Industrial Pumps - Types & Uses

Pump Types and Their Uses

Many of our pump solutions fall under one of two categories: positive displacement and dynamic pumps. Positive displacement pumps control the fluid by moving at the same speed regardless of the fluid’s speed when it enters the inlet valve. Conversely, dynamic pumps add kinetic energy to the fluid by increasing the fluid’s speed and that energy turns into pressure at the slowed outlet point.

Each category encompasses several different types of pumps, such as:

• Centrifugal pumps. One of the most commonly available dynamic pump types, centrifugal pumps use one or more rotating impellers to create suction.
• Reciprocating pumps. These positive displacement pumps rely on a piston that pushes in and out of the fluid to create suction.
• Rotary pumps. Rotary pumps use two gears that mesh together to create a high level of discharge pressure to drive fluid flow.

Markets Served/Applications

Each of our pumps is designed and constructed to meet the specific needs of industrial and commercial systems. Depending on the type of pump, common applications may include:

• Water movement
• Chemical processing
• Large-volume fluid management
• Pressurizing water/fluid

We serve a wide variety of applications across industries such as:

• Agriculture. Pumps used in the ag sector may be used to hydrate animals, facilitate irrigation, move slurries, pressure washing for animal housings, and much more.
• Construction. Construction operations rely on various pumps to mitigate flooding risks, maintain construction sites, and provide pressurized water for cleaning.
• Engines. Gas engines rely on internal pumps for the movement of fuel for combustion.
• Fire suppression. Pumps are critical for maintaining pressurized water in emergency fire suppression systems. Fire trucks also use pumps to pull water from the municipal system via hydrants.
• Flood prevention. Industrial sump pumps and other submersible pumps are critical for preventing flooding in industrial and commercial buildings.
• Industrial. The uses for pumps in the industrial sector are vast, such as moving process chemicals, supporting manufacturing processes, boiler feed, boosting pressure, filtration, and many other tasks.
• Municipal. Complex municipal water systems rely heavily on an equally complex system of pumps to maintain water pressure throughout the water network.
• Sewage and waste. Pumps facilitate movement of a variety of liquid and solid waste material.

Important Pump Selection Considerations

Choosing the right pump for a commercial or industrial application is crucial to the life-long performance of the system—but it can sometimes be a complex choice. Each pump has dozens of different specifications, while each application has dozens of considerations. When searching for the right pump, keep these four considerations in mind:

1. Construction Materials

Select your pump based on the material’s ability to withstand the chemicals in the fluid composition and the surrounding environment. Common materials include bronze, cast iron, and stainless steel. Different applications may also need pumps that meet strict regulatory standards.

2. Fluid Properties

Corrosive fluids, process liquids with solids, and heated fluids each demand different material treatments and pump constructions. Carefully note the properties of the process fluid that may degrade or put stress on the pump to ensure the selection of an appropriate model.

3. Power Demands and Availability

Pumps with high horsepower levels that must tightly control the pressure of the process fluid need access to proper and reliable sources of power. Many pumps come in electrical and gas-powered varieties for use in mounted environments and mobile applications such as agricultural and construction sites. Along with considering the power source, it’s also essential to select the right pump based on any voltage or current constraints.

4. Flow Demands

Different pump mechanisms control the process fluid’s pressure. Friction, elevation, and the buildup of kinetic energy change the fluid’s pressure levels to meet the application’s needs. It’s important to select the proper pump based on its pressurizing mechanisms, the anticipated elevation or submersion of the pump, and its intended application.

Why Choose Gainesville Industrial Electric (GIE)?

At Gainesville Industrial Electric, we provide a vast selection of specialized pumps for industrial applications. Customer service is our top priority, and we’re here to help you select the ideal pump for your system’s needs. Contact us today to learn more about our pump inventory.