Industrial pumps are specifically designed for heavy-duty and harsh applications. They transport different types of materials, including chemicals, wastewater, water, slurries and sludges, food, and petroleum.
It is important that you have chosen the correct pump to match your application. If you choose the wrong pump this can lead to inefficient operations, or even worse a catastrophic failure of the equipment.
Types of Pumps and Their Uses
Most pump solutions generally fall under 1 of 2 categories. These include dynamic pumps or positive displacement pumps. A positive displacement pump controls fluids by operating at one speed and is not affected by the speed of the fluid once it has entered the inlet valve.
The dynamic pumps provide ‘kinetic energy‘ to the fluids. This involves increasing the speed of the fluid and this energy converts into pressure once it reaches the slower outlet point.
Each of these categories includes a range of pump types. The most common include:
- Reciprocating Pumps: These pumps use a piston that is designed to push in and out of the fluids which creates suction.
- Centrifugal Pumps: These pumps use rotating impellers which also create suction.
- Rotary Pumps: Rotary pumps use gears that are designed to mesh together. This creates high levels of ‘discharge’ pressure which drives the fluid flow.
- IBC Pumps: IBC pumps are designed to transfer fluids from IBCs, which are large, rectangular containers used for storing and transporting liquids in bulk. IBC pumps are typically electric or pneumatic and are designed to be inserted into the IBC’s outlet valve for fluid transfer. They can be used for a wide range of liquids, including chemicals, oils, and food products.
According to the pump type, some of the common applications can include:
- Chemical processing
- Pressurising fluid or water
- Water movement
- Management of large-volume fluids
Pumps are also Used Across a Range of Sectors
Construction
Common applications include providing pressurized water dedicated to cleaning operations, maintaining construction sites, or mitigating flooding risks.
Agriculture
Pumps are frequently used to facilitate irrigation or to hydrate livestock.
Engines
Pumps are used to move fuel to achieve combustion.
Flood Prevention
Submersible pumps and industrial sump pumps are essential to prevent flooding in commercial and industrial buildings.
Fire Suppression
Pumps play a vital role in the maintenance of pressurized water in an emergency fire suppression system. Fire trucks also include pumps that are designed to extract water from municipal hydrants.
Municipal
Municipal water systems are complex, and they heavily rely on a complex pump system to maintain the pressure in the water through the water networks.
Industrial
Pumps are used to support manufacturing processes, move chemicals, boiler feed, and boost filtration and pressure.
Sewage and Waste
Pumps are used to move a range of solid waste and liquid materials.
Important Considerations When Selecting a Pump
Choosing the correct pumps for industrial and commercial applications is important to achieve the life-long performance of these systems. Each pump type has many different specifications. When you start searching for the correct pump, here are four important considerations to give thought to:
1. Construction Materials
Choose a pump according to the ability of the materials to withstand the environment it will be used in, and the chemicals present in the composition of the fluids. Some of the popular materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and bronze. Various applications might also require pumps that match stringent regulatory standards.
2. Fluid Properties
Heated fluids, process liquids that also include solids, and corrosive fluids all demand different types of pump constructions and material treatments. Carefully examine the characteristics of the process fluids that could place stress on a pump or degrade it to make sure you are choosing the right model.
3. Power Availability and Demands
Pumps that feature increased horsepower levels designed to tightly control pressure present in the process fluids require access to a reliable and proper source of power. Most pumps are available in gas or electrical-powered models which are used for mobile applications or in a mounted environment such as construction and agricultural sites.
In addition to considering the source of power, it is also important to choose a pump according to any current or voltage constraints.
4. Flow Requirements
Different mechanisms in a pump control the pressure of the process fluid. Elevation, friction, or when kinetic energy builds up changes the pressure levels in the fluid to match the needs of the application. It is essential to choose the correct pump according to the pressurising mechanisms that it features, the anticipated submersion or elevation of that pump, along with the intended application.