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Different Types of Pumps and How They Work

As a building owner, you know you have several systems that ensure the efficiency and operation of the property. You may not realize, though, how many pumps play an integral role in equipment and system performance. Several different types of pumps ensure your property’s heat and water get where they need to go without hesitation.

Antler Pumps is an expert in all commercial and industrial pumps. Discover the function of several pump types and how they matter to your property.

Different Types of Pumps and How They Work

Dynamic Pumps

Your property may contain machinery or solo pumps that operate by either dynamic force or positive displacement. Dynamic pumps use the principle of centrifugal force, creating the velocity necessary to pressurize the liquid and expel or move it through the system.

A critical component of dynamic pumps is the impeller — a rotating device similar to a propeller — which creates a vacuum, driving fluid through the pump’s housing. Other than the impeller, this equipment has few other moving parts. A dynamic pump is a simple and affordable device, making it one of the most common types of system pumps.

Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement pumps are more complex than dynamic designs. These pumps use diaphragms, plungers, and pistons to create a reciprocating motion that moves liquid through the device. The design of a positive displacement pump means a pulsing discharge of fixed volumes rather than a smooth fluid flow of dynamic systems.

Despite the complex designs of positive displacement pumps, they can handle more than dynamic pumps. The reciprocating and measured flow allow for more significant pressure and liquid viscosity variations.

Different Types of Pumps in the Dynamic Category

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps use the transfer of rotational energy to move fluid through the pump’s body. The style is the most common pump used in industrial and commercial applications. The force produced by the system results from one or more rotors or impellers.

In these systems, fluid enters the pump, the rotating impeller sucks the liquid into the body of the pump along its axis, and the created centrifugal force expels the substance toward the outlet. The pump can handle fluids containing suspended solids to meet various property and system needs.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps use the same principles as centrifugal pumps, but the design is more robust to handle extreme conditions. The primary use of submersible pumps is removing and transporting sewage and stormwater.

In a residential building, a sump pump is a common example of a submersible pump. Professionals install the pump in a basin. The pump rests at the bottom of the basin and is connected to a drainage pipe. When the basin begins to fill, the pump turns on to expel the water through the pipe, preventing basements from flooding.

Fire System Pumps

While different types of pumps can effectively move liquid from one point to another, only dynamic-style pumps work for fire suppression systems. From sprinkler systems to hydrants, fire systems require consistent water pressure, something positive displacement pumps cannot provide.

Dynamic pumps allow for constant, high-pressure, high-force flow, which is integral to fire fighting. These devices connect directly to municipal water systems or property mains, allowing for rapid response in an emergency.

Dynamic systems are ideal for situations that require constant rather than measured flow. The impeller-based systems provide ample means to adjust pressure output, allowing tweaks to suit specific applications.

Different Types of Pumps in the Positive Displacement Category

Diaphragm Pumps

Despite the advantages of dynamic pumps, positive displacement options are not without their benefits. Most pumps use electricity for power, but not diaphragm pumps. These specialty pumps use pneumatic pressure instead, making them perfect options when electrical power isn’t available.

The primary use of diaphragm or air-operated diaphragm pumps is to transfer chemicals that have a high flash point. While property owners may not have a need to move around industrial chemicals, these pumps are efficient and accurate for cleaning and spraying applications. They are also helpful in filling, metering, and dispensing.

Lobe Pumps

Lobe pumps contain a pair of rotating lobes similar to gears, except they do not touch or interact with each other. The lobes rotate, creating suction and pulling liquid into the pump body. A single direction of rotation effectively traps the liquid and pressurizes it before expelling it in measured or metered flows.

Lobe pumps are excellent options for denser liquids because the components do not connect with each other. The devices are useful for moving liquids mixed with solid matter.

Piston Pumps

Of the different types of pumps in the positive displacement category, piston pumps are among the most useful. This pump uses a system of valves and pistons to create suction and expulsion.

An electric motor pulls the piston back, creating a vacuum to draw fluid into the pump. The valve prevents backflow as the piston moves forward and pressurizes the chamber. Under this increasing pressure, the fluid exits the pump.

Piston pumps are simple in design and intended for straightforward moving of liquids. Still, they are useful within more complex systems, helping boost other pumps’ output and performance.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps rely on a system of interconnected gears and grooves. The gears rotate in a set direction, creating suction and preventing backflow. The pressurization and expulsion of fluid result from the system’s suction and void balance.

Gear pumps are ideal for operations dealing with thicker liquids that do not contain solids. Typically, these pumps are incorporated into industrial applications for the transfer of grease and oil.

Required Maintenance and Inspections of Different Types of Pumps

Antler Pumps Annual Service Contracts

The systems in your building likely rely on several different types of pumps, both dynamic and positive displacement. Regardless of operating principle, all pumps require routine maintenance and inspections to remain in tiptop shape. Contact Antler Pumps at 212-534-2500 to discuss annual service contracts so you never miss an essential inspection or scheduled maintenance service.