Whether you’re upgrading an aging system or building a new facility, choosing the right pump is critical to your process success. With so many types of industrial pumps available, it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve created this beginner-friendly guide about the most common pump types and how they’re used.
At DXP Hennesy, we’ve spent decades helping clients match pumps to their unique application needs. Here’s a breakdown of key pump categories and when each is typically used.
Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are the most widely used type in industrial applications. They convert rotational energy from a motor into velocity to move fluid, which then transforms into pressure. These pumps are efficient, reliable, and ideal for moving low-viscosity liquids at high flow rates.
Applications: Water transfer, chemical processing, HVAC, and general industrial use.
Different Types: End-suction, vertical inline, split-case, and multistage pumps.
Positive Displacement Pumps
These pumps trap a fixed amount of liquid and force it through the discharge piping. Unlike centrifugal pumps, they maintain consistent flow regardless of pressure. This makes them ideal for thick, sticky, or shear-sensitive fluids.
Applications: Viscous fluids, metering, oil transfer, and food processing.
Different Types: Gear pumps, diaphragm pumps, peristaltic (hose) pumps, and progressive cavity pumps.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to operate while fully submerged in the fluid they’re pumping. They are sealed to prevent liquid from entering the motor and are great for confined spaces or applications with vertical lift requirements.
Applications: Wastewater, stormwater, and dewatering applications.
Vertical Turbine Pumps
Vertical turbine pumps are multistage units often used when water must be drawn from deep underground or large reservoirs. These pumps are known for their efficiency in high-head applications.
Applications: Municipal water systems, cooling towers, and deep wells.
Vacuum Pumps
Vacuum pumps remove gas molecules from a sealed volume to create a partial vacuum. These pumps are critical in industries where pressure control is essential, such as food and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Applications: Evacuation, drying, packaging, and chemical processing.
Selecting the Best Pump
Choosing the best pump involves more than knowing the fluid type. Consider flow rate, pressure, temperature, viscosity, space constraints, maintenance requirements, and other key factors. That’s where DXP Hennesy can assist.
Our team offers full-service support, including application consulting, system design, equipment sourcing, and turnkey installation. Whether you need a simple centrifugal pump or a fully engineered skid system, we’ll help you choose the right equipment for the job. Contact us today to start.
