Many people who work around industrial pumps understand that pump strainers and filters are used in different applications, but only some understand the difference between the two. Those who know nothing about a pump, strainers, and filters might as well be the same, as they perform similar tasks. Yet it’s helpful to understand the differences between the two and the similar yet distinctive applications for which both are used.
Pumps are essential tools used in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. They play a crucial role in moving liquids from one location to another, making them an integral part of many processes.
However, not all pumps are the same. Several types of pumps serve different purposes and have unique features. This blog will discuss the different types of pumps, their uses, and their benefits. By the end, you'll better understand which type of pump suits your specific needs and factors to consider when choosing one.
Positive displacement pumps move liquids through valves and piping that enclose fixed volumes of fluids and then transfer them through a system. They cyclically pump these measured capacities, driven by diaphragms, gears, lobes, pistons, screws, vanes, or other implements. They’re generally used for applications involving viscous liquids, such as oils or slurries. Positive displacement pumps are especially desirable when these viscous fluids are highly pressurized, such as what happens in the processing of emulsions, certain types of food, and biological fluids, or when precise measurements are required.
Strainers for pump systems primarily function as filters for the liquids or gases going through the system’s piping. While a seemingly simple assignment, many pump applications depend on properly working strainers. For pumps used in any pipeline operation, sediment that may include sand, dirt, or other detritus can build up within the pipes or elsewhere in the system. Whatever the pumping application, strainers for pumps ensure the whole system runs smoothly.
Look to any industry, private or public, that relies on the transfer of fluids, and it’s more than likely that those fluids will be delivered by a centrifugal pump. They are the backbone of any water distribution or wastewater collection and management system, as well as applications as diverse as flood and fire protection, drainage, irrigation, boiler feeds, and much more. Knowing the correct size pump for an application requires knowing the answer to one fundamental question: what is a pump curve?
Choosing the correct Pump can mean the difference between consistent reliable operation versus downtime causing sometimes catastrophic consequences. This article outlines the steps and the considerations for ensuring you pick the perfect pump for your application. Special thanks to the original publisher, John Amundsen, District Manager at The Gorman–Rupp Company.
