There are two major types of pumps that are most commonly usedin Australiain the movement of liquids; the positive displacement pumpand the dynamic or centrifugal pump. Both types of pumps use energy as well as mechanics in moving liquid mediums from one location to the other. But, they do it in ways that vary from one another. Their basic differences include;

  1. Mechanics: Centrifugal pumps raise the velocity of the liquid that is being conveyed which then creates pressure at the pump’s outlet. This is much like the water pumps that you use in the backyard pools in your home. Their positive displacement counterparts, on the other hand, accept the liquid that is to be conveyed via the intake and then have it transferred to the outlet. The pressure is created via the utilisation of a restriction or nozzle in the discharge. It is the restriction or nozzle that thus creates pressure in this type of pump.
  2. Flow: Based on the mechanics that they use, the flow of liquid through centrifugal or dynamic pumps can vary according to the pressure that is allowed to come into the pump. Said in another way, should a centrifugal pump run dry, it will become incapable of beginning to pump the liquid being conveyed again until there is sufficient pressure through the intake that will get the liquid to resume flowing. On the other hand, the flow of liquid is more constant in all positive displacement pump types. And, there is no need for any considerable pressure at the pump’s intake to have that pressure sustained. In layman language, this means that centrifugal pumps have to be primed to start pumping again when they become dry while their positive displacement counterparts do not demand any priming.
  3. Liquid viscosity: Again, as a result of the mechanics by which each pump functions, the viscosity of the liquid that is being conveyed can influence the pump’s efficiency. Increasing viscosity will decrease a centrifugal pump’s efficiency while it will increase that of its positive displacement counterpart.

Generally, based on the potential volume variability as a result of their dependence on the pressure of intake, centrifugal pumps are most ideal for applications which call for higher volumes of flow, including fire protection systems, water supplies to buildings, as well as agricultural irrigation systems.

With the capability for imparting progressively more consistent pressure to whatever liquid is being conveyed, their positive displacement counterparts are most ideal for high-pressure, low-flow utilisations such as applications for heavy-duty pressure washing like tank cleaning, fuel pumping systems, as well as high viscosity pumping including resins, paint, as well as glue. One of the most ideal uses these pumps are put to is industrial pressure washing. The high water pressure that is required to clean heavy processing equipment, manufacturing equipment, and vehicles can be generated only by this class of pumps.

These are the three key differences between the positive displacement pump and the centrifugal or dynamic pump. It is hoped that the information that has been offered by this article will help you in making an informed decision when it comes to choosing the most ideal type of pump for your own application.