Liquid Transfer Pumps (Water, Oils, Chemicals & Slurries)
“Liquid transfer” covers everything from clean water to abrasive, viscous or corrosive fluids. We match the duty to the best pump technology: centrifugal for water-like fluids, mag-drive for corrosives, gear for oils, progressive-cavity and peristaltic for viscous/gas-entrained streams, AODD for portable or unknown solids, and self-priming or submersible where suction lift or pit access demands it. Brands: Grundfos, Goulds, Griswold, Finish Thompson, Iwaki, Roper, Blackmer, Netzsch, LMI, Neptune, Emec, Wilden, Yamada, ARO, Gorman-Rupp, BJM, Flux.
Best-Fit Map for Liquid Transfer
| Fluid / Situation | Best Pump Type | Recommended Brands | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean water & utilities | End-suction / inline centrifugal | Grundfos NB/NK; TPE/MAGNA; Griswold | Efficient, quiet, easy to service; VFD/ECM control |
| High head transfer (RO/booster) | Multistage centrifugal | Grundfos CR | Compact high pressure with strong efficiency |
| Acids/solvents (corrosives) | Mag-drive sealless centrifugal (PP/PVDF/ETFE) | Finish Thompson DB/UC; Iwaki MX/MD | No seal leak path; broad compatibility, low maintenance |
| Oils, polymers, fuels | External gear | Roper; Blackmer | Positive-displacement flow across viscosity range |
| Very viscous, shear-sensitive, filled | Progressive-cavity (VFD) | Netzsch | Low shear, steady flow; handles air/fines/solids |
| Off-gassing slurries, polymers | Peristaltic (hose/tube) | LMI KML/KBL | Self-priming, gas tolerant; fluid only touches hose |
| Portable transfer, unknown solids | AODD (bolted) | Wilden; Yamada; ARO | Air-powered safety; run-dry/dead-head; solids capable |
| Above-grade suction / lift from basin | Self-priming centrifugal (trash) | Gorman-Rupp | Clean-out cover, above-grade service, solids handling |
| Pits, sumps, variable level | Submersible (solids/slurry options) | BJM | Immersed operation; agitator and abrasion packages |
| Drum/IBC unloading | Drum/IBC pump | Flux F-Series | Ergonomic, fast changeovers; tube sets by chemistry |
Note: We verify viscosity vs. temperature, SG, NPSH, solids %, suction geometry and materials to ensure reliable priming and long seal/bearing life.
Recommended Liquid Transfer Packages (Placeholders)
Tip Share fluid list (SDS), temperature/viscosity curve, target GPM/TDH, suction path, solids %, materials constraints and power/control method. We’ll deliver curves and a complete BOM.
How We Engineer Transfer Duty
- Hydraulics—select near BEP; confirm NPSH and suction layout for prime reliability.
- Materials—metallurgy/linings + elastomers from SDS and temperature.
- Controls—VFD/ECM, pressure/flow loops, soft-start and protection.
- PD safeguards—relief, back-pressure, pulsation control where required.
- Serviceability—isolation, drains/vents, clean-out, quick-change wear parts.
Common Liquid Transfer Uses
- Tank-to-tank and day-tank fills
- Truck/railcar unload and loadout
- Filter feed and backwash
- Utility water distribution
- Drum/IBC unloading
- Corrosive chemical transfer
- Viscous oils, resins and polymers
- Portable transfer with unknown solids
- Pit/sump dewatering and slurry handling
- Booster and RO make-up
Move Any Liquid—Safely and Efficiently
Send SDS, viscosity vs. temperature, SG, target GPM/TDH, suction details and solids %. We’ll quote the right transfer package with curves and a complete BOM.
Liquid Transfer Pump FAQs
Centrifugal vs. positive displacement—how do I choose?
Use centrifugal for water-like fluids and higher flows; choose PD (gear, PC, peristaltic, AODD) for high viscosity, solids or when constant flow against pressure is required.
When is mag-drive preferred over sealed pumps?
When handling corrosives or VOCs where containment is critical and temperature/viscosity are within mag-drive limits. Otherwise we select proper seals and plans.
What causes priming issues on transfer systems?
Long or restrictive suction, small line size, high viscosity at start-up and insufficient NPSH. We oversize suction, shorten runs, warm lines when needed and verify NPSH margin.