Industrial pumps are essential for any industry or business that relies on liquid transfer as a part of their work. These machines are designed to handle substances like viscous liquid, water, chemicals, oil, and more under abrasive conditions. 

Industrial pumps fix and blend fluid, control the flow, and remove contaminants from the fluid. It can also reduce energy costs and environmental impact and boost your process.  

Understanding the diverse array of industrial pumps is essential for choosing the right pump for your industry. The right pump ensures smooth and reliable fluid handling, reduces downtime, and helps maintain the quality of the entire process. 

This article provides a detailed guide to industrial pumps’ working process, components, types, and applications, which will help you better understand them.

Components Of Industrial Pumps

It is important to know the essential components of industrial pumps to ensure their long-lasting performance & operation.

1. Impeller

Impellers are rotating substances that give energy to fluid for flow. Impellers come in different designs and are used in different types of pumps, including centrifugal, submersible and axial.

2. Bearings

Bearings absorb the radial and axial force during the process and maintain shaft alignment. They confirm shafts’ smooth and efficient operation, especially in the oil and gas industry.

3. Shaft

The shaft connects motors to the pump and transmits energy to the impeller. A shaft with bearings supports the industrial pump to work in low temperatures as well.

4. Motor

The motor has the power to drive the industrial water pump.  When working in the maritime industry, these must be selected considering all the essential factors. 

Depending on the environmental condition and application, the motor can be electric, hydraulic or any other type.

5. Casing

The casing’s specific shape guides the liquid to exit the impeller as it surrounds it. Casing design is critical to maintaining fluid integrity, preventing leaks, and ensuring efficient flow patterns.

6. Seal

Seals are crucial components of industrial pumps located at the interface between the shaft and casing. They prevent fluid leaks from the casing and protect the surrounding environment.

7. Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a vital component of the diaphragm pump. It expands and collapses the volume of the pumping chamber to separate it from the transmission system. This is to prevent the fluid from contacting the mechanical part.

8. Valves

Valves control the flow of fluid, as well as the direction and pressure of the fluid through its opening and closing.

Working Process Of Industrial Pumps

Different industrial pump types have different working processes. They are operated by rotating or reciprocating mechanisms and use mechanical work energy to move fluid through other parts. 

Industrial pumps move fluid using a rotating mechanism that creates a vacuum, which draws in and captures the liquid. The reciprocating mechanism uses an engine and pumps. Its work is repeatedly going up and down or back and forth. This cycle consists of two motions called strokes. 

Industrial pumps are divided into two categories based on their working pattern- 

• Dynamic pumps 
• Positive displacement pumps

Types Of Industrial Pumps

There are many types of industrial pumps, but the two main categories are-

1)- Dynamic Pumps

Dynamic pumps use the centrifugal force to create velocity in the liquid. This velocity is then converted into pressure that regulates fluid push through the pump. These pumps are popular in various industries because they are simple, reliable, and easy to maintain. 

The impeller in a dynamic pump creates a vacuum that pulls fluid in, converting velocity into pressure to push the fluid through the pump. They can run continuously with minimal moving parts.

Applications of Dynamic Water Pumps:

• Dynamic pumps act as a water supply system for water transportation to buildings from the reservoir. 
• They are used in the chemical industry to transfer poisonous and corrosive liquids. 
• Dynamic pumps are used for cooling and lubricant processes in machinery. 
• They are used in the agriculture sector for irrigation. 

Types of Dynamic Water Pumps:

Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are the most common type of pump. They are popular among various industries because they are easy to install and use. 

These pumps move fluid by transferring rotational energy from one to more driven rotors, called impellers.

The pump impeller types play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and functionality of centrifugal pumps, with options like open, semi-open, and closed impellers designed for different applications.

Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps are primarily used to move stormwater or sewage and in other industries. They use rotating impellers to add kinetic energy to water, and water pressure, rather than electricity, powers the impellers at least partially.

Read More About: Top 10 Submersible Pump Companies In India

Axial Flow Water Pump

An axial flow water pump is a type of dynamic pump that moves fluids along the axis of the impeller. This is achieved by converting rotational kinetic energy to fluid pressure energy. 

These pumps handle a large volume of fluids at low pressure and have a high discharge rate.

Mixed Flow Pumps

Mixed-flow pumps impart radial and axial motion by creating the necessary pressure and flow. In this case, the radial component is higher than the axial component.

Jet Pumps

Jet pumps use a jet nozzle to increase the pressure of the pumped fluid. The nozzle mixes the power fluid with the produced fluid in the mixing chamber and diffuser.

Fire Hydrant Pumps

Fire hydrant systems, also known as fire pumps or hydrant boosters, are designed to serve fluids with high force and pressure and are used in fire industries.

2)- Positive Displacement Pumps (PD Pumps)

Positive displacement pumps have more complex designs than dynamic pumps and can handle more variations in flow and pressure. They move liquid through a reciprocating mechanism of plungers, pistons, or diaphragms.  

With a PD industrial pump, you will generally get a pulsing discharge because fluid is trapped and expelled in a fixed volume. These pumps are used in applications that require high-velocity liquid and precise flow control.

Applications of PD Pumps:

• They are used in low-viscosity fluids, paint spraying, oil production and high-force washing. 
• PD pumps are used in chemical injection, metering or dispensing.
• In the food industry, PD pumps transfer sauces & condiments like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise. 
• In the oil and gas industry, these pumps trap a fixed amount of fluid or gas and force it through the system.

Types of Positive Displacement Pumps:

Lobe Pumps

Lobe pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that includes a rotating lobe, similar to a gear, even when they don’t touch. The lobes rotate in one direction and don’t come in contact with each other.  

As they rotate, they trap fluid between the lobes and the pump casing, then move it through the pump. These pumps are great for handling thicker liquids and those with some solid particles.

Screw Pumps

Screw pumps operate using several rotating screws inside the casing, and the clearance between screws is minimal. These pumps are best for simple water movement or the transfer of high-viscosity materials.

Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are a popular type of PD pump. They use pneumatic pressure instead of electric power to be used without electricity. It has two chambers with a diaphragm, and the air is transferred between the two using the valve.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps are rotating positive discretion pumps that force the liquid using a process that creates suction and void inside the system. 

Piston Pumps

It uses pistons to create suction or discharge pressure. Pistons move liquid material and boost the efforts of more complex pumps.

Factors To Consider When Choosing An Industrial Pump

1)- Material Of Constructions

The material used in the pump must be compatible with the fluid you are using. Knowing the material can prevent degradation and corrosion, affecting the pump’s performance.

2)- Flow Rate And Pressure

Flow rate is usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour. The pump you have selected must be able to handle the application flow & requirements. Check if it can generate the necessary pressure at the required flow rate.

3)- Fluid Properties

The type of fluid you are pumping affects the kind of industrial pump you need. Before the pump, consider the fluid’s viscosity, temperature, corrosiveness, and whether it contains solids.

4)- Power Source/ Power Supply

Check whether the pump’s power source is diesel, electric, solar panels, or hydraulic. Selecting the right pump based on voltage and current restrictions is essential.

5)- Size Of Pump

Selecting the undersized or oversized pump may lead to low or high-flow delivery to you. This can cause excess flow or higher back pressure.

6)- Cost Consideration And Energy Efficiency

A more effective pump will consume less power for the same output, saving energy. You must also consider the initial cost and the industrial pump’s operating cost.

Future Trends In Industrial Pumps

Industrial pumps are essential in various sectors, including manufacturing, oil and gas, water treatment, and others. They come in various types to handle different tasks, from high-pressure applications to moving thick liquids or ensuring accurate flow. 

These pumps are shaping the future using technological trends and making the process easier. Technological trends include introducing smart water management systems with IoT sensors, water quality sensors and other techniques. 

These techniques allow for real-time monitoring of pump performance, making pumps more dependable and cost-effective. They also reduce downtime and make industrial processes smoother and more efficient.

Embracing these trends drives innovation and ensures that you remain competitive in the industry.