Pump — device for moving liquids and other fluids
A pump is a mechanical device that moves fluids by converting energy into flow and pressure. This article explains how pumps work, major types, history, common uses, and practical distinctions.
Overview
A pump is a mechanical device that transfers a fluid from one location to another by imparting energy to the fluid. Pumps are used to move liquids, slurries, gases and other media in applications ranging from household water supply to industrial processing. For a basic introduction to the concept, see general pump information. When the medium being moved is a liquid, the device is often described specifically as a water pump or liquid pump; more on fluids and their properties can be found at fluid basics. Pumps require a source of power — human, mechanical, electrical or otherwise — to operate; general energy and power concepts are available at power and energy.
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How pumps operate and principal parts
Pumps convert energy into fluid motion and pressure. Most pumps include these basic elements: a driving source (handle, motor or engine), a working chamber where pressure is generated, inlet and outlet passages, and seals or valves to control flow. Operation falls into two broad categories: positive-displacement, which traps and moves fixed volumes of fluid per cycle; and dynamic (rotodynamic), which continuously imparts velocity to the fluid and converts velocity to pressure.
Major types
- Positive-displacement pumps: piston, diaphragm, and rotary vane types that deliver a fixed volume per stroke or rotation.
- Dynamic pumps: centrifugal and axial-flow pumps common in water, sewage, and HVAC systems.
- Specialized pumps: metering pumps for precise dosing, peristaltic pumps for abrasive or sterile fluids, and submersible pumps for submerged operation.
History and development
The concept of moving water by mechanical means dates to ancient times — shadoofs and Archimedes' screw were early examples. Over centuries, pump designs evolved from hand-operated devices to steam-driven and then electrically powered machines during the Industrial Revolution. Modern materials, seals, and computer-aided design have improved efficiency, reliability and application range.
Uses and examples
Pumps appear in nearly every sector: supplying drinking water and irrigation, circulating coolant and lubricants in engines, transferring petroleum and chemicals, dosing additives in treatment plants, and in medical devices such as infusion pumps. Selection depends on required flow rate, pressure head, fluid characteristics (temperature, viscosity, solids content) and system layout.
Practical considerations and distinctions
Choosing and maintaining a pump involves evaluating efficiency, net positive suction head (NPSH) to avoid cavitation, material compatibility to resist corrosion or erosion, and routine care such as seal replacement and alignment. Distinguishing features — whether the pump is self-priming, capable of handling solids, or suitable for high-pressure service — determine its fit for a specific task.
For technical guides and further reading, consult manufacturer literature and engineering resources via the links above (pump overview, fluid properties, energy and power).
Delimitation
Flow machines for compressible media such as gases or vapours are compressors or blowers:
- If compressible media are conveyed without a significant increase in pressure, and the main objective is accordingly an increase in dynamic energy, the correct designation is blower (colloquially fan).
- If gases and vapours as well as gas-liquid mixtures are conveyed and if their pressure increase by compression is the essential aim, the device is called a compressor.
- Machines that serve to create a vacuum in a container are called vacuum pumps, but in terms of their function they are also compressors.
Also, devices that impart an increase in energy to a fluid by applying mechanical work, but where the fluid can flow in and out without additional guidance, are technically not pumps. These include:
- Floor and ceiling fans
- Propeller (aircraft and ship)
- Agitators
Pump classification
Pumps are divided into two main groups according to their operating principle: In the following, both groups are referred to as pumps for the sake of simplicity.
Stream pumps
In fluid flow machines, the energy transfer is effected exclusively by fluid mechanical processes. The medium flows freely through the machine without flaps and valves. At standstill, the medium could flow backwards through the pump. Therefore, depending on the application, gate valves, globe valves or check valves must be used. Flow pumps are not self-priming, so the suction lines must always be filled with liquid, or there must be a sufficiently large volume of liquid upstream of the actual impeller inlet. The maximum suction head is also limited here by the local air pressure and any flow resistance that occurs. Flow pumps should not be throttled on the suction side during operation, as there is a risk of the blades being destroyed by cavitation.
Flow pumps are also called centrifugal pumps. They can be divided into the following types:
- Axial pump
- Diagonal pump
- Radial pump
Positive displacement pumps
In positive displacement pumps, the medium is conveyed through self-contained volumes, prevention of backflow is achieved by valves or flaps, other media or their shape by gravity. Except for design-related leaks, the medium cannot flow through the pump in the reverse direction even when it is at a standstill. Positive displacement pumps are usually self-priming, which means that even pumps designed for liquids can pump gases for a mostly limited period of time and thus build up a vacuum sufficient for priming.
The maximum suction lift (geodetic suction lift) is limited by the achievable vacuum, the local air pressure, the density of the medium and the flow resistances to be overcome. Positive displacement machines should not be shut off on the discharge side unless suitable measures have been taken by means of slip clutches, pressure relief and bypass valves and the like to prevent damage to the pump, drive or piping up to the shut-off point.
A further distinction is made between fixed displacement pumps and variable displacement pumps. Constant displacement pumps always displace the same volume with each revolution. With variable displacement pumps, on the other hand, the displacement volume can be adjusted. In addition, pumps can be divided into rotating and oscillating displacement pumps according to their delivery principle.
These include:
- Bellows (bellows pumps or bellows pumps)
- Diaphragm pumps
- Scroll compressor
- Rotary piston pumps
- Rotary lobe pumps
- Rotary vane pumps
- Rotary piston pumps
- Gear pumps
- Eccentric screw pumps
- Screw conveyors (Archimedean screw)
- Hydraulic ram
- Impeller pump
- Chain pumps
- Piston pumps
- Axial piston pumps (e.g. "swash plate" or "swash axis" design)
- Reciprocating piston pumps (e.g. thick matter pumps, fuel metering pumps, injection pump)
- pneumohydraulic pressure intensifier (also called pressure multiplier)
- Radial piston pumps
- Annular piston pumps
- Peristaltic pumps (also called peristaltic pumps)
- Scoops, in the simplest case a bucket in the well.
- Screw pumps (also called screw pumps, spiral piston pumps or screw compressors)
- Shaking Pumps
- Sinus pumps
- Timing belt pumps
and many special constructions, as well as in animals, like humans, the heart.
Other constructions
Jet pumps occupy a special position. In these pumps, the medium to be pumped is accelerated by a gas, vapour or liquid jet. Although they make use of flow dynamic processes, they are still usually classified as positive displacement pumps.
These are for example:
- Water jet pump (uses water to pump air or water)
- Steam jet pump (uses gas to pump air or water)
Other funding principles include:
- Mammoth pump or bubble pump (delivery by rising gas bubble as piston)
- Shock lifter (hydraulic ram) (uses water to pump water)
- Horse head pump (deep pump)
In addition, there are further, partly exotic constructions, which use electromagnetic or other physical properties of the pumped medium for energy transmission.
Examples of this:
- Ion getter pump (see also sorption pump in the article vacuum pump)
- Titanium sublimation pump
- Turbomolecular pump
- Electrochemical gas pump
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AlegsaOnline.com Pump — device for moving liquids and other fluids Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/80043