The Different Types of Pumps Sold by CPE

If you are new to pumps, you are probably wondering what pump you should use. We will try to simplify that for you with this blog post.

Centrifugal pumps are the most commonly used pumps in any industry. A centrifugal pump uses a curved impeller (in most cases) that accelerates the fluid outward as it spins. Impellers are normally driven by an electric motor and their movement produces suction at the inlet of the pump, pulling the fluid inside.

Our most common centrifugal pump would be our C-Series. The C-Series is designed for applications such as CIP and product transfer - offering enough power for both applications at an affordable price. Another reason that the C-series is great is that it can come with an explosion-proof motor and explosion-proof switch for applications such as pumping ethanol.

Other centrifugal models we carry are the Inoxpa SEN series and the Inoxpa RVN series. The SEN series is a higher efficiency pump, ideal for gentle handling of liquids and for hot water transfers. It also has an internal seal that will self-clean during CIP processes. If you are looking for a centrifugal pump to pump liquids with semi-solids, such as mash and must (winery applications), then the Inoxpa RVN series would be the best choice. Its large helicoidal impeller allows it to pump larger solids than a standard open impeller centrifugal pump.

The key parameters to note with the centrifugal pumps is that they are neither self-priming nor reversible.

Centrifugal Pump vs Flexible Impeller

Moving away from centrifugal pumps, the second major categorization of pumps is positive displacement pumps, and our most popular type of positive displacement pumps is flexible impeller pumps. Flexible impeller pumps work by rotating a rubber impeller with connected flexible vanes that maintain contact with the inner walls of the pump head. While the pump is running, the vanes trap a certain amount of the product at the inlet/suction-side, then carry it through the pump housing (hence positive displacement) until it reaches the discharge section. This allows these pumps to be both self-priming and reversible, as well as handle some suspended solids. They are also great for pumping in and out of barrels or drums.

Another type of positive displacement pump is Air-Operated Double Diaphragm pumps, which rely on compressed air for energy. This type of pump has two flexible membranes that alternate back and forth, creating a temporary chamber, which draws in and expels fluid. If you are pumping a slurry or highly viscous or abrasive products this pump would be the ideal choice.

Impeller Photos

Last but not least is positive displacement rotary pumps. There are two styles of these: lobe pumps and circumferential piston pumps.  These are workhorse pumps for higher pressures and thicker products using two counter-rotating impellers or rotors.  These pumps are commonly used for pumping thick mash, fruit slurries, cream fillings, and syrups.  

If you have any questions please give us a call and we will be happy to help you pick the right pump for your needs!