Introduction to Pumps and Turbines

Introduction to Pumps

What is pump?

Pump is a hydraulic machine which convert the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy are called pumps.

 

I.e mechanical energy--to--Hydrauic Energy which is in the form of pressure energy

One of the first pieces of powered machinery to be invented at the dawn of the industrial age was a crude form of pump. The pump has since evolved into an endless variety of types, sizes, and applications. This article will give an overview of the general types of pumps that are in common use in process plants. A functional understanding of pumps, their use, and application, is essential to understand how most processes are handled in process plants today.

Pump is a machine or mechanical equipment which is required to lift liquid from low level to high level or to flow liquid from low pressure area to high pressure area or as a booster in a piping network system.

Pump also can be used in process operations that requires a high hydraulic pressure. This can be seen in heavy duty equipment’s. Often heavy duty equipment’s requires a high discharge pressure and a low suction pressure. Due to low pressure at suction side of pump, fluid will lift from certain depth, whereas due to high pressure at discharge side of pump, it will push fluid to lift until reach desired height.

Classification of Pumps

Pump types generally fall into two main categories –

1. Dynamic (Centrifugal) Pumps
2. Positive Displacement Pumps

These are further divided into many forms. For simplification of article we will discuss these many forms separately in separate articles.