Types of Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement pumps are a type of pump that moves fluid by trapping a fixed volume of fluid and then forcing it out. This is in contrast to centrifugal pumps, which move fluid by imparting a rotating motion to the fluid.

Key differences between positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps

The main difference between a positive displacement pump and a centrifugal pump is how they move fluid. Positive displacement pumps move fluid by trapping a fixed volume of fluid and then forcing it out. Centrifugal pumps move fluid by imparting a rotating motion to the fluid, which causes the fluid to flow outward.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps:

Feature	Positive Displacement Pump	Centrifugal Pump
How they move fluid	Trap a fixed volume of fluid and then force it out	Impart a rotating motion to the fluid, which causes the fluid to flow outward
Flow rate	Constant flow rate	Variable flow rate
Head	High head	Low head
Applications	Pumping fluids with high viscosity or that contain solids, precise dosing, dispensing fluids	Pumping large volumes of fluid, low viscosity fluids
Advantages	Can pump fluids with high viscosity or that contain solids, can deliver a precise amount of fluid each time, relatively compact and lightweight	More efficient at low viscosity fluids, less expensive, less prone to wear and tear
Disadvantages	More expensive, more prone to wear and tear, can be noisy	Not as efficient at high viscosity fluids, not as well-suited for pumping fluids that contain solids

In general, positive displacement pumps are better suited for applications where a precise amount of fluid needs to be pumped, such as in metering or dispensing applications. Centrifugal pumps are better suited for applications where large volumes of fluid need to be pumped, such as in water or wastewater treatment plants.

Common types of positive displacement pumps

The general term for positive displacement pumps is volumetric pumps. This is because they move a fixed volume of fluid with each cycle of operation.

There are two main types of positive displacement pumps: reciprocating and rotary.

• Reciprocating pumps use a piston, diaphragm, or plunger to move the fluid. The piston or plunger moves back and forth in a cylinder, trapping a fixed volume of fluid each time. The fluid is then forced out of the cylinder when the piston or plunger moves to the other end.

• Rotary pumps use rotating gears, vanes, or lobes to move the fluid. As the gears, vanes, or lobes rotate, they trap a fixed volume of fluid and then force it out.

Here are some of the most common types of positive displacement pumps:

1. Gear pumps are a type of rotary pump that uses two or more gears to move the fluid. The gears mesh together and trap a fixed volume of fluid as they rotate. The fluid is then forced out of the pump when the gears separate.
2. Vane pumps are also a type of rotary pump. They use a rotating impeller with vanes to move the fluid. As the impeller rotates, the vanes trap a fixed volume of fluid and then force it out.
3. Lobe pumps are a type of rotary pump that uses two or more lobes to move the fluid. The lobes mesh together and trap a fixed volume of fluid as they rotate. The fluid is then forced out of the pump when the lobes separate.
4. Plunger pumps are a type of reciprocating pump that uses a plunger to move the fluid. The plunger moves back and forth in a cylinder, trapping a fixed volume of fluid each time. The fluid is then forced out of the cylinder when the plunger moves to the other end.
5. Diaphragm pumps are a type of reciprocating pump that uses a diaphragm to move the fluid. The diaphragm is a flexible membrane that moves back and forth in a chamber, trapping a fixed volume of fluid each time. The fluid is then forced out of the chamber when the diaphragm moves to the other end.

Advantages of AODD Pump and EODD Pump in positive displacement pumps

Air-operated double diaphragm pumps(AODD) are powered by compressed air. This makes them portable and easy to use, as they do not require an external power source. They are also relatively inexpensive. However, air-operated double diaphragm pumps can be noisy, and they may not be as efficient as electric diaphragm pumps at pumping large volumes of fluid.

Electric diaphragm pumps(EODD) are powered by an electric motor. This makes them more versatile than air-operated double diaphragm pumps, as they can be used in applications where compressed air is not available. They are also typically more efficient than air-operated double diaphragm pumps at pumping large volumes of fluid. However, electric diaphragm pumps are more expensive than air-operated double diaphragm pumps, and they may require more maintenance.

AOBL offers not only air operated diaphragm pumps, but also electric diaphragm pumps, KES25 1″ Plastic Diaphragm Pump and Electric Diaphragm (EODD) Pump are good choices.

Here is a table summarizing the advantages of AODD pump and EODD pump:

Feature	Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump	Electric Diaphragm Pump
Power source	Compressed air	Electric motor
Portability	Portable	Not portable
Cost	Inexpensive	More expensive
Noise level	Noisy	Quieter
Efficiency	Less efficient at pumping large volumes of fluid	More efficient at pumping large volumes of fluid
Maintenance	Requires less maintenance	Requires more maintenance

Overall, the best type of diaphragm pump for a specific application will depend on the specific requirements of the application. If portability and low cost are important factors, then a pneumatic diaphragm pump may be a good choice. If efficiency and quiet operation are important factors, then an electric diaphragm pump may be a good choice.

Some common failures of positive displacement pumps

• Cavitation. This is the formation of vapor bubbles in the liquid being pumped, which can cause damage to the pump’s internal components. Cavitation is often caused by low net positive suction head (NPSH), which is the minimum pressure required to prevent cavitation.
• Misalignment. This is when the pump shaft is not aligned properly with the driver shaft. Misalignment can cause excessive vibration and wear, which can lead to premature failure of the pump.
• Bearing failure. The bearings in a pump help to support the rotating shaft and prevent it from rubbing against the pump housing. If the bearings fail, the shaft can rub against the housing, causing damage to both components.
• Seal failure. The seals in a pump prevent leakage of the pumped fluid. If the seals fail, the fluid can leak out of the pump, causing damage to the pump and the surrounding area.
• Corrosion. The pumped fluid can corrode the internal components of the pump, causing them to fail. Corrosion is often caused by the presence of acids or other corrosive chemicals in the fluid.
• Wear. The moving parts in a pump can wear over time, causing them to fail. Wear is often caused by the presence of abrasive particles in the fluid.

*Please note: a pump shaft and a pump coupling are not the same thing. A pump shaft is the rotating part of the pump that the impeller is attached to. A pump coupling is a device that connects the pump shaft to the motor shaft, and it allows for some misalignment between the two shafts.

Some additional tips for preventing positive displacement pump failures

1. Use the correct pump for the application. Not all pumps are created equal, so it’s important to choose the right pump for the specific application.
2. Operate the pump within its specified limits. Overloading or underloading the pump can cause premature failure.
3. Maintain the pump regularly. This includes changing the oil and filters, inspecting the seals, and balancing the pump.
4. Inspect the pump for signs of wear or damage. Regular inspections can help to identify potential problems before they cause a failure.

Positive displacement pump applications

• Transferring fluids between tanks or vessels
• Pressurizing fluids for use in hydraulic systems
• Metering fluids for precise dosing
• Dispensing fluids into containers

They are also well-suited for pumping fluids that are highly viscous, abrasive, or contain solids.

Summary

In conclusion, positive displacement pump is an important hydraulic transmission device with reliable and stable working performance and high pressure flow output capacity, which is widely used in many fields.

AOBL is a fluid transfer specialist, besides offering AODD and EODD, we also offer Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps, Filter Press Feed Pumps and Diaphragm Pump Parts & Accessories, we deal in Fluid Handling products and solutions to ensure your success, feel free to contact us.