Key Questions
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is a pump?
A pump is used to add energy to fluids, including gases, liquids, and slurries, to produce flow or increase pressure.
What are some common uses for pumps?
Moving a fluid from one location to another; circulating a fluid in a closed system; providing pressure, such as in a hydraulic system.
What are some common ways to classify the flow of a centrifugal pump?
Radial flow, mixed flow, and axial flow are a few common types.
What pumping applications are positive displacement pumps well-suited for?
High viscosity fluids, variable viscosity fluids, high pressures (especially with low flows), shear sensitive fluids, suction lift, and constant flow.
What are common rotary positive displacement pump designs?
Gear, piston, vane, lobe, screw, progressive cavity, and peristaltic.
What are common linear positive displacement pump designs?
Diaphragm, air, or mechanically operated; bellows; and piston (single or double acting).