Top 5 Industrial Pump Types (And When to Use Them)

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Not every industrial pump is built for the same job. Some excel at handling corrosive chemicals, while others are designed for high flow rates, precise chemical dosing, or abrasive fluids.
Below, we examine five of the most common pump types available from Pumping Solutions and the applications where they perform best.

The Top 5 Types of Industrial Pumps

1. Air Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps

AODD pumps use compressed air to move fluids through flexible diaphragms, making them one of the most versatile pump types in industrial applications. They are best used for:

• Chemical transfer
• Abrasive or viscous fluids
• Solids handling
• Hazardous environments

Benefits of using AODD pumps include:

• Self-priming
• Can run dry without damage
• Handles solids with ease
• Simple, reliable design

2. Centrifugal Pumps

Centrifugal pumps use a rotating impeller to move large volumes of liquid efficiently. They must be primed and lubricated for use, making them ideal for continuous-duty applications. Centrifugal pumps are best used for applications such as:

• Water transfer
• Cooling systems
• Process circulation
• General industrial pumping

Advantages of centrifugal pumps include:

• High flow rates
• Efficient continuous operation
• Low maintenance
• Ideal for clean liquids

3. Metering Pumps

Positive displacement metering pumps deliver precise, repeatable flow rates, making them the preferred choice for chemical dosing and water treatment. They provide extreme accuracy for precision pumping and are best used for applications including:

• Chemical injection
• pH control
• Water treatment
• Industrial dosing systems

Metering pumps offer several advantages, including:

• Accurate chemical feed
• Adjustable output
• Consistent performance
• Excellent process control

4. Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic drive pumps eliminate traditional mechanical seals by using magnetic coupling, helping prevent leaks when transferring aggressive chemicals. Because their seal-less design prevents leaking, mag-drive pumps are best for applications involving:

• Corrosive chemicals
• Acids
• Solvents
• Clean chemical transfer

Benefits of magnetic drive pumps include:

• Seal-less design
• Leak-free operation
• Low maintenance
• Excellent chemical resistance

5. Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps move fluid through flexible tubing using rotating rollers, making them ideal when contamination-free pumping is required. They are highly versatile and maintain their internal pressure to prevent backflow. These pumps are best for applications including:

• Chemical dosing
• Slurries
• Sensitive fluids
• Water and wastewater treatment

Peristaltic pumps offer several benefits, including:

• Only the tubing contacts the fluid
• Gentle pumping action
• Easy maintenance
• Excellent for abrasive or shear-sensitive liquids

Find the Right Pump for Your Application

Each pump type offers unique advantages, and selecting the right one depends on your application, fluid properties, and operating conditions.

At Pumping Solutions, we supply industrial pumps from trusted manufacturers for water treatment, chemical processing, manufacturing, food and beverage, mining, and many other industries. If you're unsure which pump is right for your application, our team is here to help.
Contact us with any questions or to learn more today!