There are many types of pumps, but nearly all industrial pumps fall into two families: dynamic pumps, which add speed to the fluid, and positive displacement pumps, which trap a fixed volume and push it forward. Knowing the family narrows the choice quickly.
Family 1: Dynamic pumps (centrifugal)
A spinning impeller throws the fluid outward and builds pressure. Flow changes with the pressure the pump works against.
- Best for: large flows of thin, clean liquids such as water, light chemicals and solvents.
- Common forms: end suction, split case, multistage, vertical turbine, axial flow and magnetic-drive chemical process pumps.
- Read more: types of centrifugal pumps and our centrifugal pumps page.
Family 2: Positive displacement pumps
These move a fixed volume with each turn or stroke, so flow stays almost the same even when the pressure changes. They suit thick fluids, high pressure and accurate dosing.
Rotary positive displacement
- Progressive cavity pumps for sludge, slurries and viscous fluids. See how they work.
- Gear pumps for oils, resins and viscous chemicals. See gear pumps.
- Screw, lobe and vane pumps for various clean or lubricating fluids.
Reciprocating positive displacement
- Piston and plunger pumps for high pressure and accurate flow. See piston and plunger pumps.
- Diaphragm pumps, including air-operated (AODD) pumps for aggressive, abrasive and viscous fluids. See our AODD pumps page.
- Metering and dosing pumps for precise chemical injection. See our dosing pumps page.
Quick selection guide
| Your fluid or duty | Start by looking at |
|---|---|
| Large flow of clean, thin liquid | Centrifugal pump |
| Corrosive chemical transfer | Chemical process centrifugal, AODD or magnetic-drive pump |
| Sludge, slurry or paste | Progressive cavity or AODD pump |
| Thick oils, resins, polymers | Gear or progressive cavity pump |
| Precise chemical dosing | Metering (diaphragm, piston or gear) pump |
| High pressure, small flow | Piston or plunger pump |
| Dry running or portable use | AODD pump |
Four questions that decide the pump
- What is the fluid, and is it corrosive, abrasive or full of solids?
- How thick is it (viscosity) and at what temperature?
- What flow and discharge pressure do you need?
- Is the duty continuous, occasional, dry-running or in a hazardous area?
Power Energy Gulf supplies industrial pumps, valves and fans across Saudi Arabia and the GCC. Contact us with your fluid, flow and pressure details and we will recommend a suitable pump.
[…] Power Energy Gulf supplies Pompe Cucchi gear and magnetic-drive metering pumps and gear transfer pumps in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. See our dosing and metering pumps page, the positive displacement pump guide and the guide to types of pumps. […]