-
stroke pumps the fluid out for the required application. It is usually used in systems that require
high and consistent pressure.
#2 Plunger Pump
In this type of pump, the high-pressure seal is fixed and a cylindrical plunger slides through the
seal. Plunger pumps use a plunger instead of the piston to move media through a cylindrical
chamber.
These are operated by either steam-powered, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drives. These are
often used in higher pressures, to move municipal and industrial sewage.
4
