What is a Pump?
A pump is a mechanical or electrical device designed to move fluids—such as liquids, gases, chemicals, and slurries—by converting electrical energy into hydraulic energy. Pumps are widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. They can be categorized based on their working principle, source of energy, and application.
Major Pump Classifications
Pumps can be broadly classified into three main types:
- Direct Lift Pumps – Move fluid using mechanical lifting action.
- Displacement Pumps – Work by trapping and displacing fluid.
- Gravity Pumps – Rely on gravitational force to move fluid.
Types of Pumps
There are over 20 different types of pumps, which are further classified as follows:
1. Positive-Displacement Pumps
These pumps move a fixed amount of fluid per cycle, making them suitable for high-pressure applications.
- Rotary Lobe Pump – Used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
- Progressive Cavity Pump – Ideal for handling viscous liquids.
- Gear Pump – Used for hydraulic and lubrication applications.
- Diaphragm Pump – Works well with chemicals and sludge.
- Peristaltic Pump – Commonly used for medical and chemical applications.
2. Impulse Pumps
Impulse pumps operate using pressure differentials.
- Hydraulic Ram Pump – Uses water hammer to transport fluids.
- Air-Lift Pump – Moves water using compressed air.
3. Velocity Pumps
These pumps increase the velocity of fluid to move it efficiently.
- Centrifugal Pumps – The most commonly used pump type, ideal for water supply, industrial cooling, and wastewater treatment.
- Axial-Flow Pumps – Used in flood control and irrigation.
- Regenerative Turbine Pumps – Suitable for high-pressure applications with low flow rates.
4. Gravity Pumps
These rely on gravity to move fluid.
Siphon Pumps – Used for fluid transfer without external power.
5. Steam Pumps
These pumps use steam pressure to move liquid, typically found in industrial and power plant applications.
6. Valveless Pumps
These pumps operate without check valves and are used in medical and microfluidic applications.
Pump Selection Based on Mechanism & Energy Source
- Mechanism: Rotary Pumps, Reciprocating Pumps
- Energy Source: Manual, Electrical, Engine-Driven, Wind Power
Applications of Pumps
Pumps are used in various industries for different applications, such as:
- Water Supply: Transferring water for residential and industrial use.
- Fire Protection: Firefighting pumps ensure consistent water pressure.
- Irrigation: Used for watering crops in agriculture.
- Oil & Gas: Moving petroleum products through pipelines.
- Chemical Processing: Handling corrosive and abrasive fluids.
- Wastewater Management: Pumping sewage to treatment facilities.
Common Pump Types & Their Applications
1. Boiler Feed Pumps
- Control the amount of water entering a boiler.
- Typically centrifugal and multistage.
2. Borehole Pumps
Designed to pump liquid from underground boreholes.
- Handle abrasive and corrosive materials.
- Can be either centrifugal or positive displacement.
4. Circulator Pumps
- Circulate fluid in HVAC systems.
- Usually centrifugal pumps.
5. Fire Pumps
- Centrifugal pumps used for firefighting applications.
- Available in horizontal split case or vertical turbine designs.
6. High-Pressure Pumps
Used in hydro-mining, jet cutting, and water blast applications.
7. Slurry Pumps
- Heavy-duty pumps designed to handle thick, abrasive slurries.
- Common in mining and industrial processing.
8. Solar Pumps
Powered by solar energy for remote water pumping applications.
9. Wastewater Pumps
Essential in moving sewage toward treatment plants.
10. Well Pumps
Extract groundwater using jet, centrifugal, or submersible configurations.
Centrifugal Pump Types & Their Uses
| Type of Pump | Application | Features |
| Canned Motor Pump | Hydrocarbons, chemicals | Sealless; high containment |
| Magnetic Drive Pump | Corrosive liquids | Sealless; magnetic coupling |
| Chopper/Grinder Pump | Wastewater/sewage | Impeller fitted with grinding teeth |
| Multistage Pump | High-pressure applications | Multiple impellers for higher discharge |
| Slurry Pump | Mining, mineral processing | Abrasion-resistant design |
| Trash Pump | Draining construction sites | Handles solid debris |
Pump Impeller Types & Their Applications
- Open Impeller – Best for fluids with solid content.
- Semi-Open Impeller – Handles soft solids and slurries.
- Closed Impeller – Ideal for clean liquid applications.
- Vortex Impeller – Moves dirty fluids containing debris.
- Cutter Impeller – Designed for sewage pumping.
Classification of Pumps by Stages
- Single-Stage Pumps – Contain one impeller; ideal for low-pressure, high-flow applications.
- Two-Stage Pumps – Have two impellers; suitable for medium-pressure applications.
- Multi-Stage Pumps – Feature three or more impellers; used in high-pressure systems.
Sump Pump Types & Uses
- Submersible Sump Pumps – Fully submerged in water; used in basements and flood control.
- Pedestal Sump Pumps – Motor sits above water; ideal for small sump pits.
- Battery Backup Sump Pumps – Provides protection during power failures.
- Water-Powered Sump Pumps – Uses water pressure instead of electricity.
- Effluent Sump Pumps – Handles wastewater with solids up to ¾ inches.
- Combination Sump Pumps – Integrates primary and backup pumps.
How Are Reciprocating Pumps Classified?
Reciprocating pumps are categorized by the number of cylinders:
- Single-Cylinder Pumps – Simple and effective for low-flow applications.
- Double-Cylinder Pumps – Provide a steadier flow, reducing pulsations.