Liquid Transfer Pumps and Their Features

Pumps are special devices designed to generate flow in order to transfer slurries and liquids from one place to another in a system. These devices have a wide spectrum of functions on the basis of their mechanism and design. Choosing the right type of pump to meet your needs is important. Therefore, you should analyze and understand the different features of the pumps. In this article, we are going to talk about the same. So, let’s get to the point.

Pump Features and accessories

Often, pumps have many features that improve the performance of these devices for specific applications. They may have a lot of additions or accessories to perform special functions in a special setup. Given below is the description of some of the most common features of pumps.

Back-up power: Some pumps have a back-up power source like a battery. Although the battery is not regularly used, it does provide power for specific applications where there is a need for the pump to keep running even if the power goes out.
Control panel: Many pumps feature a control panel that shows adjustment parameters like safety shutoff, pressure, and flow.
On/off control device: Based on the fluid level, these pumps use a control device to turn the device on or off.
Plug-in: These pumps get their power from the power source through a power cable.
Pressure gauge: Some pumps come with a pressure gauge that shows a pressure level reading on a digital screen or dial.
Filter/strainer: On some pumps, there is a filter or strainer for collecting solids prior to their flowing through the pump.
Overload protection: Some pump motors feature a device to disconnect power to the pup when the motor temperature exceeds a certain limit.

Design & Construction

Based on the pump design and construction, some features can only be found in specific pumps.

Belt-driven: A belt drives the pump shaft.
Close-coupled: These pumps have their pump-end mounted right on the shaft of the motor.
Bottom/End suction: These devices feature centerline discharge and suction.
Explosion-proof: Some parts of these pumps are enclosed in order to prevent damage because of external or internal explosions.
Frame-mounted: The pump-end of these pumps is mounted on a sturdy bearing frame. This frame is coupled to the pump motor.
Horizontal construction: In this type of construction, the pump rotor or stator assembly is horizontal and the pump pushes the media horizontally.
Jacketed: These pumps have jacketed pump head, casing and flanges. Typically, these pumps are designed for applications where it’s quite important to control the temperature of the pump head.
Multi-stage: These pumps have more than one pump stage. The compressed liquid moves from the first stage to the next stages or chambers, which allows the pump to produce a lot higher pressure than a single-stage pump.
Portable: These pumps are designed for ease of transportation. They are quite portable.
Reversible: These pumps pump liquids in both forward and reverse direction without compromising on efficiency.
Seal-less: There are mechanical seals, packing or cups. All the rotating and sliding parts are separated from the fluid being pumped.
Self-priming: This type of pump produces and maintains enough vacuum level for drawing liquids into the inlet without any external assistance.
Vertical orientation: The rotor assembly or stator pump is upright and the liquid is pumped upwards in this type of pump.

Material Qualities

These pumps may have specific construction material or may have certain qualities based on the materials used.

Corrosion-resistant: Corrosion-resistant material is used to make these pumps. Stainless steel is the most common material as it can withstand chemical attack and prevent corrosion.
Hygienic: These pumps are made from hygienic materials and are completely sealed to prevent leakage and contamination.
Plastic: These pumps are designed to transfer liquids that may damage or corrode metal components of a pump. These pumps feature high chemical resistance. Plus, they are less expensive and lightweight.
Sanitary: These pumps are designed to transport agricultural material and food in food processing environments where cleanliness is required. Sanitary pumps are made to adhere to strict guidelines of 3-A, USDA, and FDA.
Washdown: These units are made to work in wet environments like dairies, food processing plants and other areas where the humidity level is quite high.

Pump Performance

Some features of a pump play a great role in improving the performance of the unit. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Adjustable speed: The operator can change the speed of these pumps.
Non-stop duty: These pumping units run continuously and maintain performance specifications.
Grinding mechanism: These pumps are used to grind rubber goods, sewage, and garbage into tiny pieces and then transfer them using high pressure. Often, these pumps are known as grinder pumps.
Non-fog: These pumps are used to pump stringy, sticky or viscous materials that other types of pumps can’t pump properly.
Run dry pumps: These pumps can run for hours without any liquid or lubrication without getting damaged.
Submersible: This type of pump can be mounted in a tank full of liquid media. Usually, the motor of the pump is sealed in and doesn’t come into contact with the liquid.
Top suction: These units are used to draw liquid from a tank placed on a higher spot, unlike other pumps that pull water from a lower position.

Power Sources

Pumps get the required power from different types of sources to drive the motor they contain. Some of the common power sources are given below:

AC powered: These pumps run on alternating current (AC). They are plugged into the standard wall socket for operation.
DC battery powered: These liquid transfer water pumps run on direct current (DC) from solar power or battery for property operation.
Magnetic drive pumps: These sealless pumps have a coaxial magnetic coupling for the transmission of torque to the impeller. It uses a regular electric motor that drives permanent magnets mounted on drive assembly or carrier.
Manual pumps: As the name suggests, these pumps are operated manually, by foot or hand via a lever or handle. Typically, these are plunger or piston pumps.