Positive Displacement Pump vs. Centrifugal Pump: What is the Difference?

Companies looking to source the very best in sanitary processing equipment look to Lincoln Suppliers. Specializing in robust sanitary pumps from brands like Waukesha, FRISTAM, and AMPCO, we help businesses source the very best equipment possible for their various application needs. Two of the most common pumps we offer are centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps – each with its own set of unique features and advantages, depending on your workplace setting. To help our customers select the right type for their needs, here are some of the major differences between the two, and where you see them most utilized.

Positive Displacement Pumps

Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a precision amount of liquid and forcing it from the suction to the discharge port. Their efficiency isn’t impacted by the pressure levels in the system, making them ideal for applications with high viscosity fluids processed at high pressures with relatively low flows. Within this category of sanitary pump, there are two subcategories: Rotary positive displacement pumps and reciprocating positive displacement pumps. Rotary systems work to push the fluid through the rotation of a pumping element, while reciprocating systems function through a continuous back and forth momentum. Rotary systems have more applications, used for progressing cavity pumps, screw pumps, vane pump, gear pumps, lobe pumps, and peristaltic pumps, while reciprocating systems are used in diaphragm and piston pumps.

Centrifugal Pumps

The most common type of sanitary pump used in today’s industrial settings, centrifugal pumps are designed for low viscosity fluids in high flow rate, low pressure installations. Using impellers that transfer rotary velocity from the motor to the liquid, these pumps generate flow through pressure, pushing the liquid through the discharge port. Ideal for high-volume fluid transfer settings, you will often see centrifugal pumps used in applications like water treatment plants, irrigation, petrochemical, and food and beverage production. This sanitary pump has a general association with water transfer applications, but is just as effective handling other various liquids, fuels, and chemicals.

Dependent on the unique needs of your fluid transfer application, you may require a sanitary pump in a number of configurations. Lincoln Suppliers is dedicated to stocking the top names for positive displacement and centrifugal pumps. Our staff has great background knowledge in how every brand and model differs, and can help your business make the most informed buying decision possible. We are sanitary processing equipment suppliers dedicated to the needs of our industry partners. Want to learn more? Give our team a call at 800-622-8425, or request a free quote today.

Looking to source the best sanitary processing equipment on the market? Lincoln Suppliers has the brands and selection to meet your needs. A popular type of sanitary equipment we sell is the centrifugal pump, often used in various types of beverage production applications. Beverage companies looking for quality sanitary processing equipment should look to our selection of FRISTAM, Waukesha, and AMPCO centrifugal pumps to meet their exact production needs. To help you narrow down your search for  sanitary process equipment, here are some of the most common ways our centrifugal pumps are used in beverage production.

Companies producing sodas, beers, teas, juices, coffees, and more all rely on numerous sanitary pumps for precision fluid transfer throughout their multi-stage production process. Sanitary centrifugal pumps are the most common kinetic energy pump, used in nearly all beverage production applications. These pumps work to move liquids in a radial or axial configuration, through the use of a motor and rotary impeller blades. Converting kinetic energy into hydrodynamic energy, the centrifugal pump is one of the most efficient sanitary pumps for small-to-large head pressure applications. The strength of the pump can be altered by adding faster, larger, or more impellers to the system, depending on the viscosity of the media and flow rates you need to achieve. The three main types of Centrifugal pumps are single-stage, two-stage, and multi-stage, with single-stage being ideal for low head pressure applications, two-stage being ideal for medium head pressure applications, and multi-stage being best for achieving the highest head pressure ratings. Liquids used in centrifugal pumps must be under 1,000 cps fluid viscosity. Some of the most common liquid medias used include water, syrups for sweetening, juices, and concentrates.

Beyond the three main types of centrifugal pumps, Lincoln Suppliers can configure your centrifugal pump to best fit the exact media and flow rates you are wishing to achieve. Things like the impeller blade design, the speed of the impeller blades, and the suction rate can be dialed-in to your exact needs. Our team of professionals has in-depth knowledge on all types of sanitary process equipment, and can help you in selecting the perfect brand and model.

As your dedicated sanitary processing equipment retailer, Lincoln Suppliers, is proud to offer an impressive selection of sanitary centrifugal pumps, from the most sought-after brands in the industry. Additionally, we carry a wide-selection of replacement parts, and can perform certified repair services for all of our products. Ready to get started? Give our team a call at 800-622-8425, or request a free quote today.