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 principle groups: kinetic (centrifugal) and positive displacement — in the FB portfolio, FBCN and FBOT are centrifugal; FBE and FBEI are gear pumps.
The choice depends on viscosity at operating temperature, flow, head, duty, solids and the applicable standard; compare the curve and NPSH before selecting.
FB Bombas manufactures both groups plus complete fire-fighting systems (FBFS), with in-house engineering and a hydraulic test bench since 1944.
Updated
Industrial pumps fall into two principle groups: kinetic, represented by centrifugal pumps, and positive displacement, such as gear, screw, piston and diaphragm. In the FB portfolio, FBCN and FBOT are centrifugal; FBE and FBEI are gear pumps. FBFS systems and special skids combine pumps and controls for specific applications. Choosing between the groups starts from the fluid viscosity at operating temperature, flow, head and the applicable standard — the manufacturer’s curve and NPSH define the final model.
What Are the Types of Industrial Pumps?
Two major groups: kinetic and positive displacement
What is the difference between a centrifugal and a positive displacement pump?
A centrifugal pump uses an impeller to convert velocity into pressure and handles high flow rates of low-viscosity liquids. A positive displacement pump transfers volume per cycle and handles viscous fluids, dosing and high pressures. Selection depends on viscosity at actual temperature, flow, head and the manufacturer’s curve.
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
Which pump for water and low-viscosity fluids?
For clean water and low-viscosity fluids at high flow rates, the starting family is the FBCN centrifugal line. The catalogue lists up to 2,200 m³/h and 135 m, but these are series limits. The model results from the flow–head duty point and the NPSH check.
Normalized Centrifugal Pump
Low-viscosity fluids, high flow rates up to 2,200 m³/h, head up to 135 m. ASME B73.1, back pull-out.
Which pump for oils, resins, asphalt and viscous fluids?
For viscous fluids, the starting family is positive displacement gear pumps. The external-gear FBE lists up to 100,000 SSU, 22 kgf/cm² and 350 °C; the internal-gear FBEI favours low pulsation. Deciding between them uses viscosity at actual temperature, flow, pressure and material compatibility.
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.
Which pump for thermal oil?
For thermal fluid circulation in industrial heating, use a pump dedicated to the service temperature. FBOT is the FB line for thermal oil, with a catalogue temperature of up to 350 °C. Confirm flow, head, temperature and sealing condition at the operating point.
Thermal Oil Pump
Industrial heating systems up to 350°C. Robust construction for thermal fluids.
Which pump for a fire-fighting system?
Fire systems require a dedicated set with main pump, jockey, driver and controls defined by the project. In the FB portfolio this function belongs to FBFS, with electric, diesel or combined configurations per NBR 16704 and NFPA 20. Do not select this duty as an ordinary process pump.
Fire Pumps
NFPA 20, NBR 16704 systems. Jockey + main (electric/diesel). Integrated skids.
When is a special skid solution necessary?
Use a special solution when the application requires integrated pump, motor, panel, instrumentation, valves and piping, a mobile unit or a retrofit outside the standard lines. The scope is defined by application engineering. There is no universal catalogue figure for this group.
Special Solutions
Custom skids, mobile units, retrofit. Tailored engineering.
Which Data Define the Right Pump Type?
Key specifications side by side
Compare fluid, viscosity at operating temperature, flow, head or pressure, temperature, solids and the applicable standard. The table narrows the set of candidate series; the curve and NPSH define the model. If these data are missing, the table does not authorise a final selection.
| 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 135 m head.
What is the difference between centrifugal and gear pumps?
Centrifugal pumps are ideal for low-viscosity fluids and high flow rates. Gear pumps are positive displacement, ideal for viscous fluids like oils, resins and asphalt. The choice depends mainly on the fluid viscosity at operating temperature, confirmed on the manufacturer’s curve.
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).
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