When choosing water pumps to use in a construction job, it’s important to understand the differences between your various options. Pump type matters, particularly when you are pumping more than just water. The density and viscosity of the liquid will be a major influence on your choice, otherwise, your pump might not even be able to get the job done.
Fundamentally, there are two different types of pumps: positive displacement pumps, and centrifugal water pumps.
What Are the Two Main Types of Water Pumps?
- Centrifugal water pumps
Centrifugal pumps rely on impellers to pull in and expel water and other fluids. There are numerous designs of centrifugal pumps, with models which can operate in almost any environment, and generally, offer high flow rates. They can also pump any kind of fluid, although they tend to work best with thin fluids.
In addition to dewatering construction sites, centrifugal pumps are also frequently seen in water wells, fire protection systems, and water intake lines.
There are a few issues with centrifugal pumps. These pumps must be primed, filled with liquid, before they can work, and can also be prone to overheating when the flow is low enough. Also, the impeller itself is prone to damage, particularly if there are solids suspended in the liquid.
- Positive displacement pumps
Positive displacement pumps are a bit more specialized. Simply put, they use an in-and-out bellows action to move the water. When this is done mechanically, through automation, the result is an extremely steady and reliable flow. These pumps are very mechanically efficient, achieved by removing all air from the lines. This also means the lines never need to be bled.
While positive displacement pumps can be used with water, they are more typically utilized for low-viscosity liquids, and in situations which call for a combination of low flow with high pressure.
Aside from being unfit for many situations where centrifugal water pumps are the better option, there is one significant drawback to positive displacement pumps. They require a very tight clearance between the rotating pump and the unit’s outer edge. This forces the pump to work at low speeds. The higher the speeds, the more likely it is to become damaged.
FloRight Pump & Controls Is Dedicated to Material Flow
We are pumping and material flow specialists, giving us the edge over more generalist contractors. Our focus entirely on pumps and associated machinery, as well as automation systems, make us a go-to choice whenever smooth reliable pumping is a requirement.
Contact us directly to discuss your needs.
