Comprehensive Guide to the 7 Different Types of Pumps

Amidst the intricacies of modern engineering, we’re surrounded by many amazing machines and devices working diligently to keep our homes and industries running smoothly. Among these are several different types of pumps, quietly powering our everyday routines and processes. 

From submersible pumps designed for underwater applications to solar pumps harnessing the power of renewable energy, there are a plethora of options available. Let’s delve into prevalent pump types and uses and their unique characteristics, helping you make informed choices for your needs. 

Understanding Pumps 

Pumps are essential devices used to move liquids, gases, or slurries from one place to another. They work by creating flow and increasing the pressure of the fluid, enabling it to be transported through pipelines or systems. Pumps come in various types, including centrifugal, positive displacement, and multistage pumps, each suited to specific applications and fluid properties. Centrifugal pumps use rotating impellers to impart kinetic energy to the fluid, while positive displacement pumps trap and move fluid using mechanical displacement. Understanding pumps involves knowing their principles of operation, types, and appropriate applications in diverse industries, from water treatment to oil and gas.  

Seven Different Types of Pumps 

 The types of pumps mentioned in this guide cater to a wide range of applications, each offering distinct benefits and functionalities. Let’s take a closer look at these pumps and their various uses. 

1.Submersible Pumps 

Due to their ability to operate underwater, submersible pumps are perfect for applications such as well-pumping, drainage, and wastewater management. These types of water pumps don’t require an additional motor or shaft since they are completely immersed in the liquid they are pumping. They are more energy-efficient than conventional pumps since they don’t have to use less energy to raise fluid because the pressure of the liquid forces it into the pump. The sealed structure of submersible pumps ensures safe operation by preventing water from entering the electrical components. 

Submersible pumps come in various types, each designed for specific applications and operating conditions. Some common types of submersible pumps include: 

• Centrifugal Submersible Pumps: These pumps use centrifugal force to move fluid through the pump and out of the discharge port. They are suitable for a wide range of applications, including drainage, wastewater management, and irrigation. 

• Sewage Submersible Pumps: These pumps are specifically designed for handling sewage and wastewater. They are equipped with robust impellers and durable construction materials to handle solids and debris commonly found in sewage systems. 

• Dewatering Submersible Pumps: These types of pumps are used to remove water from construction sites, mines, basements, and other areas prone to flooding or water accumulation. 

• Well Submersible Pumps: These pumps are designed for pumping water from wells, boreholes, or underground reservoirs.  

2. Centrifugal Pumps 

Centrifugal pumps move fluid using centrifugal force through a series of impellers. They are highly adaptable and have a wide range of uses, including sewage treatment, water supply, and even industrial operations. These pumps are a popular option in many sectors because of their effectiveness and minimal maintenance needs.

3. Centrifugal Monoset Pumps 

Centrifugal monoset pumps are a subset of centrifugal pumps with a single stage and reduced head and flow rates. These types of centrifugal pumps are compact, simple to install, and energy-efficient. They are ideal for residential use, such as water supply, gardening, and household circulation. Here are some common types of centrifugal monoset pumps: 

• Domestic Monoset Pumps: These pumps are designed for residential water supply applications such as boosting water pressure, filling overhead tanks, and supplying water to bathrooms, kitchens and gardens. 

• Agricultural Monoset Pumps: These types of pumps are used in agriculture for irrigation purposes, these pumps are capable of handling large volumes of water and are suitable for pumping water from wells, boreholes, or surface water sources to irrigate fields, crops, and orchards. 

• Industrial Monoset Pumps: These pumps are designed for various industrial applications, including cooling water circulation, boiler feed, wastewater transfer, and process water handling in factories, manufacturing plants, and industrial facilities. 

• Multistage Monoset Pumps: Featuring multiple impeller stages integrated into a single unit, multistage monoset pumps are capable of generating higher pressures and are commonly used for high-rise buildings, water supply networks, and industrial processes requiring elevated pressure. 

• Booster Monoset Pumps: Among all types of water pumps, a booster pump enhances water pressure in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They are commonly installed in buildings, apartments, hotels, and commercial complexes to ensure adequate water pressure at all times. 

4. Compressor Pumps 

Compressor pumps, also known as reciprocating pumps or air pumps, harness air pressure to raise water from a specific location. They work by compressing air and discharging it at a higher pressure, utilising either positive displacement or dynamic compression methods. These types of pumps find applications in residential complexes, and hotels, and are also extensively employed in agricultural and industrial settings. 

Compressor pumps, which are used to compress air or gas, come in various types, each suited for specific applications and operating conditions. Here are some common types of compressor pumps: 

5. Self-Priming Pumps 

Self-priming pumps are designed to purge air from the suction line, allowing them to start pumping without manual priming, making them convenient and user-friendly. These types of water pumps are commonly used for irrigation systems, dewatering operations, and water transfer applications. They are particularly useful in situations where the pump needs to handle a mixture of air and liquid or where the pump may need to operate intermittently. There are several types of self-priming pumps, each with its unique features and applications: 

• Centrifugal Self-Priming Pumps: These pumps use centrifugal force to evacuate air and prime the pump. They are commonly used for applications such as irrigation, water transfer, dewatering, and wastewater handling. 

• Diaphragm Self-Priming Pumps: Diaphragm pumps use flexible diaphragms to create suction and prime the pump. They are widely used for pumping fluids with solids or abrasives, such as slurry pumping, sewage handling, and chemical transfer. 

• Jet Self-Priming Pumps: Jet pumps use a venturi system to create suction and prime the pump. They are often used in water well systems, domestic water supply, and irrigation applications. 

• Submersible Self-Priming Pumps: Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater and self-prime when submerged. They are commonly used for drainage, sewage handling, and groundwater extraction from wells or boreholes. 

6. Multistage Pumps 

Multistage pumps contain multiple impellers and motors, enabling them to handle high pressures and flow rates. These types of water pumps are highly efficient and can be used in applications like high-rise building water systems, boiler feed, and irrigation. Each impeller adds to the overall pressure, making them suitable for large-scale operations. The following are various types of pumps: 

• Horizontal Multistage Centrifugal Pumps: These pumps feature multiple impeller stages arranged horizontally along a common shaft. They are commonly used for high-pressure water supply, boiler feed, irrigation, and industrial processes. 

• Vertical Multistage Centrifugal Pumps: In vertical multistage pumps, impeller stages are stacked vertically one above the other, with each stage connected by a common shaft. They are suitable for applications with limited floor space or where high discharge heads are required, such as high-rise buildings, water treatment plants, and industrial cooling systems. 

• Axial Split Case Multistage Pumps: These pumps feature a horizontally split casing, allowing easy access to the impeller stages for maintenance and inspection. They are used for high-flow, high-pressure applications such as water supply networks, firefighting systems, and industrial processes requiring large volumes of water at high pressures. 

• Barrel Multistage Centrifugal Pumps: Barrel pumps have multiple impeller stages housed within a single barrel-shaped casing. They are commonly used for high-pressure oilfield pumping, refinery processes, and petrochemical applications requiring the pumping of fluids with high viscosity or temperature. 

• Submersible Multistage Pumps: Submersible multistage pumps are designed to operate underwater and are commonly used for deep well pumping, groundwater extraction, and water supply from boreholes or reservoirs. They are suitable for applications where high heads and flow rates are required, such as municipal water supply, agriculture, and mining. 

7. Solar Pumps 

Solar pumps are environmentally friendly, using solar energy to power their operations. They offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially in remote areas and off-grid applications with limited access to electricity. This type of pump is commonly used for irrigation, water supply, and livestock watering, reducing dependence on conventional power sources. The following are the different types of pumps: 

• Surface Solar Water Pumps: These pumps are installed above ground and are suitable for pumping water from shallow water sources such as wells, ponds, rivers, or storage tanks. They are commonly used for irrigation, livestock watering, and domestic water supply in remote or off-grid locations. 

• Submersible Solar Water Pumps: Submersible pumps are installed underwater and are designed for pumping water from deep wells, boreholes, or reservoirs. They are ideal for applications requiring high lift or where space constraints prevent surface installation. Submersible pumps are commonly used for agriculture, community water supply, and irrigation. 

• Floating Solar Water Pumps: As the name suggests, floating pumps are designed to float on the surface of water bodies such as ponds, lakes, or reservoirs. They utilize solar panels mounted on floating platforms to power the pump, making them suitable for water circulation, aeration, and irrigation in aquatic environments. 

• DC Solar Water Pumps: DC pumps are specifically designed to operate directly from solar panels without the need for an inverter or batteries. They are highly efficient and suitable for off-grid applications such as remote livestock watering, drip irrigation, and small-scale water supply systems. 

• AC Solar Water Pumps: AC pumps are designed to operate using solar energy converted into AC power through an inverter. They are suitable for larger-scale applications such as agricultural irrigation, municipal water supply, and commercial water pumping systems. 

Which Type Of Pump Works For Me? 

Determining the type of pump that works best for you depends on several factors. Consider the following: 

• Application: Identify the purpose of the pump, whether it's for water supply, irrigation, sewage handling or another application. 

• Fluid Type: Consider the type of fluid being pumped, including its viscosity, temperature, corrosiveness, and abrasiveness. Certain pump types are better suited for handling specific fluids. 

• Flow Rate: Determine the required flow rate (volume of fluid per unit time) and pressure (head) needed to meet your application demands. Different pump types have varying capacities and capabilities for delivering flow and pressure. 

• Installation Constraints: Take into account any space limitations, environmental conditions, installation requirements, and system compatibility factors that may influence the choice of pump. 

• Budget: Consider your budget constraints and balance the initial purchase cost with the long-term operating and maintenance costs of the pump. 

Crompton’s Water Pumps 

Crompton offers a broad range of water pumps, engineered to cater to various domestic needs. These pumps serve as the powerhouse of residential water systems, regulating water pressure and making life at home incredibly convenient. Here are some of the types of water pumps available: 

1. CFMSMB Series – Water Pressure Pump

The CFMSMB Series – Water Pressure Pump is designed for homes with low water pressure. It is equipped with an energy-efficient motor, a high flow rate, and adjustable pressure control. 

2. Centrifugal Deep Well Jet Pumps

Ideal for deep well water systems, the Centrifugal Deep Well Jet Pumps create a vacuum to pull water from a deep source using a water jet. 

3. Rust-free V4- Stainless Steel Pumps

The Rust free V4- Stainless Steel Pumps are made from rust-free stainless steel, and are suitable for harsh environment use or where water quality is significant. These require less maintenance and consume low power. 

4. V4- Oil Filled Motor

The V4- Oil Filled Motor is specifically engineered to endure back pressure without incurring damage, offering hassle-free maintenance and an extended lifespan, thanks to its superior quality mechanical seal. 

5. Noiseless Mini Force Single Pump Booster

The Noiseless Mini Force Single Pump Booster comes with an automatic on-and-off operation and a float switch for dry-run protection, and it operates noiselessly. 

6. CMB Series Heavy Duty Self Priming Pumps

The CMB Series Heavy Duty Self Priming Pumps are capable of self-priming up to 8.0 meters at mean sea level and work effectively in a wide voltage band. 

7. Aquagold Series

The Aquagold Series Pumps have SS304 casing and a forged Brass impeller for a prolonged lifespan and are capable of self-priming up to 8.0 meters at mean sea level. 

8. Belt Compressor Pump

The Belt Compressor Pumps are built with a durable special cast iron cylinder and use a specific motor designed for compressor applications. Additionally, it features deep-finned construction for efficient heat dissipation. 

There are many other types of pumps that Crompton offers for varying purposes and requirements. Discover the diverse selection and find the perfect pump for your needs. 

Takeaway 

With a better understanding of the types of pumps discussed here, you can confidently choose the ideal pump that caters to your specific requirements. Whether it’s submersible pumps for underwater operations, centrifugal pumps for general fluid transfer, or solar pumps for sustainable energy usage, each type has its own unique advantages and applications. So, next time you encounter a pumping task, remember there is a pump for every purpose available among the different types of pumps. 

FAQs on Types of Pumps 

• What is the difference between axial flow and radial flow pumps? 

Axial flow pumps propel fluid parallel to the pump shaft, while radial flow pumps direct fluid perpendicular to the pump shaft. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the appropriate pump type for specific applications, such as water treatment, irrigation, or industrial processes. 

• How do submersible pumps differ from other types of pumps? 

Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid they are pumping, such as water or sewage. Unlike other pumps, they do not require priming and can operate continuously without risk of cavitation. They are widely used for groundwater drainage, wastewater treatment, and well pumping. 

• What is cavitation in pumps? 

Cavitation in pumps occurs when the pressure of the fluid being pumped drops below its vapor pressure, causing the formation of vapor or bubbles within the liquid.  

• Which is better, multistage or single stage pump? 

Single-stage pumps are typically used for low to moderate pressure applications, while multistage pumps are preferred for high-pressure applications where the total pressure requirement exceeds what a single-stage pump can provide.