Looking for a pump? The right pump for you is out there, but it’s not always easy to know where to begin in the selection process. Here are some guidelines to help get your search moving in the right direction.
The liquid you are pumping can sometimes lean us toward a particular type of pump:
- If your product is thick, think Positive Displacement. Products with a high viscosity (usually >1,000 centipoise) can be easily handled with one of the many types of PD pumps, such as rotary lobe, gear, or diaphragm pumps.
- Water, thin oils, and similar liquids are good candidates for centrifugal pumps, particularly if you need to move higher volumes.
- Positive Displacement pumps can manage product with larger suspended solids or “chunks,” such as fruit fillings or chunky soups, with minimal damage to those large particles. A PD pump is also preferred over centrifugals for handling shear sensitive fluids and fluids with abrasive particles.
Pump performance is often a priority in pump selection as well:
- Need to move high volumes? Centrifugal pumps can be sized to move more gallons per minute than many other pumps, if your product is compatible.
- Rotary Lobe and Gear pumps are two types of PD pumps that can be used in applications where you need to be able to control the flow rate. These pumps can be adjusted as needed to match other parts of your process or for rough metering of fluids.
- A diaphragm pump falls within the category of positive displacement pumps, but has some particular advantages. Diaphragm Pumps can run dry, so are well suited for parts of your process where product flow could be intermittent. They also do a good job of pulling a vacuum.
- Have a special application? The right pump is out there. Whether you’re pumping liquids containing air or gasses, have high purity needs, or any other specs that require extra consideration, there’s probably a pump out there that will fit the bill.
These are only some of the factors to consider when embarking on a search for a new pump. For best results, your pump supplier can help with selecting and sizing the perfect unit for your needs.
