Objectives

At the completion of this module, you will be able to know:

1. Basic functions of pumps
2. Major types of pumps
3. Major components of pumps.
4. How pumps work
5. How to operate pumps
6. How to maintain pumps
Introduction
For a typical process system to function, liquids must move through the
system from one processing step to another. In any system, liquids flow
by elevating their pressure above the surrounding system. The purpose
of a pump is to increase the pressure of a liquid so it will flow at the
required rate.
Many types of pumps are manufactured, with each type designed to
serve a specific kind of service. Pump design is determined by several
factors: the temperature, density, and viscosity of the liquid; its
corrosiveness and/or abrasiveness; the pressure and flow rate that is
required; and the economics of its installation and operation.
In this unit, you will learn the basic functions of pumps, the major types
of pumps, and their components. You will also learn how to operate
pumps and how to prevent damage to pumps during operation
Lesson Objectives
In order to complete this lesson, you must:
1. Describe the two broad categories of pumps.
2. Describe the functions of each of the six classes of pumps.
3. In the field, locate one example of each class of pump.
Lesson Introduction
All pumps are broadly classified into two general categories: Dynamic
and positive-displacement. Within these categories, there are six
common classes of pumps.
In this lesson, the six classes of pumps are described and identified
according to the method used to create pressure. Within each class, in

turn, are several types of pumps that vary from each other by their
pumping method, and consequently their operating technique. For you
to work safely and efficiently in a facility, you must know about the
pumps your facility uses and how they operate.
In this lesson, you will learn the categories, classes, and types of
pumps. You will also learn the functions of each of the common classes
of pumps.
Pumps can be broadly classified into two categories: Dynamic pumps
and positive-displacement pumps.
Dynamic Pumps
A dynamic pump builds pressure by first creating high fluid velocity with
a rotating element. Then the fluid velocity is converted to pressure by
the shape of the discharge passage. Because the fluid in a dynamic
pump is always free to spin unrestricted within the pump casing, the
discharge may be restricted or blocked without building up excessive
pressure.
Positive-displacement Pumps
A positive-displacement pump is one in which a trapped amount of
liquid is forced (or displaced) from the pump as the pumping
mechanism moves. In theory, pressure is limited only by the power
available to move the pumping element. In practice, if the discharge of
a positive displacement pump is blocked, either the pump driver will
stall, or the pump will rupture to relieve the pressure .

NOTE
In general practice, a relief valve is installed on the discharge of a
positive-displacement pump to protect against over pressure if the
discharge becomes restricted or blocked. The relief valve outlet is
usually routed back into the suction line. It is a dangerous practice to
intentionally block the discharge valve of a positive-displacement pump
and depend on the relief valve to relieve the pressure
There are six common classes of pumps used in the process industry:
Centrifugal
Axial flow
Turbine propeller
Reciprocating
Rotary

 Metering
The first three classes are categorized as dynamic pumps, while the last
three are positive-displacement pumps. Each of the six classes applies
different methods to create pressure, and these differences significantly
affect pump operation.

Centrifugal Pumps
Centrifugal pumps employ centrifugal force and velocity to create
pressure. The mechanical element is an impeller, which is a rotating
disc with vanes. The inlet flow to the pump is directed into the center of
the spinning impeller, and centrifugal force throws the liquid at high
velocity
into
the
surrounding
casing
or
volute . The special shape of the volute converts high velocity into
pressure.

sson 1Six Common Classes of

Figure 1-1
Centrifugal Pump

Axial Flow Pumps

Axial flow pumps are often referred to as propeller pumps. Axial flow
pumps produce very high volumes but low head pressure, which makes
them superbly adapted for mixing. The rotating element is a simple
propeller mounted in a pipe or open tank. The pitched blades of the
propeller move liquid axially, in the same way that a ceiling fan moves
air.

lasses Pumps
Figure 1-2
Axial flow pump

Turbine Pumps
Turbine pumps are able to build a reasonably high pressure with a
single rotating element called a turbine. Attached to the rim of the
turbine are shallow buckets that travel within a circular channel. The
flow through a turbine pump is entirely within the channel.
Suction flow enters the channel at the inlet point and is picked up by
the buckets to start the journey around the channel. As the liquid
travels through the channel, a spiral action is set up that compounds
the pressure. Pressure rapidly builds until the liquid is diverted from the
channel at the discharge.

Figure 1-3.

Turbine Pump esson 1Six Com

Classes of Pumps

Reciprocating Pumps
Reciprocating pumps alternately take in a quantity of liquid and then
displace it to build pressure in pulsating cycles. The pumping element is
a piston, a plunger, or a diaphragm that travels in a back-and-forth
motion. A common method of powering the pumps is by a directly
connected steam engine, but rotating or motor drives are also used.
Reciprocating pumps have the advantage of providing whatever
pressure is needed to overcome a temporary increase in resistance.
This feature makes these pumps excellent for pumping viscous liquids
and for pumping into very high pressures.

Lesson 1Six Common Classes of Pumps

Figure 1-4
Piston type Reciprocating Pump

A strong disadvantage of reciprocating pumps is that the pulsating flow

is difficult to accurately control. Part of this problem can be overcome
by using a double-action pump to reduce the magnitude of the
pulsation. The next figure illustrates a double-action piston pump in a
simplified schematic. A smoother flow can also be obtained by adding
pulsation- dampening surge chambers to both the suction and
discharge piping.

Ix
Rotary pumps

FIGURE 1-5.
Double-action Piston Type Reciprocating Pump

Rotary pumps are a type of positive-displacement pump that trap and

displace liquid as the pumping element rotates. There are several
designs, but all work in a similar fashion. Liquid may be trapped
between the teeth of gears (in a gear pump); or, between vanes (in a
vane pump); or, around a cam (in a cam pump). There are other styles
of rotary pumps, but these are the most common.
Common Classes of P

Lesson 1Six Common Classes of Pumps

Several types of rotary pumps in simplified schematics
Figure 1-6 External Gear
Figure 1-7 Sliding Vane
Figure 1-8 Lobe
Figure 1-9 Two Screw

NOTE
Because all rotary pumps are positive-displacement, their discharge line
cannot be blocked while the pump is in operation. Discharge relief
valves are almost always built in as an integral part of the pump to
prevent damage if the discharge is ever blocked.

Metering Pumps
Metering pumps are small piston- or diaphragm-type positivedisplacement pumps that are used to meter precise quantities of liquid
flow. A metering pump is usually used to add chemical additives to a
process in precise proportions. They must have the capability of
maintaining an accuracy of flow without the use of flow control valves,
and they must be finely adjustable to vary the chemical flow rate as it is
required.

Lesson 1Six Common Classes of Pumps

Figure 1-10.
Piston-type Metering Pump

The ability to identify classes and types of pumps is essential to

communicating about them. In this lesson, you learned two categories
of pumps: dynamic and positive-displacement.
You also learned about six classes of pumps, the principles upon which
they operate, and the main features of their construction.
In the next lesson, you will learn in more detail about the construction
of pumps and their special features.
Module Conclusion
Pumps are used to handle liquids under pressure, including flammable
and hazardous materials. As an operator, you will have the responsibility
for operating, regulating, and performing preventive maintenance on
pumps. Knowledge of pumps and their proper operation is critical to
personnel safety, the protection of on-line equipment, and efficient
process operations.
In this unit, you have learned the different classes of pumps and how
they work. You have also learned how to operate, regulate, and perform
preventive maintenance on pumps
fluid
A substance that conforms to the outline of its container and has a
tendency to flow. Liquids, gases, and vapors are fluids.
impeller
The rotating component of a centrifugal pump that imparts motion to
the liquid.

pressure
The measure of a liquid's force per unit area.
pulsation dampener
A device that absorbs much of the shock resulting from pressure surges
at the inlet and outlet of positive-displacement pumps by providing a
cushion of compressible gas. A surge chamber.
slurry
A watery mixture of insoluble matter, such as mud or lime
static suction head
The pressure of the fluid entering a pump when the system is at rest.
static suction lift
The height that a pump can draw a fluid from a source located lower
than itself.
surge chamber
See pulsation dampener.
velocity
The speed of the fluid as it flows out of a pump.
viscosity
The resistance that a fluid offers to flow
volute
The spiral-shaped contour of a centrifugal pump casing. The volute
changes a fluid's velocity into pressure.
water hammer
The dramatic increase in pressure in a system caused by a sudden
change in the rate of flow or stoppage of the flow. Water hammer can
cause pumps and connecting valves to fail.