Complete Guide Types of Pumps Industrial
Classification, operation and when to use each type of industrial pump. Centrifugal, gear, thermal oil, fire and special solutions.
TL;DR
Industrial pumps fall into two groups: kinetic (centrifugal) and positive displacement (gear, screw, piston, diaphragm), classified by how energy is transferred to the fluid.
Centrifugal pumps move high flow rates of low-viscosity fluids — the FBCN series reaches 2,200 m³/h and 138 m head.
Gear pumps transfer a fixed volume per cycle, ideal for viscous fluids up to 100,000 SSU and 350°C — FBE (external) and FBEI (internal, low-pulsation) series.
Choosing the type depends on viscosity at operating temperature, flow, head and the applicable standard (e.g., NFPA 20 for fire) — above ~100 cP choose positive displacement; below it, centrifugal.
FB Bombas manufactures both groups — centrifugal (FBCN, FBOT) and positive displacement (FBE, FBEI) — plus complete fire-fighting systems (FBFS), with in-house engineering and a hydraulic test bench since 1944.
Updated
The types of industrial pumps fall into two major groups: kinetic pumps (centrifugal) and positive displacement pumps (external gear, internal gear, piston, diaphragm). Kinetic pumps, or centrifugal pumps, use an impeller spinning at high speed to convert velocity into pressure — ideal for water and low-viscosity fluids at high flow rates. Positive displacement pumps (external gear, internal gear, piston, diaphragm) transfer a fixed volume of fluid with each mechanical cycle, which makes them suited to viscous fluids, precise dosing and high pressures. Choosing the right type depends on the fluid viscosity at operating temperature, the required flow and pressure, and the applicable standards (such as NFPA 20 and NBR 16704 for fire systems). FB Bombas manufactures both groups — centrifugal (FBCN, FBOT) and positive displacement (FBE, FBEI) — with in-house engineering since 1944.
What Are the Types of Industrial Pumps?
Two major groups: kinetic and positive displacement
Industrial pumps are divided into two major groups, classified by the principle of energy transfer to the fluid:
Kinetic (Centrifugal)
Convert kinetic energy (velocity) into pressure through a rotating impeller. Ideal for high flow rates and low-viscosity fluids. Example: FBCN series.
Positive Displacement
Transfer a fixed volume of fluid per mechanical cycle. Ideal for viscous fluids, precise dosing and high pressures. Examples: FBE and FBEI series.
FB Bombas manufactures both types — centrifugal and positive displacement — with in-house engineering since 1944. Whatever the viscosity, flow or temperature of your process, we have the solution.
When to Use Each FB Series?
Six lines to cover any industrial application
Normalized Centrifugal Pump
Low-viscosity fluids, high flow rates up to 2,200 m³/h, head up to 138 m. ASME B73.1, back pull-out.
External Gear Pump
Viscous fluids up to 100,000 SSU, pressure up to 22 kgf/cm², temperature up to 350°C.
Internal Gear Pump
Viscous fluids with low pulsation, helical gears, quiet operation.
Thermal Oil Pump
Industrial heating systems up to 350°C. Robust construction for thermal fluids.
Fire Pumps
NFPA 20, NBR 16704 systems. Jockey + main (electric/diesel). Integrated skids.
Special Solutions
Custom skids, mobile units, retrofit. Tailored engineering.
Which Pump for Each Application?
Key specifications side by side
| Criteria | FBCN | FBE | FBEI | FBOT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Centrifugal | External Gear | Internal Gear | Thermal Oil |
| Principle | Kinetic | Positive displacement | Positive displacement | Kinetic |
| Viscosity | <100 cP | up to 100,000 SSU | up to 100,000 SSU | up to 100,000 SSU |
| Max flow | 2,200 m³/h | 6,500 L/min | 100 m³/h | on request |
| Max temp | 260°C | 350°C | 200°C | 350°C |
| Max pressure | ~16 bar | 22 kgf/cm² | 16 bar | 16 kgf/cm² |
| Best for | Water, solvents | Oils, asphalt | Sensitive fluids | Thermal oil |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of industrial pumps?
The main types are: centrifugal pumps (for low-viscosity fluids and high flow rates), external gear pumps (for viscous fluids like oils and asphalt), internal gear pumps (for viscous fluids with low pulsation), thermal oil pumps (for heating systems up to 350°C) and fire pumps (for fire fighting systems per NFPA 20).
What is a centrifugal pump?
A centrifugal pump uses an impeller spinning at high speed to convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy and pressure, moving low-viscosity fluids. It is the most widely used type in industry for water, solvents and light chemicals. The FB Bombas FBCN series reaches up to 2,200 m³/h and 138 m head.
What is the difference between centrifugal and gear pumps?
Centrifugal pumps are ideal for low-viscosity fluids (<100 cP) and high flow rates. Gear pumps are positive displacement, ideal for viscous fluids (>100 cP) like oils, resins and asphalt. The choice depends mainly on the fluid viscosity at operating temperature.
How to choose the right pump type?
The choice depends on: fluid viscosity (low = centrifugal, high = gear), required flow rate (high = centrifugal), operating temperature, need for precise dosing (positive displacement), and applicable standards (fire = NFPA 20). FB Bombas offers free application engineering for sizing.
What types of hydraulic pumps exist?
Industrial hydraulic pumps are divided into two major groups: kinetic (centrifugal — convert velocity into pressure) and positive displacement (gear, screw, piston, diaphragm — transfer fixed volume per cycle). FB Bombas manufactures both types: centrifugal (FBCN) and positive displacement (FBE, FBEI).
Companies that Trust FB Bombas
82+ years manufacturing all types of industrial pumps
Don't know which pump to choose?
Send your application data and our engineering team will recommend the ideal pump type for your process. Direct technical support from the factory.
View All ProductsRelated content
Technical articles, essential definitions and products curated by FB Bombas engineering.
