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GATE 2026 Exam Date Announced – Complete Schedule, Syllabus, and Key Details » GATE Study Materials » Civil Engineering » Classification of Pumps
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Classification of Pumps

A pump is a mechanical device that produces liquid movement or flow, classified based on its mechanical configuration as well as the working principle.

Table of Content
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A pump is nothing but a mechanical device that is deployed to force a liquid as well as gas to step forward inside a pipeline. To raise the fluid to a higher altitude, pumps are also applied to create pressure by generating a suction. On the other hand, normally the classification of pumps is done based on the mechanical configuration as well as the type of power, and also the type of service. Moreover, Pumps are mainly classified into two main categories named Dynamic pumps as well as Positive Displacement Pumps.     

Definition of pump

A pump is a mechanical device that is liable to force a fluid whether it can be a liquid or gas to step forward inside a pipeline. On the other hand, it can be said that to raise the fluid to a higher altitude, a pump is responsible as it produces pressure by generating a suction.

Types of pumps

Dynamic pumps and classification

Dynamic pumps or can say kinetic pumps are responsible for imparting velocity as well as pressure to the fluid as it motions past or can say via the pump impeller and, successively translate some of the velocity into extra pressure. 

Centrifugal pumps

This kind of pump is liable to produce an increase within force by converting mechanical power from the electrical motor to the liquid via the rolling pump impeller.

Vertical centrifugal pumps

In this pump, the pump impeller is found to link over the shaft with the direct-drive electric motor. It is liable to rotate at a scheduled speed and creates a suction on the inlet and eject on the outlet.

Horizontal centrifugal pumps

This type of pump comprises two or more impellers. All the cycles are in the same shelter as well as ascended on the same shaft.

Submersible pumps

This type of pump is also renowned as a sewage and septic pump. These types of pumps are appropriate for shifting subsoil water, stormwater as well as trade waste, and so many others.

Fire hydrant systems

These are high force water pumps used in irrigation as well as to transfer water. These pumps are liable to increase the force within the hydrant to increase the firefighting capacity.

Positive displacement pump and its classification

Positive displacement pumps are liable to produce a flow of fluid as the moving element such as piston, lobe or gear dislocates the liquid from the pump casing as well as increase the pressure of the liquid. Moreover, it can be said that pressure does not develop by this pump.

Diaphragm pumps

These types of pumps often called air-operated diaphragms mainly applied in general plants as well as industrial, and also mining. These pumps are found to have two diaphragms that are conducted with condensed air. 

Gear pumps

These kinds of pumps are liable to  force a static amount of liquid for every rotation. Moreover, it can be stated that these kinds of pumps are capable enough to handle concentrated liquids such as grease oils as well as fuel, and many others.

Peristaltic pumps

These kinds of pumps are also renowned as tube pumps mainly used in the processing of food as well as chemical, and also the treatment of water. These pumps are liable to produce a static flow to measure as well as blend. Apart from this, peristaltic pumps are also capable of pumping various liquids as well.

Lobe pumps

Different characteristics such as rust resistance as well as spiffy high efficiency, reliability, and so many others are offered by these kinds of pumps. These pumps are capable enough to handle higher thickness fluids as well as solids without impinging them.

Piston pumps

These kinds of pumps are vastly used in water irrigation. Apart from this, piston pumps are used in transferring chocolate, paint as well as in the cases where high and reliable pressure is needed.

Conclusion

To conclude the whole discussion on the classification of pumps, it can be stated that a clear understanding of several types of pumps with their uses has been provided here. The overview of the classification of pumps has been successfully represented here in this discussion.  

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the GATE Examination Preparation.

When is efficiency important for the pump?

Ans :The power requirement of a pump is found to be directly ...Read full

In a centrifugal pump when the maximum efficiency is obtained?

Ans :In a centrifugal pump, maximum efficiency can be obtained when the plates are bent backward....Read full

Based on which, the pumps are classified?

Ans :The pumps are mainly classified based on the mechanical configuration, the type of power, and ...Read full

What is the difference between a centrifugal pump and a reciprocating pump?

Ans :A Centrifugal pump can be considered a rotary pump and a...Read full

A booster pump is classified based on what?

Ans :A booster pump is classified based on the type of service. Moreover, to scavenge as well as ch...Read full

Ans :The power requirement of a pump is found to be directly proportional to its generated flow as well as the head. Thus, the requirement of power is increased as the flow and the head increase. On the other hand, power is found to be inversely proportional to hydraulic efficiency thus, for a similar flow as well as head, the requirement of power can be reduced by increasing the efficiency. 

Ans :In a centrifugal pump, maximum efficiency can be obtained when the plates are bent backward.

Ans :The pumps are mainly classified based on the mechanical configuration, the type of power, and also the working principle.

 

Ans :A Centrifugal pump can be considered a rotary pump and are liable to use the kinetic energy of the impeller. Moreover, the reciprocating pump is nothing but a positive displacement pump that is forced by the piston. A Centrifugal pump is mainly used in the case where higher discharge with the lower head is needed. Whereas, A reciprocating pump is used in the place where the high viscous fluid is pumped with the higher head. 

Ans :A booster pump is classified based on the type of service. Moreover, to scavenge as well as charge gas cylinders, and also to increase gas pressure booster pumps are used.

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