Positive displacement vs centrifugal pumps – When to use which?

There are two main families of pumps; positive displacement and centrifugal (rotodynamic), both of which have
their uses and best areas of application. It is important however to be able to identify when each pump type
should be selected, which ultimately comes down to their working principle and the application at hand.

Positive displacement pumps are characterised by an operation that moves fluid by trapping a fixed volume,
usually in a cavity, and then forces that trapped fluid into the discharge pipe. A centrifugal pump transfers the
kinetic energy of the motor to the liquid by a spinning impeller; as the impeller rotates it draws in fluid causing
increased velocity that moves the fluid to the discharge point.

A quick comparison table

Factor Centrifugal Positive Displacement

Mechanics Impellers pass on velocity from the motor Traps confined amounts of liquid and
to the liquid which helps move the fluid to forces it from the suction to the
the discharge port (produces flow by discharge port (produces pressure by
creating pressure). creating flow).

Performance Flow rate varies with a change in Flow rate remains constant with a
pressure. change in pressure.

Viscosity Flow rate rapidly decreases with Due to the internal clearances high
increasing viscosity, even any moderate viscosities are handled easily and flow
thickness, due to frictional losses inside rate increases with increasing viscosity.
the pump.

Efficiency Efficiency peaks at a specific pressure; Efficiency is less affected by pressure,

any variations decrease efficiency but if anything tends to increase as
dramatically. Does not operate well when pressure increases. Can be run at any
run off the middle of the curve; can cause point on their curve without damage or
damage and cavitation. efficiency loss.

Suction Lift                   Standard models cannot create suction lift,
although self-priming designs are
available and manometric suction lift is
possible through a non return valve on the
suction line.
Create a vacuum on the inlet side,
making them capable of creating suction
lift.

Shearing High speed motor leads to shearing of Low internal velocity means little shear is
liquids. Not good for shear sensitive applied to the pumped medium. Ideal for
mediums. shear sensitive fluids.

Above is a quick comparison of the main performance differences between centrifugal (rotodynamic) pumps and
positive displacement pumps.For visual reference of the performance comparisons between the two working
principles see below performance curves. 
  
   

What applications are centrifugal pumps used for?

Centrifugal pumps are the most common pump type for the transfer of low viscosity fluids in high flow rate, low
pressure installations, which makes them ideal for applications that require the pump to deal with large volumes.
The centrifugal pump design is often associated with the transfer of water, but is also a popular solution for
handling thin fuels and chemicals:

 General water supply

 Sea water transfer
  Water circulation
 Air conditioning
 Boiler feed
 Light fuel transfer
 Petrochemical
 Washing and firefighting
 Irrigation

Whilst generally speaking centrifugal pumps are used with clean liquids, if the correct impeller is selected i.e. a
vortex impeller, some solids are able to be handled.

Centrifugal pumps benefit from a simple design with few moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance
requirements and costs. This makes them suited to applications where the pump is used often or is even
continuously run. The simplicity of the construction also makes centrifugal pumps easy to produce in many
different materials including plastics and cast iron for lighter duties, and bronze and stainless steels for more
corrosive or hygienic application. Hence the multiple fluids that centrifugal pumps are suitable for use with.

The centrifugal pump design is also very compact in comparison to other pump types that produce the same
output levels, making them a good option when space saving is an issue. 

When to use a positive displacement pump?

Positive displacement pumps are usually selected for their ability to handle high viscosity fluids at high pressures
and relatively low flows as their efficiency isn’t affected by pressure. Whilst centrifugal pumps are the most
common type of pump installed due to their simplicity, positive displacement pumps are a solution that can
handle more difficult conditions where centrifugal pumps may fail, thanks to their ability to be run at any point on
their curve.

There are two classifications of positive displacement pump; rotary and reciprocating. Whilst governed by the
same working principle, all pumps types that fall within these classifications have their own design characteristics
and benefits.

Rotary positive displacement pumps – operate via rotation of the pumping element

 Progressing cavity pumps

 Vane pumps
 Screw pumps
 Peristaltic pumps
 Gear pumps
 Lobe pumps

Reciprocating positive displacement pumps – operate via a constant back and forth motion.

 Diaphragm pumps
 Piston pumps

Generally speaking positive displacement pumps are designed for the transfer of high viscosity fluids such as
thick oils, slurries, sewage and pastes. Thanks to their internal clearances, some types such as progressive
cavity pumpsand peristaltic pumps, are also excellent at applications handling mediums containing high levels of
solids including dewatering ground water and waste oils. Screw and vane pumps on the other hand and are ideal
for pumping relatively clean fluids such as fuels and lubrication oils.

Being lower speed pumps than the centrifugal design, rotary positive displacement pumps with larger pumping
chambers such as progressive cavity, lobe and peristaltic pumps are typically low shear pumps that provide a
smooth flow. This allows them to pump shear sensitive products that need their structure to remain intact such as
olives that cannot be squashed and adhesives that cannot lose their stickiness and gels that need to retain their
gel-like property.

Positive displacement pumps are able to handle variations in pressure, flow and viscosity and remain efficient,
unlike centrifugal pumps which do not operate well off the centre of their curve. As their flow rate remains
constant (proportional to the speed of operation), smooth and low pulsating despite changes in the pressure,
positive displacement pumps such as peristaltic, piston and diaphragm pumps are ideal solutions for dosing
applications as it allows accurate metering to be carried out.

As this guide illustrates, some processes are suited to centrifugal pumps and others to positive displacement
pumps. What is important to note is the application conditions that make one more suitable than the other.  
Across the industry, professionals are constantly working to develop and implement
the latest in pump and valve technology.  Recently, EmpoweringPumps.com has
been taking on the topics of sustainability and new advancements. But for those who
need a brush up on pump basics, we thought it would be a good time to discuss the
differences between centrifugal and positive displacement pumps.

How do Centrifugal and Positive Displacement Pumps Work?

Nearly all pumps fall within these two categories, with centrifugal being the most
common. However, positive displacement pumps come in a wider variety such as
gear, lobe, peristaltic, screw, and many other types of pumps.

The most common type among centrifugal pump is the radial flow pump. These
centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to create a vacuum in order to move fluid.
The pump’s impeller rotates within the housing and reduces pressure at the inlet.
This motion then drives fluid to the outside of the pump’s housing, which increases
the pressure enough to send it out the discharge.

There is also the axial flow centrifugal pump which uses a curved propeller-shaped
impeller, whereas the impeller on a radial flow centrifugal pump looks more like a
fan. Axial flow pumps move fluid by drawing fluid into their axis and using the
impeller to send fluid out on the other side of the pump.

Positive displacement pumps draw fluid into a compartment at the inlet and move it
to an outlet for discharge, most typically using a rotary, reciprocating, or diaphragm
method to move fluid. The main difference between these types of pumps and
centrifugal is that positive displacement pumps will move fluid at the same speed
regardless of the pressure on the inlet end and centrifugal pumps will not.

Which Pumps Are Used in The Upstream Oil and Gas Industry?

Both of these types of pumps are essential components in the oil and gas industry.
They are commonly used as part of tri-phase or multiphase pumping applications in
which two or more types of pumps are used to accommodate all fluids, a process
that offers reduced equipment costs, simpler installation, improved production, and
a smaller footprint.

Centrifugal Pumps Used in The Oil and Gas Industry

  Electric Submersible Pump (ESP) – These pumps are typically submerged
entirely in the fluid to be pumped and are specifically designed to combat
pump cavitation. Instead of pulling fluids, the mechanisms in these pumps
push fluids, making them far more reliable and efficient than previously
utilized jet pumps. Newer ESP models can also include a water and oil
separator which permits water to be re-injected into the reservoir without
the need to lift it to the surface, saving both time and operating costs.
 Helico-Axial Pump – Also called a Poseidon pump, this centrifugal pump
uses multiple stages of impellers and vanes to move fluids. Compression is
accomplished with the transfer of kinetic energy from the rotating impeller
blades through circles of guide vanes in order to move fluid. This pump is
often used in offshore and deep water developments.
 Deep Well Pump – The industry is beginning to lean more towards these
types of pumps especially the deep well seawater lifting and fire pumps.
They can have capacities of up to 2,600 cubic meters and offer added
safety protection for offshore production. Many of these pumps use radial-
designed impellers for smaller capacities and a semi-radial design for
larger capacities, which can result in an MTBR of 25,000 hours or more.
Positive Displacement Pumps Used in The Oil and Gas Industry

 Progressive Cavity Pump – Also known as eccentric screw or single screw

pumps, these types of pumps are utilized for their ability to transfer
difficult liquids, such as those that containing solids or highly viscous
fluids. They work by using a single screw or rotor inside a double-threaded
rubber stator to build pressure and move fluid. They are mostly used in
shallow wells or at the surface.
 Twin Screw Pump – This pump works by rotating to form chambers with
the intermeshing of the two screws inside the pump housing. The
chambers fill with fluid and move it from the suction side to the higher
pressure discharge side of the pump, a process that can be reversed in
some twin screw pumps. They can handle virtually any non-homogeneous
fluid with any of abrasiveness, lubricity, and viscosity. Twin pumps are
most often used in situations that contain high gas volume fractions and
fluctuating inlet conditions.
Other Pumps Used in The Oil and Gas Industry 

 Deep Well Submersible Pump – Just what it sounds like, this vertical is
submerged in deep waters for the purpose of performing a number of
 upstream processes. The unit is oil-filled, which allows it to be reliable and
long lasting while offering reduced cost in total life cycle. It operates with
the use of heavy-duty impellers, dual bearings, and multiple seal options.
In addition, these pumps can handle flows of up to 6,000 cubed meters,
heads to 800 meters, and speeds up to 3,600 rpm.
 Chemical Process Pump – These pumps are used in the handling of
harmful chemicals in many industries, including upstream oil and gas.
They can convey hazardous or corrosive chemicals efficiently in order to
avoid any damage occurring at the working place whether to equipment or
personnel. The chemical process pump uses a combination of close
coupling, heavy duty casing, specialty impellers, a sealed chamber, and
other mechanisms to remove the harmful chemicals.
 Oil Skimmer Aluminum Lobe – These rotary lobe pumps can be used
upstream, midstream, and downstream. The pump is lightweight,
compact, has a large flow range, dry run capabilities, and conveys highly
viscous fluids.
 Multiple Screw Pump Line  – One of the newest introductions into the
global markets, this Multiple Screw Pump Line includes double, geared-
twin, and triple screw pumps. It offers ranges to 2500 gpm / 1160 psi.  It
can also handle high and low viscosities, as well as lubricating and non-
lubricating liquids.
And these are just some of the pumps used in the industry…
 The Positive Displacement and Centrifugal Pump and How They
Work
written by: Harlan Bengtson • edited by: Lamar Stonecypher • updated: 3/8/2011

The centrifugal pump and positive displacement pump are the two primary categories of pumps. Centrifugal pumps are the
most widely used, but there are a greater variety of positive displacement pumps, including gear pumps, peristaltic pumps,
reciprocating pumps, screw pumps, and lobe pumps.

 Types of Pumps
A pump is essentially a mechanical device that is used to move a fluid, normally uphill, or from a tank or reservoir. Pumps
function by increasing the pressure of the fluid, so the pressure of the fluid exiting the pump is enough to push it uphill, into
a tank, or wherever it is supposed to go. The main two classifications of pumps are the centrifugal pump and positive
displacement pump. A centrifugal pump uses a rotating impeller to draw a vacuum at the inlet side of the pump and to send
the fluid out at an increased pressure at the pump outlet. There are several different types of positive displacement pumps,
including piston pumps, gear pumps, and peristaltic pumps. All of the positive displacement pumps physically draw fluid
into the pump at the inlet and force it out of the pump outlet.

 Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps are in very widespread use. The diagram at the left shows a centrifugal
pump set up with a motor to drive it. The pump is partially cut away to show a bit about how it works. The diagram at the

right shows a cutaway  centrifugal pump diagram with the parts labeled. The pump impeller
rotates within the pump housing (sometimes called the volute), thus causing a reduced pressure at the inlet (suction) side of
the pump. The rotary motion of the impeller drives the fluid to the outside of the pump volute, increasing its pressure, and
sending it out of the pump discharge, as shown in the diagram.
Both of these diagrams show a radial flow centrifugal pump, which has the flow pattern just described above. This is the
most common centrifugal pump flow pattern. Another alternative is the axial flow centrifugal pump, which has an impeller
shaped somewhat like a propeller, that draws fluid in along the pump axis and sends it out along the axis at the other side of
the pump.

Image Credits: Centrifugal Pump and Motor - Wikimedia Commons; Centrifugal Pump Cutaway - Wikimedia Commons

 Positive Displacement Pumps

A positive displacement pump forces a predetermined fluid quantity from the pump inlet to the pump discharge for each
pump cycle. These pumps produce a pulsating flow, with periods of fluid delivery separated by periods with no fluid
 delivery. This effect is less pronounced with some types of positive displacement pumps. Unlike centrifugal pumps, these
pumps supply the same fluid flow at a specific speed, irrespective of the discharge pressure. A positive displacement pump
should not be run with the discharge valve closed. A centrifugal pump that is pumping against a closed valve will just build
up to some maximum pressure for that pump, but a positive displacement pump will continue to discharge fluid into the
fixed volume ahead of the closed valve until the line busts or the pump is damaged. Therefore, a discharge relief valve, or
safety valve, is essential. An external discharge relief valve is normally installed, with a line returning to the reservoir.
Positive-displacement pumps are sometimes grouped into three categories: rotary pumps, reciprocating pumps, and
diaphragm pumps. Each is discussed briefly in the next several sections

 Positive displacement pumps are sometimes classified as rotary pumps, reciprocating pumps, and diaphragm
pumps. There are several types of rotary pumps, including gear pumps, lobe pumps, screw pumps, and peristaltic pumps. All
of these types of positive displacement pumps draw fluid into a compartment at the inlet end and move it to the pump outlet
for discharge. The piston pump is the primary type of reciprocating positive displacement pump. In a diaphragm pump, the
fluid being pumped is isolated from the working parts of the pump, eliminating the possibility of leakage through pump
seals.

 Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps

Rotary positive displacement pumps draw fluid into some type of chamber, which is then moved around by the rotary action
of the pump from the inlet to the outlet of the pump, where the fluid is discharged. The clearances between the moving parts
are typically close, so the pump speed must be kept relatively slow. If these pumps operate at excessive speeds, erosion will
be caused by the fluids, like polishing of stones by ocean waves. Excessive clearances are created due to such erosion that
permits slip of liquids, decreasing the pump efficiency. Several types of rotary positive displacement pumps are described
next.

Gear Pumps

Gear pumps consist of gears that are arranged with the teeth meshed, as shown in the diagram
at the left. The gears rotate in opposite directions, so that they pull fluid into the spaces between the gear teeth and the pump
casing. The fluid is finally released through the pump discharge due to the movement of the teeth. A fairly constant fluid
flow is maintained by smaller teeth, while bigger teeth will produce a more pulsating fluid flow pattern.
Image Credit: RPI Chem Engr Dept
Lobe Pumps

The principle of the lobe pump is very similar to that of the gear pump, except that a smaller
number of larger "lobes" mesh together as shown in the diagram of a disassembled lobe pump at the right. In this case the
fluid is moved through the pump in spaces between the lobes and the pump casing.
Image Credit: MSU Engineering
Screw Pumps
 Screw pumps are fitted with two screws that have opposite threads, one turning clockwise
while the other turns counterclockwise. The screws are fixed on parallel shafts that have meshed gears. The shafts are rotated
due to the gear movements. The fluid is drawn from the pump due to the screws turning. The clearance between the moving
components and the pump casing is necessarily quite small.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Peristaltic Pump

Peristaltic pumps, also sometimes called tubing pumps, don't quite fit the general description
of rotary positive displacement pumps given above, but this is still the closest classification for them. For this type of pump,
a rotor with lobes squeezes tubing against the inside of a cylinder as it rotates and thus draws fluid through the tube. The
principle is illustrated in the diagram at the right.
Image Credit: H. Bengtson

 Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pumps

Reciprocating positive displacement pumps, also called piston pumps, are used for many
vacuum pumps. The pump consists of a cylinder and piston with two one-way valves, one at the inlet and one at the outlet of
the pump. On the suction stroke of the piston, the discharge one-way valve is drawn shut and the inlet one-way valve opens
due to the suction in the cylinder, thus drawing fluid into the cylinder. As the piston reverses direction and begins the
discharge stroke, the inlet valve is pushed shut and the outlet valve is pushed open, so that fluid is pushed out of the
discharge port of the pump. This is shown in the schematic diagram at the left.
Image Credit: H. Bengtson

 Diaphragm Positive Displacement Pumps

 A diaphragm pump is shown in the diagram at the right. Fluid is drawn in when the
diaphragm is pulled back and the fluid is forced out when the diapragm is pushed forward. One-way inlet and outlet valves
are needed as shown in the piston pump diagram above. The reciprocating motion of the diaphragm may be caused by a
camshaft and piston, as shown in the diagram, or it may be caused by compressed air, or by a pulsating fluid pressure from
some other source. A useful feature of the diaphragm pump is that the fluid being pumped is completely isolated from the
drive mechanism. There will be no leakage past seals, etc., as is possible in many other types of pumps.
What's the difference between a centrifugal and
positive displacement pump?
6 Answers

Dheeraj Paisa, studied Bachelors of Engineering at Kakatiya University

Answered Jul 12

PUMP: defined as hydraulic machine which converts mechanical energy to

hydraulic energy where hydraulic energy is in the form of pressure energy.

Centrifugal pump: it uses centrifugal force to covert mechanical energy to

hydraulic energy

it consists of

1. impeller
2. suction pipe
3. delivery pipe
impeller sucks water from sump and delivers it to certain required height

Postive displacement pump: best example for this is Reciprocating pump

Reciprocating pump consists of

1. Cylinder
2. piston
3. crankshaft and crank
4. piston is connected to crank by connecting rod
5. cylinder is connected with delivery pipe and suction pipe
In reciprocating pump as piston has to and fro motion, water is sucked into cylinder
and delivered to required height

image source Google

thanks for reading..!!

1.5k Views · 2 Upvotes

Related QuestionsMore Answers Below

 What is a positive displacement pump and why is it called so? How does it differ
from centrifugal pumps?
 How does a positive displacement-type pump work?
 What is a positive displacement pump?
 What is the difference between the positive and non-positive displacement
pump?
 Is positive displacement pump more efficient then centrifugal pump?

Dhananjay Nilkute, I design pump hydraulics in office and do troubleshooting in plant.

Answered May 6, 2016

Centrifugal pump are high capacity and relatively low head pump where as positive
displacement pumps are low capacity high head pumps. The centrifugal pumps work on the
centrifugal action of rotating impeller to push the fluid. Positive displacement pumps draw
fluid into a compartment at the inlet and move it to the outlet for discharge. It works on the
rotary, reciprocating or diaphragm principle to move fluid. 
The main difference between the centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pump is that
positive displacement pumps moves fluid at the same speed regardless of the pressure on the
inlet end and centrifugal pumps will not.

8.4k Views · 6 Upvotes · Answer requested by Divyansh Santoshi

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Harshit Keshari, studied at National Institute of Technology, Raipur

Answered Mar 10, 2015

Centrifugal pump are referred as constant pressure pump as the discharge pressure through
these pumps cannot be varied without changing the physical conditions of the pump (such as
throttling of discharge valve or increasing the size of impeller). 
Positive displacement pumps (viz. reciprocating pumps/piston pumps) are referred as
constant discharge pumps because the volume/gap between the piston & cylinder in these
pumps are constant. One can increase the pressure by closing the discharge valve and
incresing the stroke length of the piston. This increase in stroke length will continuesly
increase the discharge pressure.

3.9k Views · 6 Upvotes

Khizar Ayaz, Bs Fluid Mechanics & Heat Transfer, Chemical Engineering (2017)

Answered Nov 18, 2016

PD pumps are constant discharge pressure pump and used where high pressure is
required,PD pump give us pulsating flow whereas centrifugal pump are constant
head pump, flow rate remain constant . Centrifugal are high pressure head pump and
are more exposed to cavitation problem but PD pump is self primed pump.
2.7k Views

Sonu Sharma, B E Mechanical Engineering, Army Institute of Technology (2018)

Answered Apr 26

Centrifugal Pump : Centrifugal pump which is also known as rotary pump used
kinetic energy of impeller to force the fluid and increase its kinetic energy. This
kinetic energy gets converted into pressure energy which move fluid upward. These
are used in household pumps for domestic water supply.

Positive Displacement Pump : Reciprocating pumps are one of the positive

displacement pumps which contain a piston cylinder device. Water is trapped into
the cylinder during suction stroke and force out during exhaust stroke. It is mostly
used to pump high viscous fluids.