Pumps

Pumps are classified into two major categories

  • centrifugal pumps, and 
  • positive displacement pumps.

Centrifugal pumps are capable of higher flows and can work with lower viscosity liquids. In some chemical plants, 90% of the pumps in use will be centrifugal pumps. However, there are a number of applications for which positive displacement pumps are preferred. For example, they can handle higher viscosity fluids and can operate at high pressures and relatively low flows more efficiently. They are also more accurate when metering is an important consideration.