What Is The Difference Between A Peripheral Pump And A Centrifugal Pump?

What is the difference between a peripheral pump and a centrifugal pump?

Pumps are essential equipment in various industries for various applications such as water supply, irrigation, circulation, and many others. However, there are different types of pumps, and not all of them are suitable for all applications. Two common types of pumps are the peripheral pump and the centrifugal pump. Although they may look similar, they function differently. This article will provide a detailed explanation of what they are, how they work, and the differences between them.

**What is a Peripheral Pump?

A peripheral pump is a small, compact, and single-stage pump mainly used for low flow and high-pressure applications. It is also known as a regenerative pump due to its unique design that allows the impeller to draw fluid into the pump and create a vortex that boosts the pressure. Unlike centrifugal pumps that use a volute chamber, peripheral pumps use an impeller with many curved vanes that are close to the outer edge. The impeller rotates at high speed, creating a pressure gradient that pushes fluid out through the outlet.

Peripheral pumps are suitable for many applications such as domestic water supply, gardening, and irrigation. They can handle fluids with low viscosity and limited solids content. Peripheral pumps are typically less efficient than centrifugal pumps and are not suitable for high flow rate applications.

**What is a Centrifugal Pump?

A centrifugal pump is a type of multi-stage pump that can handle high flow applications. It is one of the most common types of pumps used in various industries such as water supply, chemical, food manufacturing, and mining, among others. Centrifugal pumps use a volute chamber and impeller to create a centrifugal force that draws fluid into the pump and pushes it out through the outlet.

Centrifugal pumps are usually powered by an electric motor or combustion engine and can handle a wide range of fluids, including those with high viscosity and solids content. They are efficient and reliable pumps that can operate at high temperatures and pressures.

**Difference between a Peripheral Pump and a Centrifugal Pump

1. Design

The primary difference between peripheral pumps and centrifugal pumps is their design. Peripheral pumps have a unique design that uses impellers with curved vanes that are close to the outer edge. On the other hand, centrifugal pumps use an impeller and a volute chamber to create a centrifugal force that pushes fluid out through the outlet.

2. Performance

Peripheral pumps are suitable for low flow and high-pressure applications, while centrifugal pumps are ideal for high flow applications. Peripheral pumps have limited flow rate capacities and can handle fluids with low viscosity and solids content. Centrifugal pumps, on the other hand, can handle a wide range of fluids and can pump at a high flow rate.

3. Efficiency

Centrifugal pumps are more efficient than peripheral pumps, mainly due to their design and the ability to pump fluids at high flow rates. They can operate at high temperatures and pressures without a significant decrease in efficiency. Peripheral pumps are less efficient than centrifugal pumps but are still useful in low flow rate applications.

4. Power

Peripheral pumps typically require lower power input than centrifugal pumps due to their low flow rates and high-pressure capabilities. Centrifugal pumps require higher power input due to their high flow rates and the need to overcome frictional losses.

5. Applications

Peripheral pumps are suitable for low flow rate applications such as domestic water supply, gardening, and irrigation. On the other hand, centrifugal pumps are ideal for high flow rate applications such as water supply, chemical processing, and agriculture.

**Conclusion

Peripheral pumps and centrifugal pumps are two common types of pumps used in various industries for different applications. While they may look similar, they function differently and have different capabilities. Peripheral pumps are suitable for low flow rate and high-pressure applications, whereas centrifugal pumps are ideal for high flow rate applications. In summary, if you need a pump for a low flow rate and high-pressure application, a peripheral pump would be ideal. However, if you need a pump for a high flow rate application, a centrifugal pump would be the right choice.