Commercial pumps are an important part of many industries. They are used in a variety of ways to move liquids and gases from one place to another and come in all shapes and sizes, with a wide range of capabilities. Some pumps are designed for specific tasks, while others can be used for a variety of purposes. It’s important to know the different types of pumps available and understand how they work before you select the right pump for your needs.
Here is a breakdown of six common types of commercial pumps and their most typical applications.
Slurry and Dredge Pumps
Slurry and dredge pumps are designed for handling materials that contain solids. They’re typically used in mining, construction, and other industries where solids such as sand, gravel, or sludge need to be moved. These heavy-duty pumping systems can handle thick, viscous liquids with high solid content without clogging. Also, slurry and dredge pumps can be fitted with agitators to keep solids in suspension and prevent them from settling.
However, to work effectively, slurry and dredge pumps need to be matched with the correct size and type of hose for the application. For instance, if you’re moving abrasive materials, you’ll need to use a hard-wearing hose that can withstand the wear and tear.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are one of the most common types of pumps used in commercial and industrial settings. They use a rotating impeller to draw liquid into the pump and then force it out under pressure. Centrifugal pumps are typically used for pumping water, oils, chemicals, or other liquids.
On the other hand, centrifugal pumps are not typically used for pumping gases or liquids that contain solids, as the impeller can damage the pump or cause clogs.
Centrifugal pumps are available in a variety of sizes and can be used for both low- and high-pressure applications. However, they are not typically used for very high-pressure applications, as other types of pumps (such as positive displacement pumps) are better suited for those tasks.
Positive Displacement Pumps
Positive displacement pumps are designed to move a fixed volume of liquid with each stroke. They work by trapping a certain amount of fluid in a chamber and then moving the chamber to discharge the fluid. Positive displacement pumps are often used for applications that require high pressure, such as pumping concrete or other construction materials.
Positive displacement pumps are available in a variety of styles, including pistons, diaphragm, and screw pumps. Each type of pump has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to select the right one for your needs. For instance, piston pumps are often used for high-pressure applications, while diaphragm pumps are better suited for applications that require a constant flow rate.
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum pumps are used to create a vacuum by removing air or other gases from a sealed container. They’re commonly used in laboratories, manufacturing, and other settings where it’s important to control the environment.
Additionally, vacuum pumps are used in many industries to move materials from one place to another. For example, they’re often used to move liquids and gases in pipelines. On the other hand, some vacuum pumps are used to create suction. This type of pump is often used in medical applications, such as when a doctor needs to remove fluid from a patient’s body.
Air Compressor Pumps
Air compressor pumps are used to compress air and then store it in a tank. They’re commonly used in a variety of settings, such as factories, workshops, and garages. Air compressor pumps are available in a variety of sizes, like small, portable units that can be used for inflating tires.
Larger air compressor pumps are often used to power tools, such as pneumatic drills and impact wrenches. Additionally, some air compressor pumps are used in HVAC systems to move air through ducts.
On the other hand, air compressor pumps can also be used for other purposes, such as pumping water or other liquids. In this case, the air compressor pump is often used in tandem with a Dewatering Pump.
Fuel Pumps
Fuel pumps are used to move fuel from a tank to an engine. They’re commonly used in cars, trucks, and other vehicles with internal combustion engines. Fuel pumps are available in a variety of styles, including mechanical, electrical, and electronic.
Mechanical fuel pumps are the most common type of fuel pump. They use a diaphragm to create suction that draws fuel from the tank and into the engine.
On the other hand, electrical and electronic fuel pumps are often used in high-performance vehicles. They’re capable of moving more fuel than mechanical pumps and can also be used to pressurize the fuel system.
There are a variety of commercial pumps available to suit a wide range of needs. Whether you need to move liquids, gases, or other materials, there’s a pump out there that can get the job done. Do some research to figure out which type of pump is best for your particular application.