Pump Basics
Pumps are used in a variety of applications from seafaring vessels to your everyday garden hose, but what is a pump? While there are varying types and forms of a pump, the most basic description for all of them is a device that moves liquids or gases from one place to another. Pumps come in many shapes and sizes, and can be filled with a variety of substances; however the principles of operation remain the same.
A pump works by creating a vacuum or pressure differential in order to move liquid or gaseous substances from a low pressure area to a high pressure area. The pressure differential is generated by the use of an impeller—a spinning vaned rotor—which creates a vortex in the surrounding liquid or gas. As the impeller rotates, the vortex draws the liquid or gas in and forces it out, allowing for movement between low and high pressure areas.
Types of Pumps
There are a number of types of pumps, with each type generally designed for a specific application or use. Generally, pumps are broken down into two categories—positive displacement and kinetic pumps.
Positive displacement pumps are pumps that use a fixed volume of space to trap liquid or gas and moves that volume to a higher pressure area. Examples of positive displacement pumps include piston pumps, rotary screw pumps, and vane pumps.
Kinetic pumps generate a vacuum or pressure differential using a rotating impeller and other kinetic principles, rather than trapping and moving fixed volumes of liquid or gas. Examples of kinetic pumps include centrifugal, turbine, and peristaltic pumps.
Applications
Pumps are used in a variety of applications and industries, from manufacturing, transport, and oil and gas to medical and firefighting equipment. In manufacturing, pumps are used to move and extract products from tanks and vessels. In transport, pumps are used to fill engines with fuel and oil and to cool brakes. In oil and gas industries, pumps are used for oil movement and extraction. In medical equipment, pumps are used to transport gases, air, and anesthesia. In firefighting equipment, pumps are used to move large amounts of water.
Safety
Pumps are an essential piece of equipment in many industries and applications, and using a proper pump can ensure the safety of your personnel, equipment, and environment. It is important to ensure that the pump is installed and maintained properly. All pumps should be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and safety protocol. Additionally, all personnel should be trained in proper pump safety and operation before working with or around pumps.
