We need water to survive. There’s no going around that fact. Without it, life would not be possible. It is a substance so simple yet so important to our continued existence. Almost everything we do involves water in some way, from raising crops and animals for food to our global transportation systems.
Water is the stuff of life, and it makes everything move. It is also very heavy, however. Safely moving it across long distances requires sizable investments in infrastructure. If we want to get water from one place to another, especially in places where there is none, we have to use a water pump.
Moving water
Devices such as the water pump help transport water from hard-to-reach sources such as underground aquifers and vats to areas where it is needed or used. Modern civilization would not be possible without the water pump. Of course, its design has seen many changes since the days of the ancient Romans, the aqueduct builders. Also, we’ve developed better and more innovative methods for moving and transporting water.
Water pumps are essential to many of our basic functions, such as industrial water circulation, food processing, agriculture, industrial production, and commercial activities. Life as we know it would not be possible if it weren’t for water pumps. The diversity of industry needs has also created a need for different water pump designs.
With so many types of pumps available on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult, especially for people who are not well-versed in the technicalities. If you don’t know what you’re using it for, and if you don’t know an expert in plumbing, the pump selection process will be a bit tricky. Knowing how the water pump works will go a long way in choosing the right type of pump for you.
How water pumps work
A water pump basically moves fluids such as oil and water from point A to point B. One of the most famous examples of fluid movement is the gas station. The pump machine draws gasoline from underground tanks. The gal is then coursed through the dispenser and pours out of the gun’s nozzle, where it ends in the car’s fuel tank. This is just one example of the many uses for water pumps.
There are two main types of water pumps: centrifugal and positive displacement. While both pumps move fluids, their main difference lies in the way they do it. Knowing how each type of water pump works can help you in your selection of the right pump.
Centrifugal pumps
The most common type of water pump is the centrifugal pump. Centrifugal water pumps, also known as velocity pumps, move fluids using flow velocity to imbue the fluid with kinetic energy. The water enters through the impeller near the rotating axis. The pump impeller, in turn, accelerates the water. The acceleration adds kinetic force to the fluid, forcing it to flow outwards into the piping system.
Because centrifugal pumps are not affected by huge pressure pockets, this type can be safely used even if the valves have been closed. However, unlike positive displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps can’t sustain a constant flow speed for very long. This type can move any fluid, but are best used for moving high flow and low viscosity fluids.
Positive displacement pumps
If centrifugal water pumps are used for general fluid movement, positive displacement pumps are best used for specialized fluid transportation. This type comes in a wider range of specifications, so it is often deployed in industrial and commercial applications. Positive displacement pumps work by alternating pressure between multiple chambers, forcing fluid movement. A set amount of fluid is trapped in the chamber, the fluid is moved forward by altering the pressure.
Positive displacement pumps are ideal for moving fluids with high viscosity. It is often used in food processing, oil processing, gas processing, and sewage and sanitation. They might also require more maintenance than centrifugal pumps.
A final word
Whether you choose a centrifugal pump or a positive displacement pump, it’s important to ensure that you can keep it in good condition. A broken pump is of no use to anyone, and in certain cases, can even affect your quality of life. Simple pumps can be repaired with minimal knowledge, but you need expert help for more specialized uses.
