Peristaltic pumps

Figure 1: Peristaltic pump

Peristaltic pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that uses rollers to squeeze a flexible
tube, creating a wave-like motion that propels fluid forward. They are widely recognized for their
ability to handle sterile and sensitive fluids with minimal risk of contamination. The design of
peristaltic pumps ensures that the fluid only comes into contact with the tubing, making them ideal
for applications where maintaining purity is crucial (Karassik et al., 2001).

Advantages:

- Suitable for sterile and sensitive fluids

- Self-priming capabilities

- Precise flow control

- Minimal risk of contamination

Drawbacks:

- Limited pressure capabilities

- Potential for tubing wear and tear

- Possibility of pulsating flow requiring dampeners

Turbine pumps

Figure 2: Centrifugal and Turbine pump

Turbine pumps are another type of centrifugal pump that utilizes multiple stages to achieve high
pressures. Fluid passes through several impellers in series, making them efficient for applications
requiring high heads such as deep well pumping and boiler feed systems (Gülich, 2010).

Advantages:
- High-pressure capabilities
- Efficient for high-head applications
- Suitable for clean fluids with low viscosity

Drawbacks:
- Sensitive to changes in flow rate and discharge pressure
- Not suitable for high viscosity or solids content
- Complex design with higher costs compared to single-stage pumps

Screw pumps

Figure 3:Rotary Screw Pump

Screw pumps operate by using one or more rotating screws to move fluid along the screw axis. They
are particularly well-suited for handling viscous fluids, slurries, and fluids with entrained gases
(Warring, 1982). The advantages of screw pumps include their ability to handle viscous fluids and
slurries, self-priming capabilities, and providing smooth, pulseless flow. However, they are sensitive
to wear and tear, requiring regular maintenance, their efficiency can vary depending on the specific
type and application, and they can be more expensive than centrifugal pumps.

Advantages:

- Handles viscous fluids and slurries

- Self-priming capabilities

- Provides smooth, pulseless flow

Drawbacks:

- Sensitive to wear and tear, requiring regular maintenance

- Efficiency can vary depending on the type and application

- Can be more expensive than centrifugal pumps

Suction pumps

Figure 4: Submersible deep well solar suction pump

Suction pumps work by creating a vacuum at the inlet, allowing atmospheric pressure to force fluid
into the pump. They are commonly used for lifting water from wells or sumps and include examples
like suction centrifugal pumps, jet pumps, and air-operated diaphragm pumps. Suction pumps offer a
simple design and operation and can lift fluids from below the pump level. However, they have
limitations such as restricted suction lift depending on the pump type and atmospheric pressure and
can be sensitive to air leaks in the suction line.

Advantages:

- Simple design and operation

- Can lift fluids from below the pump level

Drawbacks:
- Restricted suction lift depending on pump type and atmospheric pressure

- Sensitive to air leaks in the suction line.

Conveyance pumps
Conveyance pumps are designed for transporting fluids over long distances or against high
resistance. They come in various types such as centrifugal, positive displacement, or others
depending on the specific application (Warring, 1982). Examples of conveyance pumps include
pipeline pumps, multistage centrifugal pumps, and positive displacement pumps with high pressure
capabilities.

Advantages:

- Handles a wide range of flow rates and pressures

- Suitable for long-distance fluid transportation

Drawbacks:

- Complex and expensive depending on the application

- High energy consumption for long-distance pumping

References:

Gülich, J. F. (2010). Centrifugal pumps (2nd ed.). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-128233

Karassik, I. J., Messina, J. P., Cooper, P., & Heald, C. C. (2001). Pump handbook (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill
Ed