Choosing the right pump for your application can feel overwhelming—there are so many types, designs, and features to consider. From mag drive pumps to lined pumps and canned motor pumps, each has its own strengths and ideal uses. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common types of industrial pumps and what makes each unique.
A type of positive displacement pump which operates using compressed air instead of an electric motor. Consisting of two flexible diaphragms connected by a shaft, which move back and forth to create suction and discharge cycles.
As compressed air enters one chamber, it pushes the diaphragm outward, forcing fluid out of that side whilst simultaneously drawing fluid into the opposite chamber. A set of check valves ensure that liquid flows in only one direction. The air supply then shifts to the other chamber, repeating the cycle and maintaining a steady flow.
AODD pumps are self-priming, capable of running dry without damage, and can handle abrasive, viscous, or shear sensitive fluids, making them ideal for industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, food and beverage and mining. Their seal-less design reduces the risk of leaks, and they are commonly used in hazardous or explosive environments where electric pumps are not suitable.
An ANSI mag pump refers to a magnetic drive pump that adheres to the ANSI (American national standards institute) B73.3 specification for chemical process pumps. The ANSI standard defines the pumps dimensions, design, and construction features to ensure interchangeability and compatibility with other ANSI pumps, making it easier to replace or retrofit pumps in a system.
The magnetic drive component of the pump means it operates without a traditional shaft seal. Instead, the motor and pump are coupled via magnets, which eliminate the possibility of leakage. The absence of mechanical seals also reduces the need for maintenance and improves safety by preventing leaks of dangerous chemicals.
A canned motor pump is a seal-less, leak-free pump designed for handling hazardous, corrosive, or valuable fluids. Featuring an integrated motor and pump unit enclosed within a hermetically sealed ‘can’.
Inside the pump, the rotor is fully submerged in the pumped fluid, which acts as both a lubricant and coolant for the motor. This results in low maintenance, increased safety and a compact design. Commonly used in chemical processing, oil and gas and pharmaceutical industries, where fluid containment and operational efficiency are critical.
A centrifugal pump uses a rotating impeller to move fluid by converting mechanical energy into kinetic energy. As the impeller spins, it creates a centrifugal force that pushed the fluid outward, increasing its velocity. This high velocity fluid is then directed through a diffuser or volute casing, where the velocity is converted into pressure, allowing the fluid to be efficiently transported through piping systems.
Widely used in water supply, chemical processing, HVAC, and industrial applications due to their simple design, high efficiency, and ability to handle large flow rates. They work best with low-viscosity liquids and can be engineered for a variety of applications, including single-stage, multi-stage, and specialised designs like mag drive or canner motor pumps.
A type of positive displacement pump which uses rotating gears to move fluid. As the gear turn, the trap liquid between the gear teeth and the pump casing, pushing it from the inlet to the outlet. Gear pumps are known for delivering a consistent, pulseless flow, making them ideal for handling oils, fuels and other viscous liquids.
An ISO process pumps refers to a pump designed and built to meet the specifications outlined in ISO 13709 (formerly ISO 2858), a standard that governs the design, performance, and dimensions of pumps used in industrial process applications. These pumps are typically used in sectors where high reliability and standardized equipment are essential.
They are typically designed with features such as mechanical seals, flanged connections, and robust materials to ensure leak-free operation and durability.
A lined pump is designed to handle highly corrosive, aggressive or hazardous fluids and chemicals. Instead of being made entirely from expensive corrosion-resistant metals, its features an internal lining made from materials like PTFE or PFA. This protects the pumps metal casing, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh environments.
A type of rotary positive displacement pump used to create vacuum by using a rotating impeller and a sealing liquid. As the impeller spins, a centrifugal force pushed the liquid outward, forming a ring of liquid inside the pump casing. This creates sealed compression chambers between the impeller blade, trapping and compressing gas before exhausting it.
They offer smooth, continuous operation with minimal vibration and noise, and their self-lubricating nature also makes them a low maintenance alternative to dry or oil sealed vacuum pumps.
A magnetically driven pump is a type of pump that uses a magnetic coupling to transmit power from the motor to the impeller. Unlike traditional pumps that use a direct drive shaft, a mag drive eliminates the need for a mechanical seal, which uses the method of a film of liquid covering the seal faces (which has a greater chance of liquid leakage). The magnetic coupling allows the pump to operate without any physical contact between the driving and driven components, resulting in hermetically sealed and leak-free design.
This type of pump uses a mechanical seal to prevent fluid leakage where the pump shaft passes through the casing. The mechanical seal consists of two flat, precision machined surfaces – one rotating with the shaft and the other stationary – pressed together by a spring or hydraulic force to create a tight seal. A thin film of fluid between these faces provides lubrication and prevents wear.
A type of positive displacement pump which moved fluid through a flexible tube by compressing and releasing it in a rhythmic motion. The pump operates using a set of rollers that rotate around a central hub, squeezing the tube against a continuous flow. Once the rollers release the tube, it returns to its original shape, drawing in more fluid due to the vacuum effect.
Ideal for handling abrasive, corrosive or shear sensitive fluids, as the liquid only contacts the inner surface of the tubing, reducing contamination and maintenance. Their self-priming capability and ability to run dry without damage also makes them versatile for various pumping applications.
These pumps work a little like squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. It uses rollers which compress a flexible hose, pushing the fluid along in a controlled manner. Because the liquid only touches the inside of the house, these pumps are perfect for abrasive, corrosive, or hygienic applications. They are easy to maintain as you just change the hose, and their gently pumping action makes them great for delicate fluids.
A peripheral turbine pump, also known as a regenerative turbine pump, is a type of centrifugal pump designed to handle low flow, high head applications. It features a uniquely designed impeller with multiple small blades (or vanes) that pass through a narrow channel in the pump casing. As the fluid moves through this channel, it is repeatedly accelerated and recirculated, increasing its pressure in a process known as regenerations.
They offer higher pressure capabilities than standard centrifugal pumps of similar size, making them a compact and efficient choice for systems requiring consistent, high pressure fluid delivery.
A pneumatic pump is operated by compressed gas or air such as an air operated double diaphragm pump. Pneumatic pumps can have a lower initial capital cost, but as production of compressed air can be quite costly, whole life operating costs of the pump should be considered.
a positive displacement pump moved fluid by trapping a fixed amount of liquid and forcing it through the discharge. Unlike centrifugal pumps, which rely on velocity and pressure conversion, positive displacement pumps deliver a constant flow regardless of pressure changes, making them ideal for applications requiring precise flow control and handling viscous or sensitive fluids. Their ability to handle high pressures, thick fluids, and delicate materials makes them essential in industries where accurate and consistent fluid movement is critical.