Centrifugal Vs PD Pumps
Centrifugal Vs PD Pumps
Centrifugal Vs PD Pumps
PD Pumps
2 Abstract
5 Main Differences
6 Comparison
8 Summary
Centrifugal vs PD Pumps 1
ABSTRACT
3 Centrifugal vs PD Pumps
GENERAL APPLICATIONS SELECTIONS
Centrifugal Pumps are the most common pump type for the transfer of low viscosity fluids in
high flow rate, low pressure installations, which makes them ideal for applications that require the
pump to deal with large volumes. The centrifugal pump design is often associated with the transfer
of water but is also a popular solution for handling thin fuels and chemicals. Generally, centrifugal
pumps are used with clean liquids, but if a correct impeller is selected, they can handle some solids
slurries.
Centrifugal pumps are suited to applications where the pump is used often or is even continuously
run. The simplicity of the construction also makes centrifugal pumps easy to produce in many
different materials including plastics and cast iron for lighter duties, and bronze and stainless steels
for more corrosive or hygienic application. Hence the multiple fluids that centrifugal pumps are
suitable for use with.
The centrifugal pump design is also very compact in comparison to other pump types that produce
the same output levels, making them a good option when space saving is an issue. Basic centrifugal
pumps, unless specially designed to maintain a flooded impeller at all times, are not capable of self-
priming.
Positive Displacement Pumps are usually selected for their ability to handle high viscosity fluids
at high pressures and relatively low flows as their efficiency isn’t affected by pressure. Unlike
centrifugal pumps, which are commonly installed due to their simplicity, positive displacement
pumps provide capability of handling more difficult conditions where centrifugal pumps may fail,
thanks to their ability to be run at any point on their curve. Most of the positive displacement
pumps are capable of self-priming.
There are two classifications of positive displacement pump; rotary and reciprocating.
Rotary positive displacement pumps – operate via rotation of the pumping element
• Progressive cavity pumps
• Vane pumps
• Screw pumps
• Peristaltic pumps
• Gear pumps
• Lobe pumps
Reciprocating positive displacement pumps – operate via a constant back and forth motion
• Diaphragm pumps
• Piston pumps Centrifugal vs PD Pumps 4
MAIN DIFFERENCES
COMPARISON
Factor Centrifugal Positive Displacement
Performance Flow rate varies with a change Flow rate remains constant
in pressure. with a change in pressure.
Suction Lift Standard models cannot create Create a vacuum on the inlet
suction lift, although self- side, making them capable of
priming designs are available creating suction lift.
and manometric suction lift is
possible through a non-return
valve on the suction line.
Centrifugal vs PD Pumps 6
ILLUSTRATIONS OF PUMP TYPES
Open Impeller Closed & Semi-Closed Impeller Multi-stage
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SUMMARY
Both centrifugal and positive displacement pumps have their place in
industrial and commercial applications.
Centrifugal pumps benefit from a simple design with few moving parts,
resulting in lower maintenance requirements and costs. Multistage
centrifugal pumps are capable of increased pressure delivery, however not
as high as the positive displacement pumps.
Positive displacement pumps are designed for the transfer of high viscosity
fluids such as thick oils, slurries, sewage and pastes. Thanks to their internal
clearances, some types such as progressive cavity pumps and peristaltic
pumps, are also excellent at applications handling mediums containing high
levels of solids. Screw and vane pumps on the other hand and are ideal for
pumping relatively clean fluids.
Being lower speed pumps than the centrifugal design, rotary positive
displacement pumps with larger pumping chambers such as progressive
cavity, lobe and peristaltic pumps are typically low shear pumps that provide
a smooth flow. This allows them to pump shear sensitive products that need
their structure to remain intact and cannot lose their stickiness and retain
their properties.
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engineering and design services for a very broad
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value for our clients wanting a fully integrated, Website: www.bsiengr.com
engineering-led EPCM model.
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