Centrifugal Pumps
Is used for high-discharge, low-head, high-speed, and not self-priming operation. 
 Classification o f Centrifugal Pump  
A.  Volute type pump 
The volute of  a centrifugal  pump is  the casing that  receives  the fluid being  pumped  by 
the impeller,  slowing  down  the  fluid's  rate  of  flow.  A  volute  is  a  curved  funnel  that  increases  in 
area  as  it  approaches  the  discharge  port.  The  volute  converts kinetic  energy into pressure by 
reducing  speed  while  increasing  pressure,  helping  to  balance  the hydraulic  pressure on 
the shaft of the pump.   
The name "volute" is inspired by the resemblance of this kind of casing to the scroll-like part near 
the top of an ionic order column in classical architecture, called a volute.    
B.  Diffuser pump 
Another  type  of  radial  flow  centrifugal  pump  is  the diffuser  pump,  in  which,  after  the  fluid  has  left  the 
impeller, it is passed through a ring of fixed vanes that diffuse the liquid, providing a more controlled flow 
and a more efficient conversion of velocity head into pressure head.   
C.  Mixed-flow pumps 
Mixed-flow pumps function as a compromise between radial and axial-flow pumps. The fluid experiences 
both  radial  acceleration  and  lift  and  exits  the  impeller  somewhere  between  0  and  90  degrees  from  the 
axial direction.  As a consequence mixed-flow  pumps operate at higher  pressures than  axial-flow pumps 
while delivering higher discharges than radial-flow pumps. The exit angle of the flow dictates the pressure 
head-discharge characteristic in relation to radial and mixed-flow.    
D.  Axial Flow Pump 
An axial-flow  pump,  or  AFP,  is  a  common  type  of pump that  essentially  consists  of  a propeller (an 
axial impeller) in a pipe. The propeller  can be driven directly  by a sealed motor in the pipe or  by electric 
motor  or  petrol/diesel  engines  mounted  to  the  pipe  from  the  outside  or  by  a  right-angle  drive  shaft  that 
pierces the pipe. 
Fluid  particles,  in  course  of  their  flow  through  the  pump,  do  not  change  their  radial  locations  since  the 
change in radius at the entry (called 'suction') and the exit (called 'discharge') of the pump is very small. 
Hence the name "axial" pump.   
Reciprocating Pump 
Is used  for low-discharge, high-head, low-speed, and self-priming operation. 
Classification of Reciprocating Pumps 
A.  Piston and Plunger Type  
Piston pumps and plunger pumps are reciprocating pumps that use a plunger or piston to move 
media  through  a  cylindrical  chamber.  The  plunger  or  piston  is  actuated  by  a steam  powered, 
pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drive. 
Rotary  piston  and  plunger  pumps  use  a crank  mechanism to  create  a reciprocating 
motion along  an  axis,  which  then  builds  pressure  in  a  cylinder  or  working  barrel  to  force  gas  or 
fluid  through  the  pump.  The  pressure  in  the  chamber  actuates  the valves at  both  the  suction 
and  discharge  points.  Plunger  pumps  are  used  in  applications  that  could  range  from 
70 to 2,070 bar  (1,000  to  30,000 psi).  Piston  pumps  are  used  in  lower  pressure  applications.  The 
volume  of  the  fluid  discharged  is  equal  to  the  area  of  the  plunger  or  piston,  multiplied  by  its 
stroke length. The  overall capacity of the piston pumps and plunger pumps can be calculated 
with the  area  of  the piston  or  plunger,  the  stroke  length,  the  number  of  pistons or  plungers  and 
the  speed  of  the  drive.  The  power  needed  from  the  drive  is  proportional  to  the  pressure  and 
capacity of the pump.
[1] 
Seals are an integral part of piston pumps and plunger pumps to separate the power fluid from 
the media that is being pumped.  Astuffing box or packing is used to seal the joint between the 
vessel  where  the  media  is  transferred  and  the  plunger  or  piston.  A  stuffing  box  may  be 
composed of bushings, packing or seal rings, and a gland. 
Plunger  pumps  component  materials  are  chosen  for  wear  and  contact  with  the media  type. 
Component  materials  include  bronze,  brass,  steel, stainless  steel,  iron,  nickel  alloy,  or  other 
material. For example, plunger pumps that function in general service or oil service applications 
often  have  an  iron  cylinder  and  plunger.  The  plunger,  discharge  valves,  and  suction  valves 
come  in  contact with the  media  type  transferred,  and  material  choices are  based  on  the  fluid 
transferred.  In  power  applications  where  continuous  duty  plunger  pumps  are  needed,  solid 
ceramic plungers may be used when in contact with water and oil, but may not be compatible 
for use with highly acidic media types.  
B.  Diaphragm Type Pumps   
The diaphragm pump is an offshoot of a plunger pump. Because of the risk that contamination 
could  travel  between  the  plunger  and  the  cylinder,  the  diaphragm  is  safer  for  microbial 
processing. This applet is crude but shows how a reciprocating piston (plunger) pump works. The 
flywheel that moves the plunger can attach the arm to the plunger at various points to change 
the amplitude of the stroke and thus the pumping rate. The pumping rate can also be changed 
with a different rotational speed, but variable speed motors or mechanical means of changing 
rpm are expensive. 
Rotary Pumps 
It is used for low-discharge, low-head operation, and for pumping viscous liquid like oil. 
Classification of Rotary Pumps 
A.  Sliding vane (rigid)  
In  this  rotary  pump  technology  the  vane  or  vanes  are  moved  by  a  rotor,  thereby  drawing  fluid 
into  and  forcing  fluid  out  from  the  pumping  chamber  formed  in  cooperation  with  the  pump 
casing.  These  pumps  may  be  made  with  vanes  in  either  the  rotor  or  stator  and  with  radial 
hydraulic forces balanced or unbalanced on the rotor. Figure 3.1.2a (page 15) illustrates a vane-
in-rotor  constant  displacement  unbalanced  pump.  Figure  3.1.2b  illustrates  a  vane-in-stator 
constant  displacement  unbalanced  pump.  Vane-in-rotor  pumps  also  may  be  made  with 
variable displacement pumping elements. 
A  common  design  has  a  number  of  vanes  that  are  free  to  move  into  and  out  of  slots  in  the 
pump  rotor,  which  is  inside  an  eccentrically  shaped  casing  that  acts  as  a  cam.  In  this  design, 
when  the  driver  turns  the  rotor,  centrifugal  forces,  internal  pusher  rods,  and/or  pressurized  fluids 
causes  the  vanes  to  move  outward  in  their  slots and  bear  against  the  inner  bore  of  the  pump, 
forming  pumping  chambers.  As  the  rotor  revolves,  fluid  flows  into  the  area  between  the  vanes 
(pumping chambers) when they pass the suction port. The fluid is transported around the pump 
casing  until  the  discharge  port  is  reached.  At  that  point  the  fluid  is  squeezed  out  into  the 
discharge piping. 
In variable capacity designs, displacement of the pump is changed by mechanical movement 
of the cam ring relative to the rotor.  Appropriately configured designs do not need relief valves 
but simply move the cam to compensate for overpressure until the flow is reduced to zero. 
Engineered vane materials make these pumps well-suited for low-viscosity, nonlubricating liquids. 
Such liquids include solvents, fuel oils, gasoline, refrigerants, and liquefied gas. They handle fluid 
viscosities ranging from 0.5 cSt to 220,000 cSt (1,000,000 SSU), which are used in a wide  range of 
industries from aviation and automotive to textile. In proper configurations they can be used for 
fluid temperatures from 29C (20F) to 204C (400F) and pressures to 20 bar (290 psi). 
At  volumes  below  3  m
3
/h  (13  gpm)  direct  four-pole  motor  drives  are  possible.  In  general  for 
larger  flows  up  to  570  m
3
/h  (2500  gpm)  design  rotating  speeds  are  typically  below  600  rpm. 
Because of their versatility they are available in a wide range of materials, such as stainless steel, 
nodular iron, cast iron, bronze, and aluminum.  
B.  Axial piston pumps 
In  this  pump  type  fluid  is  drawn  in  and  forced  out  by  multiple  pistons  that  reciprocate  within 
cylinders.  The  reciprocating  motion  is  created  by  a  cam  plate  that  is  inclined  at  an  angle  with 
the pump centerline and does not rotate. 
One  end  of  each  piston  is held in  contact with the  cam  plate  as the  cylinder  block  and piston 
assembly  rotates  with  the  driveshaft.  This  causes  the  pistons  to  reciprocate  within  the  cylinders. 
The  length  of  the  piston  stroke  is  proportional  to  the  angle  that  the  cam  plate  makes  with  the 
pump centerline. Valving is accomplished by rotation of the pistons and cylinders over the inlet 
and outlet ports. 
In fixed displacement axial piston pumps the angle of the cam plate with respect to the pump 
centerline is fixed. In variable displacement axial piston pumps the angle of the cam plate with 
respect to the pump centerline can be varied. 
Axial  piston  pumps  have  relatively  low  flow  rates,  70  m
3
/h  (300  gpm),  but  are  capable  of 
operating  at  pressures  to  250  bar  (3600  psi).  Typical  applications  include  the  spraying  of  clean 
fluids  or  high-pressure  pumping  of  lubricants.  This  type  of  pump  will  typically  operate  at 
synchronous motor speeds.  
C.  Flexible member  
a.  Flexible vane 
Another  member  of  the  rotary  family  is  the  flexible  vane  pump  (sometimes  categorized  as  a 
flexible  impeller  pump).  These  designs  have  a  typical  range  up  to  25  m
3
/h  (110  gpm)  and  a 
maximum  pressure  capability  of  4.1  bar  (60  psi).  They  perform  a  wide  variety  of  transfer  duty 
applications  for  low-viscosity  fluids  up  to  22,000  cSt  (100,000  SSU).  Temperature  capabilities 
typically extend to 90C (195F) fluids. 
The  pump  uses  an  elastomer  rotating  member  with  enlarged  vane  tips  that  form  a  pumping 
chamber  in  conjunction  with  a  casing  when  the  rotor  is  placed  with  the  shaft  centered  in  the 
substantially  circular  casing  that  incorporates  an  eccentric  section.  Discharge  forcing  action  is 
accomplished as the vane bends in the eccentric section, effectively squeezing liquid from the 
discharge chamber. This design is shown in Figure 3.1.4.1. 
Because of the variety of applications, stationary components are available in various materials, 
including  stainless  steel,  bronze,  steel,  cast  iron,  and  nonmetallics.  Flexible  members  are 
correspondingly  available  in  a  broad  range  including  neoprene,  nitrile,  EPDM,  and  Viton.* 
Some designs have hygienic certifications, and magnetic drive models are available. 
This  allows  a  very  broad  range  of  industries  to  be  served,  from  food,  beverage,  and 
pharmaceuticals;  to  chemical  and  paints;  to  recreational  marine.  Flexible  vane  pumps  are 
typically direct-coupled to the drivers and operate at synchronous motor speeds.  
D.  Peristaltic  
In  this  type,  the  fluid  pumping  and  sealing  action  depends  on  the  elasticity  of  the  flexi ble 
member(s). The flexible member may be a tube or a liner. This type of pump is illustrated in Figure 
3.1.4.2.  The  most  common  type  of  flexible  member  pump  is  the  peristaltic  pump  that  has  a 
flexible  tube  compressed  between  one  or  more  moving  rollers  or  shoes  and  a  fixed  track.  The 
track  is  curved  and  the  rollers  or  shoes  rotate  about  an  axis  coincident  with  the  center  of  the 
radius of curvature of the track. The roller or shoe compresses the tubing and pushes the fluid in 
front  of  the  roller  or  shoe  towards the  discharge end  of  the  tubing.  The  tubing  behind  the  roller 
expands to full shape and fills with more fluid. The most common peristaltic pumps have two or 
three  rollers  or  shoes,  which  permits  closure  of  the  tubing  between  the  suction  and  discharge 
ends at all times. 
The  primary  advantage  of  peristaltic  pumps is that the  fluid  contacts only  the  tubing.  Peristaltic 
pumps  are  self-priming,  do  not  require  seals  and  valves,  and  are  reversible.  They  are  used  in 
pharmaceutical,  chemical,  food,  and  beverage  production,  and  a  number  of  industrial 
applications. Small peristaltic pumps are used in various medical applications, and the industrial 
models can be used for pumping slurries, abrasive fluids, fluids with solids in suspension, and low- 
to  medium-viscosity  fluids.  Peristaltic  pumps  are  available  with  flow  rates  up  to  80  m
3
/h  (350 
gpm) and differential pressures to 16 bar (230 psi). 
The smaller models typically operate at speeds below 200 rpm and the larger models are limited 
to speeds below 100 rpm. 
Because  only  the  tubing  contacts  the  fluid,  it  is  available  in  a  variety  of  materials  to  ensure 
compatibility with the fluid being pumped. The life of the tubing depends on the fluid pumped, 
differential pressure, pump speed, and tubing material.  
E.  Lobe  
In  this  design,  fluid  is  carried  between  rotor  lobe  surfaces  and  the  pumping  chamber  from  the 
inlet to the outlet. The rotor surfaces cooperate to provide continuous sealing. The rotors must be 
timed by separate means. Each rotor has one or more lobes. Figures 3.1.5a and 3.1.5b illustrate a 
single- and threelobe pump, respectively. 
Lobe  pumps  are  available  in  a  number  of  configurations  and  are  used  in  a  variety  of 
applications  and  industries.  They  can  pump  a  variety  of  fluids,  including  most  low-  to  medium-
viscosity fluids such as slurries, solids in suspension, and shear-sensitive fluids. If wetted by injecting 
fluid  into  the  pumping  chamber  prior  to  starting,  they  can  self-prime,  operate  dry  for  brief 
periods  of  time,  and  handle  relatively  large  solids.  They  are  frequently  used  to  handle  food 
products because of their ability to handle solids without damaging the product and their ability 
to be readily cleaned. 
Lobe  pumps  are  available  in  flow  rates  up  to  900  m
3
/h  (4000  gpm)  and  can  pump  fluids  with 
viscosities of 440,000 cSt (2,000,000 SSU). Specific models can operate at temperatures to 177C 
(350F),  differential  pressures  up  to  28  bar  (400  psi),  and  can  pump  fluids  with  viscosities  of 
2,000,000  SSU.  With  smaller  lobe  pumps  (47  m
3
/h  [208  gpm]),  speeds  of  1000  rpm  are  possible. 
As the pump capacity per revolution increases, speeds are reduced. 
Larger  lobe  pumps  typically  operate  at  speeds  of  600  rpm  or  less,  and  operating  speeds  and 
flow rates are reduced as the fluid viscosity increases.  
F.  Gear  
In  this  type  of  pump,  fluid  is  carried  between  gear  teeth  and  displaced  when  they  mesh.  The 
surfaces  of  the  rotors  cooperate  to  provide  continuous  sealing  and  either  rotor  is  capable  of 
driving the other.  
a.  External gear 
The  external  gear  pump  is  a  positive  displacement  pump  composed  of  a  casing  with  two 
meshing gears with external teeth. 
One gear is driven by the shaft coupled to a driver. This gear drives the other gear. The rotation 
of the gears is such that the liquid comes into the inlet port and flows into and around the outer 
periphery of the two rotating gears. As the liquid comes around the periphery it is discharged to 
the  outlet  port  (Figure  3.1.6.1).  The  flow  of  the  pump  is  regulated  by  the  size  of  the  cavity 
(volume) between the teeth and the speed of the gears. 
Flow from the outlet is further regulated by the amount of liquid that slips back to the inlet port. 
The  amount  of  slip  depends  on  the  side  clearance  of  the  gears  to  the  casing,  the  peripheral 
clearance  of  the  gear  and  bore  in  the  casing,  gear-to-gear  clearance,  developed  pressure, 
and viscosity of the liquid. The lower the viscosity, the greater the slippage. Slippage approaches 
zero  at  5000  SSU.  As the  viscosity  increases,  the  pump  speed  is lowered  to  allow  the  liquid to  fill 
the space between the rotating teeth. Viscosity range is 2 to 400,000 cSt (40 to 2,000,000 SSU). 
Most  external  gear  pumps  use  spur,  helical,  or  herringbone  gears.  The  helical  and  herringbone 
gears  will  deliver  more  flow  and  higher  pressure.  They  are  quieter  than  the  spur  gears  but  may 
require more net inlet pressure than a spur gear. 
The  most  common  uses  for  these  pumps  are  to  supply  fuel  oil  for  burners,  gasoline  transfer, 
kerosene,  fuel  oil,  and  diesel  oil.  They  are  used  for  hydraulic  devices  such  as  elevators  and 
damper  controls.  They  also  pump  coolants,  paints,  bleaches,  solvents,  syrups,  glues,  lard, 
greases, asphalt, petroleum, and lube oils and are used in general industrial applications. 
External  gear  pumps  can  handle  small  suspended  solids  in  abrasive  applications  but  will 
gradually wear and lose performance. Materials of construction are dictated by the application 
and are available in cast iron, ductile iron, bronze, cast steel, and stainless steel. Because of their 
broad application scope, numerous optional designs are available. 
Rated (normal) performance range is 1 to 180 m
3
/h (5 to 800 gpm), 3.5 to 21 bar (50 to 300 psi), 
and  0.37  to  75  kW  (0.5  to  100  hp).  Small  external  gear  pumps  frequently  operate  at  four-pole 
motor  speeds  (1800  rpm)  and  have  operated  at  two-pole  speeds  (3600  rpm).  As  the  pump 
capacity  per  revolution  increases,  speeds  are  reduced  to  less than  500  rpm.  Operating  speeds 
and flow rates are reduced as the fluid viscosity increases. 
b.  Internal gear 
The internal gear pump is a rotary flow positive displacement pump design, which is well-suited 
for a wide range of applications due to its relatively low speed and inlet pressure requirements. 
These designs have  only  two moving parts and hence have proven reliable,  simple to operate, 
and easy to maintain. 
They  are  often  a  more  efficient  alternative  than  a  centrifugal  pump,  especially  as  viscosity 
increases. Internal gear pumps have one gear with internally cut gear teeth that mesh with the 
other gear that has externally cut gear teeth. Pumps of this type are made with (Figure 3.1.6.2a) 
or  without  (Figure  3.1.6.2b)  a  crescent-shaped  partition.  Either  gear  is  capable  of  driving  the 
other, and the design can be operated in either direction. Designs are available to provide the 
same direction of flow regardless of the direction of shaft rotation. 
As the gears come out of mesh on the inlet side, liquid is drawn into the pump. The gears have a 
fairly  long  time  to  come  out  of  mesh  allowing  for  favorable  filling.  The  mechanical  contacts 
between the gears form a part of the moving fluid seal between the inlet and outlet ports. The 
liquid is forced out the discharge port by the meshing of the gears. 
Internal gear pumps are commercially available in product families with flows from 1 to 340 m
3
/h 
(5 to 1500 gpm) and discharge pressures to 16 bar (230 psi) for applications covering a viscosity 
range  of  2  to  400,000  cSt  (40  to  2,000,000  SSU).  Internal  gear  pumps  are  made  to  close 
tolerances and typically contain at least one bushing in the fluid. They can be damaged when 
pumping  large  solids.  They  can  handle  small  suspended  solids  in  abrasive  applications  but  will 
gradually wear and lose performance. Materials of construction are dictated by the application 
and include cast iron, ductile iron, bronze, cast steel, and stainless steel. 
Small  internal  gear  pumps  frequently  operate  at  four-pole  motor  speeds  (1800  rpm)  and  have 
operated  at  two-pole  speeds  (3600  rpm).  As  the  pump  capacity  per  revolution  increases, 
speeds  are  reduced.  Larger  internal  gear  pumps  typically  operate  below  500  rpm.  Operating 
speeds and flow rates are reduced as the fluid viscosity increases. 
Pinion-drive internal gear pumps are a distinctive subclass with unique operating characteristics. 
They  are  typically  direct-drive  arrangements  operating  at  two-,  four-,  and  six-pole  speeds  for 
flows  below  750  L/min  (200  gpm)  on  clear  to  very  light  abrasion,  low-viscosity,  hydrocarbon-
based  fluids.  They  are  available  in  single  or  multistage  module  designs  capable  of  pressures  to 
265 bar (4000 psi). 
Internal  gear  pumps  are  applied  in  petrochemical,  marine,  terminal  unloading,  asphalt, 
chemical,  and  general  industrial  applications  for  transfer,  lubrication,  processing,  and  low-
pressure  hydraulics  handling  a  wide  range  of  fuel  oils,  lube  oils,  and  viscous  chemicals  (both 
corrosive  and  noncorrosive).  Because  of  their  broad  application  scope,  numerous  optional 
designs are available,  such as close-coupled, abrasion resistant, and  API  Standard compliance 
considerations. 
G.  Circumferential piston 
The  circumferential  piston  pump  is  a  rotary  flow  positive  displacement  pump  design,  which  is 
well-suited  for  a  wide  range  of  applications  due  to  its  relatively  low  speed  and  inlet  pressure 
requirements  and  large  cavities.  These  designs  have  only  two  moving  parts  within  the  fluid 
chamber  and  hence  have  proven  reliable.  There  is  no  sealing  contact  between  the  piston 
surfaces,  which  distinguishes  this  design  from  gear  and  screw  pumps.  External  timing  gears 
synchronize the circumferential pistons. As the circumferential piston rotates on the inlet side, the 
expanding volume draws the liquid into the pump. The liquid is forced out the discharge port by 
the collapsing cavity on the discharge side. 
Circumferential  piston  pumps  are  commercially  available  in  product  families  with  flows  to  140 
m
3
/h (600 gpm) and discharge pressures to 31 bar (450 psi) for applications covering a viscosity 
range  of  50  to  1,000,000  cSt  (200  to  4,500,000  SSU).  Circumferential  piston  pumps  are  made  to 
close tolerances. 
They can pump almost any product that can be moved and can handle rather large solids and 
shear-sensitive  fluids.  They  are  suitable  to  run  dry  for  extended  periods.  Shaft  supports often  are 
external  from  the  fluid  chamber  allowing  for  higher  pressure  capabilities.  Materials  of 
construction  are  dictated  by  the  application  and  include  cast  iron,  ductile  iron,  cast  steel, 
stainless steel, and many exotic materials. 
With  smaller  circumferential  piston  pumps  speeds  of  1800  rpm  are  possible.  Larger 
circumferential pumps typically operate at speeds of 500 rpm or less. Operating speeds and flow 
rates are reduced as the fluid viscosity increases. 
Circumferential  piston  pumps  are  used  in  petrochemical,  paper,  marine,  wastewater,  food 
processing, tank and terminal unloading, asphalt, chemical, and general industrial applications 
for  transfer  and  processing  handling  a  wide  range  of  liquids  and  viscous  chemicals  (both 
corrosive and noncorrosive). They are particularly suited for high viscosities, shear-sensitive fluids, 
and applications that may run dry for a period of time or require higher pressure capability than 
an internal gear or lobe pump can provide.  
H.  Screw  
In this pump type, fluid is carried in spaces formed by the screw(s) and the screw housing and is 
displaced axially from suction to discharge as they mesh. 
a.  Single screw (progressing cavity) 
Single-screw  pumps  (commonly  called  progressing  cavity  pumps)  illustrated  in  Figure  3.1.8.1, 
have  a  rotor  with  external  threads  and  a  stator  with  internal  threads.  In  the  simplest  form  of 
progressing  cavity  pump  a  singlethreaded  inner  member  (rotor)  rotates  inside  a  double-
threaded outer member (stator). The geometry of the rotor and stator are such that cavities are 
created  between  the  rotor  and  stator.  In  each  revolution  of  the  rotor  two  cavities  are  formed 
that  progress  from  one  end  of  the  rotor  and  stator  pair  to  the  other  end.  The  geometry  of  the 
rotor  and  stator  also  causes  the  rotor  to  rotate  eccentric  to  the  axis  of  rotation.  In  most 
progressing cavity pumps the stator is made of an elastomeric material and the rotor is made of 
a rigid material. The elastomeric stator attaches to the rotor with a compressive fit between the 
rotor and stator. Progressing cavity pumps are also available with rigid stators that fit on the rotor 
with  a  clearance.  Progressing  cavity  pumps  with  rigid  stators  are  suited  for  pumping 
nonabrasive, medium- to high-viscosity fluids at pressures to 200 bar (2900 psi). Progressing cavity 
pumps  can  pump  a  wide  variety  of  fluids,  from  less  than  1  SSU  viscosity  to  over  2,000,000  SSU 
viscosity. 
They  can  handle  fluids  containing  abrasives and solid  particles up  to  9  cm  (3.5  in.)  in  diameter, 
and can handle multiphase fluids with up to 99% gas. They are capable of self-priming and can 
suction  lift  fluids  up  to  8.5  m  (28  ft).  They  can  be  used  to  pump  practically  any  fluid  that  is 
compatible with the materials of construction. Progressing cavity pumps are available with flow 
rates  over  850  m
3
/h  (3750  gpm).  Standard  industrial  models  are  available  with  differential 
pressure  capabilities up  to  70  bar  (1040  psi).  Models  for  special  applications,  such  as downhole 
pumps  or  viscous  fluid  applications,  have  pressure  capabilities  up  to  200  bar  (2900  psi)  but  are 
usually limited to less than 25 m
3
/h (110 gpm) flow rates. 
Although  some  of  the  smaller  progressing  cavity  pump  models  operate  at  speeds  up  to  1800 
rpm,  most  industrial  pump  models  operate  at  speeds  from  150  to  600  rpm.  The  low  operating 
speeds  and  rotor  and  stator  design  enable  progressing  cavity  pumps  to  handle  delicate  and 
shear-sensitive fluids without damaging the fluid. 
b.  Multiple-screw pumps 
Multiple-screw  pumps  have  multiple  external  screw  threads.  Such  pumps  may  be  timed  or 
untimed.  Figure  3.1.8.2a  illustrates  a  timed  screw  pump.  Figures  3.1.8.2b  and  3.1.8.2c  illustrate 
untimed screw pumps. 
c.  Timed screw pump 
Within this family there are a broad range of mechanical configurations, from standard designs 
to  highly  customized  special  units.  Unique  designs  deal  with  elements as fundamental  as screw 
forms, casing configuration, and timing gear types. 
Common  among  the  family,  however,  are  two  rotating  screws  positioned  by  bearing  locations 
and with synchronizing oillubricated timing gear elements on both rotors. 
Illustrated  in  Figure  3.1.8.2a  is  a  timed  screw  pump.  Fluid  enters  at  the  center  inlet,  splits  axially 
into  two  end  suction  sections,  and,  as  the  rotating  screws  intermesh,  chambers  are  formed 
trapping and conveying fluid axially to the center discharge of the pump. 
Products of this design handle a wide range of viscosity from 2 to 1,000,000 cSt (33 to 4,500,000 
SSU). They also have excellent multiphase capabilities and handle typical contaminants such as 
found in oil production/pipeline applications. 
They  can  be  manufactured  in  a  broad  range  of  materials,  including  those  for  corrosive 
applications,  making  them  suitable  for  chemical  industry  services.  Because  of  the  axial 
movement of the fluid through the pump and the compact diameter of the rotors, timed screw 
pumps typically operate at motor speeds (two-, four-, and six-pole). 
Pressure  capabilities  to  104  bar  (1500  psi)  are  available  for  fuel  injection  and  crude  oil  pipeline 
services.  Flow  ranges  to  2700  m
3
/h  (12,000  gpm)  are  available  for  marine  cargo  handling  and 
transfer pump applications. They pump with a minimum of fluid shear also making them suitable 
for  handling  non-Newtonian  fluids.  Temperature  capabilities  to  315C  (600F)  qualify  them  for 
selected refinery process applications where meeting  API Standards is also a requirement. They 
have  extremely  low  net  positive  inlet  pressure  required  (NPIPR)  capabilities  for  difficult  vapor 
pressure  fluid  applications  and  are  frequently  found  to  be  the  pump  technology  for  difficult 
service applications. 
d.  Untimed screw pump 
The untimed rotary screw pump is an axial-flow, multirotor, positive displacement design used in 
a  wide  range  of  applications  in  pumping  clean  to  mildly  abrasive  viscous  liquids.  It  is  often  a 
more  efficient  alternative  than  centrifugal  pumps.  The  design  may  use  two,  three,  four,  or  five 
screws.  The  most  common  configuration  is  the  three-screw  pump,  which  consists  of  a  power 
rotor (drive screw) and two symmetrically opposed idler rotors (driven screws) that mesh within a 
close-fitting  housing  forming  a  succession  of  cavities  to  continuously  convey  fluid  to  the  pump 
discharge. 
Untimed  screw  pumps  are  available  with  a  double-ended  flow  path  as  illustrated  in  Figure 
3.1.8.2c  or  with  a  single-ended  flow  path  as  shown  in  Figure  3.1.8.2b.  Timing  is  accomplished 
through  rotor  geometry.  In  a  properly  applied  three-screw  pump,  there  is  no  rotor  contact 
because  screws  are  supported  radially  in  their  bores  and  are  hydraulically  balanced  or  free  to 
float  on  a  hydrodynamic  film  created  by  the  pumped  liquid.  In  other  untimed  screw  pump 
configurations, the screws may be supported in product-lubricated bushings. 
Units  are  commercially  available  in  product  families  with  flows  to  1200  m
3
/h  (5300  gpm)  and 
discharge  pressures  to  310  bar  (4500  psi).  Applications  cover  a  wide  viscosity  range  from  2  to 
220,000 cSt (33 to 1,000,000 SSU) and temperatures from below zero to 274C (500F). Because of 
the axial movement of the fluid and the compact diameter of the rotors, untimed screw pumps 
typically  operate  at  motor  speeds  (two-,  four-,  and  six-pole).  Screw  pumps  operate  with  a 
minimum  of  noise,  vibration,  and  fluid  pulsation.  Other  characteristics  important  in  many 
applications  are  their  good  suction  capability  and  low  shear  rate.  Untimed  screw  pumps  are 
frequently found in installations where extended uninterrupted service life is required. 
Materials  of  construction  are  dictated  by  the  application  and  product  family  with  options 
available  in  aluminum,  cast  iron,  ductile  iron,  carbon  steel,  alloy  steel,  bronze,  and  corrosion-
resistant  materials.  Hardened  components  may  be  offered  for  mildly  abrasive  applications  in 
which internal wear is a function of the amount and nature of particulate present in the pumped 
liquid, materials of construction, and operating conditions. 
Screw  pumps  are  used  in  oil  field,  pipeline,  refinery,  marine,  power  generation,  chemical, 
hydraulic  systems,  and  general  industrial  applications  for  transfer,  lubrication,  injection,  and 
hydraulics  handling  a  wide  range  of  fluids,  such  as  fuel  oils,  lube  oils  and  greases,  asphalts, 
noncorrosive viscous chemicals, and high-pressure coolants. 
Because  of  their  broad  application  scope,  numerous  standard  option  packages  are  available, 
such  as  machinery  attached,  close-coupled  designs,  magnetically  driven,  and  API  compliant 
versions.  
Deep Well Pump                   
It is divided into plunger or reciprocating, turbine, ejector-centrifugal types and air lifts. 
Classification of Deep Well Pumps 
Turbine Pump 
It is a deep-well pump used for heads up to 1000ft and for capacities up to 7000gpm. 
Submersible Motor Pump 
It is a deep-well pump used for heads up to 8000ft.   
Pangasinan State University 
College of Engineering and Architecture 
Urdaneta City, Campus         
Fluid Machinery 
Assignment   
SUBMITTED BY:  
Fernandez, Celester G. 
BSME IV 
2013-11-25   
                SUBMITTED TO: 
                Engr. Alfredo Apolinar 
                SUBJECT INSTRUCTOR