Centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps are both types of pumps used to transfer fluid from one location to another. However, there are several key differences between the two types of pumps:
Operating principle: Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to generate kinetic energy that is converted into pressure, while positive displacement pumps use the mechanical movement of a fixed or rotating element to trap a fixed volume of fluid and move it through the pump.
Flow rate: Centrifugal pumps have a varying flow rate, depending on the pump speed and the resistance of the system, while positive displacement pumps have a constant flow rate, as they move a fixed volume of fluid with each cycle.
Pressure: Centrifugal pumps generate high pressure with a low flow rate and low pressure with a high flow rate, while positive displacement pumps generate a constant pressure, regardless of the flow rate.
Efficiency: Centrifugal pumps are typically more efficient at high flow rates, while positive displacement pumps are more efficient at low flow rates.
Handling of fluids: Centrifugal pumps handle liquids with low viscosity and solids content, while positive displacement pumps handle liquids with high viscosity and solids content.
In summary, centrifugal pumps are best suited for transferring fluids with low viscosity and solids content at high flow rates, while positive displacement pumps are best suited for transferring fluids with high viscosity and solids content at low flow rates. The choice between a centrifugal pump and a positive displacement pump depends on the specific requirements of the fluid transfer application.