Complete GuideTypes of Pumps Industrial
Classification, operation and when to use each type of industrial pump. Centrifugal, gear, thermal oil, fire and special solutions.
Pump Classification
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.
FB Pump Types
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.
Comparison Table
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).
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80+ years manufacturing all types of industrial pumps
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