Learn the Differences Between a Centrifugal Pump and a Reciprocating Pump

Centrifugal pumps and reciprocating pumps are types of pumps used to move fluid to increase the pressure. The main difference between them is, the centrifugal pump uses kinetic energy to force the fluid that converts into pressure and moves upward to supply domestic water supply to the household. The reciprocating pump is one of the positive displacement pumps that contains a piston device. It is used for high viscous fluids.

Centrifugal pump manufacturers design these pumps to help the residences to have a continuous flow of water supply with the help of the most common centrifugal pump, that is, an impeller that rotates and converts the fluid.

A triplex plunger pump is a sub-type of the reciprocating pump where a certain amount of fluid enters and discharges with a pressure. There are specific categories of a positive displacement type according to its classifications.

Reciprocating Pump:

• The pump handles a small quantity of liquid, and the discharge is pulsating.

• It is used for pure water and not viscous fluid

• Reciprocating pump installation cost is more with less efficiency.

• To install a pump, it needs a larger area as it is complicated and creates noise.

• Because of cavitation and separation, this pump runs at a low speed.

• This pump costs nearly four times more than a centrifugal pump.

• A belt drive is necessary, and it is a complicated construction with more parts needed.

• The reciprocating pump cannot handle dirty water and needs priming.

Centrifugal Pump:

• Centrifugal pump handles a large number of fluids to release pressure like hydro pressure test pump. It also discharges smoothly and continuously.

• It helps in lifting high viscous fluids.

• High efficiency and low installation cost.

• Needs a smaller floor area with low maintenance.

• This pump runs at high speed smoothly without much noise.

• Simple construction with fewer spare parts directly coupled with an electric motor.

• Needs priming and can handle dirty water.

• A dynamic pump is the best example of a centrifugal pump.

Similarly, hydrostatic test pump or hydro test pumps are used in residential and commercial constructions to help the pressure move upward to provide the water supply.