1-888-There are numerous types of positive displacement pumps and understanding how they work is crucial to success. Below, Glauber Equipment provides information on common types of pumps to help readers understand the differences and choose the best type for their intended application.
Diaphragm Pumps
Diaphragm pumps, also known as membrane or air operated diaphragm pumps, are positive displacement pumps that use the combination of a thermoplastic, rubber, or PTFE diaphragm and suitable valves to pump a fluid. When operated at a given speed, their rate of flow does not vary significantly with discharge or pressure.
Diaphragm pumps can transfer a wide variety of liquids, including chemicals, with various viscosities and high solid contents. Their design allows them to be constructed with numerous body materials and diaphragms, enabling them to handle aggressive chemicals such as acids. Diaphragm pumps are used primarily in continuous applications such as general plants, industrial, and mining applications.
Gear Pumps
Gear pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that uses two or more gears to create a vacuum that drives the liquid through the pump, forcing a constant amount of fluid with each revolution. Gear pumps don’t contain any valves and are capable of operating under high forces, making them most suitable for efficiently pumping thick liquids such as oils, paints, and solvents.
Lobe Pumps
Similar to gear pumps, lobe pumps operate with the counter-rotation of two lobes moving fluid through the interior of a chamber. The shaft-mounted lobes are turned with an external gearbox used to transfer energy.
The gearbox has timing gears which enable synchronized rotation to keep the lobes from contacting and create the pressure change required to induce fluid movement. As the energy from the drive shaft is transferred to the lobes, the pressure inside the chamber decreases, causing the fluid to flow.
Lobe pumps are highly efficient, reliable, rust-resistant, and hygienic, making them suitable for various applications, including chemical, pulp and paper, food, beverage, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical.
Piston Pumps
Piston pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a piston, diaphragm, or plunger to move fluids by creating a high force seal. The piston is typically attached to a shaft that is connected to a rotary component. As the rotary component turns, it transfers energy to the shaft, which operates the piston and displaces the fluid.
There are many types of piston pumps, all featuring at least one piston or plunger used to displace fluid. Piston pumps are used as hydraulic pumps for powering heavy equipment and are also used in many smaller machines, such as paint sprayers. They are capable of operating under a wide range of pressures and are good with thick liquids, slurries, and abrasives, making them suitable for various industrial applications such as water irrigation, housing, commercial buildings, fire pumps, sprinkler systems, and more.
Glauber Equipment for Your Positive Displacement Pump Needs
At Glauber Equipment Corporation, we specialize in providing solutions for all your fluid and airflow needs. We have designed and built custom pump systems for a wide range of industries since 1960, and we consult with each client to determine their exact needs. Our staff of highly skilled and trained technicians and mechanics are committed to delivering outstanding value, products, and customer service. To learn more about our positive displacement pumps, browse our selection today.