What is a Water Pump?
A water pump is a hydraulic machine that works by converting different energies to mechanical energy thereby increasing the mechanical energy of the water, resulting in an increased flow rate.
A water pump can also be defined as a type of centrifugal pump that is powered by an engine and connected to the engine’s crankshaft using a belt. In simple terms, a water pump can be defined as a device or a machine used for moving water at increased pressure.
How Water Pump Works?
Basically, water pumps work by the use of basic forces of nature, where a piston, vane, impeller among others are used as the driving part.
The water pump works by taking the water around its inlet and then converting energy into mechanical energy, which is then used to boost the moving pressure of the water through the outlet pipe.
As this happens, a vacuum is created around the inlet hence a low-pressure zone. Due to the low pressure, water moves towards the pump inlet at a higher speed as the pump continues taking more and more water.
How Many Types of Water Pumps are There?
There are many different types of electric-powered water pumps, which include sump pump, submersible pump, jet pump among others.
The working of a water pump is determined by the type of motor, for instance, electric, centrifugal, diesel among others. This guide will explain a number of water pumps are available in the market.
There are many types of pumps in the market today and from different manufacturers. Pumps can be classified under many different types depending on different factors.
Generally, pumps can be classified into two major groups: Dynamic pumps or Positive Displacement pumps.
A dynamic pump is a kind of velocity pump where the fluid kinetic energy is increased by increasing the flow velocity, while a Positive Displacement pump is one with an enlarging cavity on the inlet and a decreasing cavity on the outlet.
Dynamic pumps
Dynamic pumps are further divided into different types that include centrifugal pumps, submersible, vertical centrifugal, horizontal centrifugal, fire hydrant systems among others. The following are some of these types of dynamic pumps.
Centrifugal pumps
These are the most common pumps. They are sturdy and efficient as well as easy to use.
When working the pump converts electrical energy in the electric motor to mechanical energy in the rotating impeller.
Water then flows through the center of rotation and exists along with the impeller blades. As this happens the centrifugal force increases the velocity of the water.
Vertical centrifugal pumps
They are also known as cantilever pumps. These pumps are designed to use a shaft as it maintains a design that allows water to move within the pit while the bearings are positioned on the outer side of the pit.
This type of pump uses a throttle bushing instead of a filling container.
Fire hydrant pump systems
They are also known as fire pumps or hydrant boosters. These types of pumps are designed for high force water pumping hence capable of fire fighting.
This is enhanced by elevating the force within the fire pump system as the main is insufficient.
Positive Displacement pumps
These types of pumps can be classified further, the types include gear, diaphragm, peristaltic, piston, lobe among others. Some of these pumps are described below.
Diaphragm pumps
They are also known as AODD pumps, AOD pumps, and pneumatic. These pumps are mainly used in mining and industries.
They are also used in areas with no power and can also be used to transfer chemicals and food.
These pumps are classified as responding pumps that consist of two diaphragms driven with condensed air applied to the two diaphragms alternatively through the transfer valves. Each diaphragm consists of a set check valves.
Gear pumps
This is a type of positive rotating dislocation pump that works by forcing a stable amount of water in every rotation.
This makes it capable of creating high forces hence ideal for pumping thick fluids like grease oils.
Lobe pumps
These are highly effective and reliable pumps with hygienic qualities. These pumps are designed to safely pump high thickness fluids and solids.
They are made of polished stainless steel with superior rooms for pumping compared to gear pumps hence capable of pumping slurries.