10 Important Facts You Should Know Before Buying A Displacement Pump

Discover essential facts about positive displacement pumps. Learn how they differ from centrifugal pumps and crucial considerations before purchasing.

Displacement pumps offer a constant flow rate regardless of pressure. They operate by drawing fluid into a cavity then discharging it. Available in rotary, reciprocating, and linear types. Suitable for moderate flow and pressure applications. Not self-priming but can expel trapped air.

Question: What are the key considerations before buying a positive displacement pump?
Answer: Understanding their constant flow rate, mechanisms, and applications is crucial. Additionally, ensure proper valve usage and consider factors like RPM and fluid viscosity. For expert advice, contact Vissers Sales Corp.

Positive displacement and centrifugal water pumps are the two main types of pumps available for commercial applications. These Pumps are capable of sustaining a relatively constant fluid flow rate, at a given speed, irrespective of the discharge pressure. This fundamental characteristic sets them apart from centrifugal pumps, which are also referred to as non-positive or negative displacement pumps.

These pumps move fluids by drawing them into an expanding space or cavity. This cavity then reduces, serving to discharge the same fluids.

These pumps generally come in three types – rotary, reciprocating, and linear. This categorization is based on the mechanism the pump relies on to move the liquid. The first type uses rotating mechanisms such as gears and screws to accomplish the task. The second type achieves positive displacement with the use of piston or plunger mechanisms – a hand pump is a good example of this. The last type relies on ropes and chains.

Here are a few important things you should know before you purchase your next positive displacement pumps.

1. These pumps can be used when a constant flow rate is required.

2. These pumps should never be operated with a closed valve. This is because unlike centrifugal pumps, they don’t have shutoff heads and continue to pump. This can cause a discharge line to develop leaks or even burst.

3. An internal or external safety valve should be installed on the discharge end when using these pumps to prevent damage.

4. Positive displacement pumps are best suited for applications that demand only moderate flow and pressure rates.

5. The rotary type of these are highly efficient, but are not suitable for high flow rate applications. The revolutions per minute (RPM) can be increased to step up the flow rate, but this will eventually wear down the rotary mechanism, increasing the clearance between the rotor and the side walls, thereby decreasing efficiency.

6. Similar to centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps are not self-priming.

7. Unlike most centrifugal pumps, however, these pumps can get rid of trapped air in the system on their own.

8. However, these pumps can only operate when the pressure at the inflow end provides the minimum pressure required by a unit. This is also required to get rid of any trapped air.

9. These pumps are best suited to handle high-viscosity fluids.

10. These pumps are simple and reliable machines that come in a wide variety of configurations, making them the preferred type of pumps to handle a broad range of fluids including oils, chemicals, hazardous liquids, and wastewater among other things.

For more detailed information on these pumps and to get professional advice on choosing the right type to suit your needs, please reach out to us. At Vissers Sales Corp, we specialize in a variety of advisory and installation services, all designed to help you get the most out of your liquid handling equipment.