As previously discussed, the most common pump configuration is horizontal end suction, single stage centrifugal pump. This design has proven to be the least expensive to purchase, operate and maintain, and is typically readily available. This configuration is the choice for water-like fluid transfer applications. But not all pump applications will call for a centrifugal pump.
Typically products with a viscosity of 750SSU (Saybolt Seconds Universal) will require a positive displacement pump. Progressing cavity pumps, gear pumps, diaphragm pumps and plunger pumps are all considered positive displacement. To determine which design to use, it is best to determine which designs will NOT work for your application.
In applications where oils are being pumped, and you require continuous smooth flow, most application engineers will first consider gear pumps. If the product to be pumped is abrasive laden or has suspended solids, a gear pump will fail prematurely. In fluids with these characteristics, progressing cavity pumps are better selections. Progressive cavity pumps are ideally suited for pumping viscous, shear-sensitive and thixotropic fluids. A thixotropic fluid is a fluid whose viscosity increases with flow. In addition, progressive cavity pumps are also available in food grade materials. These are the pumps of choice for pumping products such as yogurt with fruit in it so that the fruit is not harmed by the pumping process. This configuration is also preferred for low emulsification applications, such as transferring oily water from separator treatment systems.
Gear pumps and progressing cavity pumps are ideally suited for some applications, but they will not tolerate being run dry. Most diaphragm pumps will tolerate dry running without damage. Diaphragm pumps are capable of pumping abrasive-laden viscous fluids and have excellent priming ability. This configuration is available with electric motor, gas/diesel engine and air operated drives.
Air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps are available in many different materials and are built to withstand the most difficult fluid handling situations. By their design, these pumps emit a pulsing discharge. In applications where the pulsating discharge is not acceptable, pulsation dampeners manufactured with the same materials of construction as the pumps should be installed. Typically a pulsation dampener can reduce discharge pulsations by 80 – 90%. An additional advantage of AODD pumps is that by regulating the air inlet pressure, these pumps can be operated in variable speed applications. And finally, because they run on compressed air and not electricity, if grounded properly AODD pumps are considered explosion proof.
Piston pumps and plunger pumps are ideally suited for pumping clean, non-viscous liquids at higher pressures than most other positive displacement pump configurations. Most high pressure (above 1000psi) cleaning and spraying applications will require this design. For flows of 10 GPM or more, these pumps are most commonly belt driven, and may be gas-engine, diesel, or electrically coupled via a set of pulleys. Due to the high-pressure capabilities of this design, a pressure regulating/relief device must always be installed in this system.
There is a type of pump built with the correct materials of construction and performance capabilities for every fluid handling application. Contact PFC Equipment, Inc. to have one of our qualified, highly trained application engineers help you make the correct selection for your application.