How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Application

Bobby Brown

Post 2025-05-14

How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Application

1. What is a Pump and Why Do You Need One?
2. Pump Types and Application Guide – Quick Comparison
3. SIX Steps to Selecting the Right Pump
4. Chemical Plant Upgrade – Optimizing Pump Selection
5. Q&A

1. What is a Pump and Why Do You Need One?

A pump is a mechanical device used to move liquids from one location to another or to increase fluid pressure for circulation. Depending on the pump type, it uses either rotary or reciprocating motion to create a pressure differential, overcoming fluid weight, viscosity, and friction to move liquids efficiently. Pumps are widely used in water supply systems, chemical processing, and various industrial applications.

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2. Pump Types and Application Guide – Quick Comparison

To meet various application needs, pumps come in many types. Here is a quick comparison of 9 common pump types and their suitability for different use cases.
Legend: ★★★ - Good ★★ - Suitable ★ - Not Recommended

| Pump Comparison Table

3. SIX Steps to Selecting the Right Pump

( 1 ) Define Your Needs – Transfer, Circulation, or Metering

What Do You Need the Pump to Do?
1) Liquid Transfer: Diaphragm pumps for self-priming, peristaltic pumps for hygienic fluids, screw and gear pumps for high-pressure, high-viscosity liquids.
2) Boosting and Circulation: Centrifugal pumps for high-efficiency continuous flow, axial flow pumps for high volume, low head, vortex pumps for self-priming systems.
3) Precise Dosing: Plunger pumps for ultra-high pressure, peristaltic pumps for high purity, electric diaphragm pumps for automated chemical dosing.

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( 2 ) Analyze Fluid Characteristics

1) High Viscosity and Particles:
Screw Pumps – Ideal for high-viscosity, particle-laden fluids like slurry, resin, syrup.
Gear Pumps – Best for medium to high viscosity liquids like lubricants, heavy oils, solvents.
Diaphragm and Vortex Pumps – Suitable for large-particle fluids.
2) Low Contamination Applications:
Peristaltic Pumps – Fluid only contacts the internal tube, ideal for food and biopharmaceuticals.
Diaphragm Pumps – Completely isolates the pump chamber, no leakage risk.
Magnetic Drive Pumps – Seal-less design, perfect for ultra-pure water and high-purity chemicals.
3) High Pressure and High Temperature:
Plunger Pumps – For ultra-high pressure and high-temperature applications like hydraulic systems.
Multi-Stage Screw Pumps – Common in oil and gas for high-pressure transfer.
Gear Pumps – High pressure tolerance, used in hydraulic systems and fuel transfer.

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( 3 ) Confirm Flow and Pressure Requirements

1) Flow Rate: Determine the maximum flow needed under normal operating conditions.
High Flow: Axial Flow Pumps (low head), Centrifugal Pumps (medium head).
2) Head/Pressure: Choose a pump that can handle the vertical lift and pressure needed.
High Pressure: Plunger Pumps (ultra-high pressure), Screw Pumps (medium to high pressure), Gear Pumps (steady high pressure).
3) Flow Stability: For variable flow or pressure, choose a pump with a wide operating range or consider VFD control.
Recommended: Electric Diaphragm Pumps.

( 4 ) Consider Installation Conditions and Total Cost

In addition to performance, consider the installation environment, initial cost, and maintenance costs when selecting a pump.
1) Limited Space:
Screw Pumps – Compact design, small footprint.
Gear Pumps – Small, efficient, ideal for mechanical lubrication.
Vortex Pumps – Short distance, high-frequency start-stop.
2) Vertical Installation:
Axial Flow Pumps – High flow, ideal for cooling water circulation.
Deep Well Pumps – Long-distance lift, perfect for groundwater extraction.
3) Noise Reduction:
Electric Diaphragm Pumps and Peristaltic Pumps – Smooth operation, low friction, significantly quieter than other pump types.

( 5 ) Cost and Maintenance

1) Initial Cost – Includes pump body, drive motor, piping, and mounting.
Low Initial Cost: Centrifugal Pumps, Axial Flow Pumps
2) Operating Cost – Energy efficiency, power supply, and utility costs.
Low Operating Cost: Electric Diaphragm Pumps, Peristaltic Pumps
3) Maintenance Cost – Spare parts, replacement frequency, and downtime losses.
Low Maintenance: Electric Diaphragm Pumps, Peristaltic Pumps
High Precision, Long Life: Plunger Pumps, Screw Pumps

4. Chemical Plant Upgrade – Optimizing Pump Selection

A fine chemicals manufacturer moving to a new facility sought to reduce air dependence and improve energy efficiency. The new setup requires pumps for long-distance transfer, short-term unloading, and wastewater treatment, providing a chance to optimize pump choices for each application.

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➊ Step 1: Define Your Needs (Transfer vs Circulation vs Metering)

1) For long-distance transfer of raw materials and finished products, continuous operation with low running costs is key.
✘ Exclude: Centrifugal (high cavitation risk), Gear (seal leakage), AODD (high air consumption), Peristaltic, Plunger (low flow)
✔ Recommended: EODD (energy-efficient) or Screw (high viscosity capability)
2) For short-term unloading from tankers or barrels, portability and rapid chemical changeover are important.
✘ Exclude: Centrifugal (poor self-priming, slow cleaning)
✔ Recommended: AODD (self-priming, dry-run capable, easy to clean)
3) For intermittent wastewater circulation, the pump must handle solids and self-prime for transfer to coagulation tanks.
✘ Exclude: Centrifugal, Gear (not solid-tolerant), Plunger (excessive pulsation)
✔ Recommended: AODD (large particles, dry-run capable)

➋ Step 2: Analyze Fluid Characteristics

Customer uses a mix of acids, bases, and solid suspensions. Foaming can also affect liquid formulations.
✘ Exclude: Centrifugal (cavitation risk), Gear (seal leakage), Screw (material limitations), Vortex (low efficiency)
✔ Recommended: AODD/EODD – seal-less, leak-proof, self-priming, solid-tolerant, low shear, ideal for foaming or high-viscosity fluids.

➌ Step 3: Confirm Flow and Pressure

Consider both flow range and pressure tolerance when selecting the pump.

➍ Step 4: Installation and Environmental Conditions

Customer previously used AODD pumps, but the new facility aims to reduce air system dependence.
- Air supply limits: Long-distance stations cannot use compressed air → EODD required
- Mobile unloading: Tanker area with air hookups → Keep AODD (light, cordless, explosion-proof)
- Outdoor wastewater: Compressed air available, low noise preferred → AODD or EODD both suitable

➎ Step 5: Cost and Maintenance

- EODD has higher upfront costs, but 70% lower energy costs than AODD annually.
- For long-distance, continuous transfer, choose EODD. For explosion-proof or **low-noise areas, AODD is also an option.

★ Conclusion: Hybrid EODD + AODD Configuration for Best Results ★

After assessment, the customer is advised to use 2" AODD pumps for intermittent transfer and EODD for long-duration, high-flow stations, reducing energy consumption, noise, and leak risk based on application.
➤ Learn More: Recommended Product – QUANTM EODD Electric Diaphragm Pumps

5. Q&A

Q1: What should I do if my pump has low pressure?
A: Common causes of low pump pressure include insufficient inlet pressure, low fluid level, or pump wear.
First, check for blockages or air leaks in the inlet line. Then verify the fluid level, as low levels can cause cavitation or dry running. Lastly, ensure the correct motor rotation and wiring. If the issue persists, clean the impeller or replace worn seals.

Q2: Why does a pump run dry? Is it harmful?
A: Pumps often run dry when the fluid level is too low, the inlet line is blocked or leaking, or the pump was not properly primed (e.g., centrifugal pumps).
Running dry can cause overheating, seal damage, and efficiency loss, as the pump relies on fluid for cooling and lubrication. To prevent this, consider installing level sensors or flow switches for automatic protection.
Graco's 2025 Quantm Electric Diaphragm Pumps include dry-run detection and auto-shutdown to prevent pump damage. Learn more: Quantm Electric Diaphragm Pumps

Q3: How to choose between air-operated and electric diaphragm pumps?

Q4: What are the signs of low pump efficiency?
A: Signs of low pump efficiency include excessive vibration (imbalanced impeller, worn bearings, loose base), increased noise (bearing wear, air entrainment, internal deposits), and reduced flow or pressure (internal wear, seal leaks, high suction resistance).

Q5: How often should I maintain my pump?
A: Maintenance frequency varies by pump type and application. Gear pumps and plunger pumps require more frequent service due to high pressure and precision, while peristaltic pumps and electric diaphragm pumps need only regular tubing checks and occasional part replacement.
Monthly check: Inspect for leaks, cracks, and loose connections. Clean suction lines and filters, and ensure sufficient fluid levels to avoid dry running.
Annual service: Professional inspection, parameter calibration, seal replacement, and internal cleaning. For gear and plunger pumps, also check bearings and lubricate gears.

Q6: How do I quickly estimate pump electricity costs?
A: Formula: kWh = (Power kW × Operating Hours) ÷ Motor Efficiency.
Example: For a 5 kW pump running 8 hours/day at a rate of 5 NTD/kWh:
5 kW × 240 hours × 5 NTD/kWh = 6,000 NTD/month