Positive displacement pumps are a more efficient choice than centrifugal pumps in some situations. If any of the conditions or applications below are in your process, a positive displacement pump should probably be used.
Centrifugals have issues pumping viscous liquids, becoming very inefficient at even modest levels. Positive displacement pumps, on the other hand, have no problem moving thick liquids.
2. LOW FLOW
Oftentimes, a centrifugal pump is run off its BEP when a lower flow is desired, much to the pump's detriment. If you read our previous post “How To Read a Centrifugal Pump Curve”, you’ll recall that running a centrifugal off its BEP can cause excessive energy consumption, damage to the pump, and overall poor performance.
A positive displacement pump, however, is well suited for these conditions, providing constant flow of fluid at a given pump speed.If you’re trying to get the pressure or flow you need by operating a centrifugal pump off its best efficiency point (BEP), a positive displacement pump may be a better choice.
Positive displacement pumps are excellent for applications that require high pressure, with some models producing over 1,000 psi (2,300 ft). Due to the positive displacement pump’s design however, if kept in operation against a closed discharge valve, it will continue to build pressure until the line bursts, the pump is damaged, or both.
5. SHEAR SENSITIVE LIQUIDS
Centrifugal pumps generally operate at higher speeds when compared to positive displacement pumps. the higher speeds can shear liquids, making centrifugal pumps a poor choice for liquids like tomato paste and latex paint. Positive displacement pumps operating at lower speeds can be more gentle on products, and are usually preferred in these types of applications.
Centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps behave very differently. Understanding their behaviors can help you be sure to choose the right one for your application.
Read more about pump selection on our blog, or contact one of our application engineers for additional assistance. We are happy to provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.