Pump Designs

While there are dozens, even hundreds, of different centrifugal pump designs, virtually all of them can be categorized into one of the following categories:

By learning about these common types of centrifugal pumps, you’ll be better prepared to make a pump type recommendation the next time you assist with the pump design and selection process.

End Suction Pumps

These affordable and versatile pumps are the most common type of centrifugal pump. They are used in all types of applications to pump all sorts of liquids. If you’re looking for a pump that is affordable, readily available, with good efficiency, and reasonable longevity, you won’t go wrong with an end-suction pump.

Submersible Pumps

Submersibles are the type of pump most used for wastewater pumping. However, that isn’t all they can be used for. They’re also a great option for raw water intake and any application where vertical pumps or self-primers are also being considered.

Vertical Inline Pumps

What do you get when you turn an end-suction pump on-end and cast a suction-elbow into the casing? A vertical inline pump. This space-saving design can be considered for a wide range applications.

Double-Suction Split-Case Pumps

The workhorse of the municipal and power generation worlds. Split-case pumps are commonly used for large-capacity pumping of water and other clear liquids when efficiency and durability are most important.

Solids Handling Pumps

Equipped with impellers with large openings, solids-handling pumps are used in wastewater pumping applications as well as dewatering of construction sites and mining operations.

Vertical Turbine Pumps

These versatile pumps are used in every industry and for every type of clear liquid pumping application.

Self-Priming Pumps

Pump users who aren’t crazy about submersibles often switch to self-priming pumps the next time a pump needs to be replaced. These units are often used for pumping wastewater and for dewatering applications.