Pumps are used in every industry, both commercial, industrial, and domestic. They are used extensively in industries such as water treatment, agriculture, manufacturing industries, petrochemical industries, chemical processing industries, etc. Pumps are widely applied for the movement of fluids, and these are substances in the gaseous or liquid state. Therefore, selecting the correct pump for a specific function is not a simple task because at present, there are numerous types of pumps and they are classified by the structure, the method employed to operate the pumps, and the kind of operation that the pump is designed for. The following information is important because it outlines the various methods of classifying pumps to make the right choice and improve the functional effectiveness of the operation in handling fluids.
The different ways pumps are generally classified, types, characteristics, and common applications.
1. Classification Based on Operating Principle
- Centrifugal Pumps
- Positive Displacement Pumps
Centrifugal Pumps:
The centrifugal type of pump is the most used pump system at present in various industries. Operating on the centrifugal principle, it consists of an impeller that spins to generate a low pressure at the pump suction to draw fluid into the chamber, then emitting it through the discharge. These pumps are suitable for use with heavy volumes of low-viscosity fluids such as water, chemicals, and oil. These are preferred because they are simple, time-saving, and can be used to store relatively larger volumes of fluid.
Positive Displacement Pumps:
In contrast with the centrifugal type, the positive displacement pump functions by the practical volume of the fluid which is enclosed and expelled with the help of the discharge of the pump. These pumps are further classified into two main categories: As mentioned earlier the discussion will be focused on two classifications of pumps, that are rotary pump and reciprocating pump. Gear pumps, screw pumps, and vane pumps fall under rotary pumps while piston pumps, diaphragm pumps, and plunger pumps fall under reciprocating pumps. Positive displacement pumps are particularly well-suited to high-viscosity fluids, to situations where the amount dispensed has to be exact, and to locations where the rate of flow has to be constant no matter what the pressure.
2. Classification Based on Pump Design
Dynamic PumpsDisplacement Pumps
Dynamic pump:
A kinetic fluid pump is a machinery that uses forces of dynamics in the transfer of fluids. It increases the speed of the fluid and further changes this obtained kinetic energy to pressure energy to transport the fluid.
Displacement Pumps:
Displacement pumps as earlier discussed work by first enclosing a certain amount of fluid in a chamber and then expelled to move it. This design is quite useful for those systems that need to have a constant and stable rate of the supplied fluid even when pressure is paramount. This makes the positive displacement pump to be suitable for most industries since it operates effectively even with fluids of high viscosity.
3. Classification Based on Application
- Industrial Pumps
- Domestic Pumps
- Agricultural Pumps
Industrial Pumps:
Industrial pumps are created for the most demanding environment and demanding industries, including oil and natural gas, chemical, power, and water. These pumps are designed for flow rate, pressure intent, and suitability for corrosive or abrasive fluids. Such pumps include centrifugal pumps for water circulation in power plants, diaphragm pumps for chemical dosing as well as gear pumps for the transfer of thick fluids manufacturing processes.
Domestic Pumps:
The domestic pumps are utilized for domestic purposes in matters regarding water supply, heating systems, and wastewater systems. These pumps are in general less in size and function as compared to the industrial pumps. Some of the common uses are water well pumps, pressure boosting pumps, and sump pumps for basement floods.
Agricultural Pumps:
Agricultural pumps are used in Irrigation, Fertilization, and for the supply of water for livestock. They are meant to treat significant amounts of water and have to deal with various pressures like water with dirt or water containing particle solids, etc. The centrifugal pumps are typically used for irrigation purposes while the submersible pumps are well suited for deep well water lift.
4. Classification Based on Energy Source
- Electric Pumps
- Diesel Pumps
- Solar Pumps
Electric Pumps:
Pumps use electricity and are the most popular type of pumps for industrial and home usage. They are reliable since they are highly efficient, easy to control, and come in various types for different uses.
Diesel Pumps:
There is a diesel pump that is operated by diesel engines and it is commonly used in areas where there is no electricity supply. They are usually used where mobility and durability are paramount, which include farming and disasters.
Solar Pumps:
Solar pumps harness the energy from the sun to run the pump therefore are a renewable energy source. This usage is now very common, especially in isolated or grid-tied regions but mainly used for irrigation and water pumping. Solar pumps are also suited for use because although their initial cost of installation may be high, they are friendly to the environment and cheaper in the long run.
5. Classification Based on Fluid Type
- Water Pumps
- Oil Pumps
- Chemical Pumps
Water Pumps:
Water pumps are designed to pump only water or any other low-viscosity fluids. They are applied for both domestic water supply purposes and industrial water treatment in large treatment works.
Oil Pumps:
The oil pumps transport petroleum-containing fluids such as crude oil, diesel, and lubricating oils. These pumps must be durable and frequently have to be made from materials not affected by the nature of oil.
Chemical Pumps:
Chemical pumps are designed to transport such materials as aggressive or corrosive fluids utilized in chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Some of the popular types include Teflon, stainless steel and other fellow-corrosive materials to allow for the construction of a lasting product that will not pose a health risk to consumers.
Conclusion
It is crucial to sort pumps into different categories to identify the most suitable pump for the application. The information detailing the classification of pumps based on the operational theory, construction, application, energy use, and fluid in question is important when distinguishing ordinary water supply pipes in a home or industrial operations. The right pump also optimizes reliability and durability in its use in addition to work productivity.