Centrifugal vs. Positive Displacement Pumps

Before choosing a pump for your fluid transfer applications, they should be evaluated to best suit your requirements. Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps are both designed to transport fluids but operate with different methods suited to various applications. Understanding the differences between centrifugal pumps vs positive displacement pumps is essential for selecting the right solution for your application to ensure efficiency and performance.

How Does a Centrifugal Pump Work?

Centrifugal pumps work by converting mechanical energy into kinetic energy through its impeller. When fluid enters the pump through the eye of the impeller, the impeller rotates at a high speed to create a centrifugal force. Pushing the fluid to the edges of the impeller and increasing its velocity, the fluid moves through the pump casing, slowing down and converted into pressure energy before exiting the discharge port.

How Does a Positive Displacement Pump Work?

Positive displacement pumps trap a fixed fluid volume and force it from the inlet to the outlet through rotary or reciprocating parts. In rotary positive displacement pumps, the rotating mechanism traps a fixed volume and rotates to move the fluid from the inlet to the outlet. Reciprocating positive displacement pumps use a piston or plunger to create a vacuum that draws in fluid, then the piston or plunger moves forward, increasing pressure and pushing fluid out.

Applications of Centrifugal Pumps

Designed for low-viscosity liquids, centrifugal pumps are used in a variety of industrial applications. They are ideal for high-flow rate, low-pressure operations that handle large volumes of liquid. However, their design does not allow efficient processing of high-viscosity fluids, such as honey, which causes friction within the impeller. Some applications of centrifugal pumps include:

• Municipal water & water supply systems
• AC, water circulators, boilers & cooling towers
• Irrigation
• Fuel transfer stations
• Public safety/firefighting

Positive Displacement Pump Applications

Capable of handling various viscosities, positive displacement pumps deliver precise flow control and consistent output. They are perfect for high-pressure systems with lower flow rates, using plungers or pistons that won’t experience friction when handling thick substances like oils or pastes. Positive displacement pumps are often used in operations where centrifugal pumps may fail, such as:

• Oil processing
• Food & beverage production
• Municipal sewage
• Operations involving thick pastes and viscous materials

Benefits of Centrifugal Pumps Over Positive Displacement

Centrifugal pumps offer various benefits for industrial applications. Some reasons why centrifugal pumps are favored over positive displacement pumps include the following:

• Simple design for easy repairs
• More cost-effective
• Compact configuration to save space

Positive Displacement Pump Advantages Over Centrifugal Pumps

Positive displacement pumps may be more suited for certain applications due to their advantages. Choosing a positive displacement pump instead of a centrifugal pump offers these advantages:

• Handles varying viscosities
• Maintains higher viscosities, pressure, and flow
• Has a higher rate of pressure
• Maintains consistent speed and flow
• Capacity unaffected by pressure
• Does not require complete sealing

Choose Springer Parts for High-Quality Aftermarket Pumps and Pump Parts

Springer Parts is an international and bulk supplier of aftermarket pumps and direct replacement parts. Aftermarket solutions are highly reliable and more cost-effective when your pumps require maintenance or repair. They are about 20-40% cheaper than OEM parts and feature performance specifications that meet or exceed that of OEMs. We offer a vast inventory of popular pump brands, parts, and repair kits to simplify your repairs and return your equipment to optimal performance.
Contact us about our solutions for centrifugal pump parts, positive displacement parts, or centrifugal pump equipment. You can also request a quote to begin your order.