Transcript:
[0m:00s] Hey, I’m Mitchell. Welcome back to another video in the RSP Supply education series. Not all fluids are the same, so it makes sense that not all pumps are either. Moving thick sludge, delicate chemicals, or even molten chocolate each requires a very different approach. That’s why industries rely on two main categories of pumps: dynamic pumps and positive displacement pumps. One uses speed to move fluid like a high-speed blender, while the other moves fluid in controlled amounts, more like a precision syringe.
[0m:55s] Pumps generally fall into these two main categories. Dynamic pumps use speed to move fluid, while positive displacement pumps trap and push fixed amounts of fluid. Starting with dynamic pumps, these rely on spinning components like impellers or propellers to create flow. They’re best suited for moving large volumes of fluid at low to medium pressure and are commonly used where efficiency and continuous flow are critical.
[1m:27s] The most common type of dynamic pump is the centrifugal pump. It works by spinning an impeller that flings fluid outward, increasing velocity, which is then converted into pressure. Centrifugal pumps can be single-stage for moderate pressure or multi-stage for much higher pressure, such as in boilers or high-pressure systems. Flow designs include radial flow, axial flow, and mixed flow. Axial flow pumps, which work like a boat propeller in a pipe, are ideal for moving massive amounts of water but are not designed for high-pressure applications.
[2m:31s] Another dynamic option is the regenerative turbine pump. These compact pumps generate high pressure by circulating fluid in small, repeated loops inside the pump. They’re commonly used when high pressure is needed but flow requirements are relatively low, such as in fuel systems or boiler feed applications. Positive displacement pumps operate very differently. Instead of relying on speed, they trap a fixed amount of fluid and physically force it through the system. This makes them ideal for thick, viscous, or sensitive fluids and for applications requiring precise flow control or high pressure. Reciprocating pumps like piston, plunger, and diaphragm pumps move fluid back and forth and are often used in pressure washers, oil drilling, chemical transfer, and sewage applications.
[3m:28s] Rotary positive displacement pumps move fluid using rotating components. Gear pumps use meshing gears to push fluid and are common in fuel and engine systems. Lobe pumps handle delicate fluids like food, milk, or pharmaceuticals gently. Screw pumps are excellent for thick fluids like oil or chocolate, while vane pumps are commonly used in hydraulics and fuel systems. Peristaltic pumps use rollers to squeeze tubing, making them ideal for medical, lab, and contamination-sensitive applications. Choosing the right pump depends on fluid type, flow rate, pressure, and viscosity. Dynamic pumps excel at high-flow, low-pressure jobs, while positive displacement pumps handle thick fluids and high pressure with precision. For hundreds of thousands of industrial automation products, visit rspsupply.com—the internet’s top source for industrial hardware.