In this article, we are going to discuss the difference between centrifugal pumps and reciprocating pumps.
Centrifugal and reciprocating pumps are the most common types of pumps used to move and pressurize fluids.
Centrifugal pumps also called rotary pumps, use the kinetic energy of an impeller to force fluid and increase its kinetic energy. This kinetic energy is suddenly converted to pressure energy, which moves the liquid upward. They are used in household pumps for domestic water supply.
A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement piston pump with a cylinder-piston device. Water enters the cylinder during the intake stroke and exits during the exhaust stroke. It is mainly used for pumping highly viscous liquids.
The main difference between centrifugal and piston pumps is that centrifugal pumps operate in a low-pressure head whereas piston pumps operate in a high-pressure head.
The difference between Centrifugal Pumps and Reciprocating Pumps are as follows:
| Centrifugal Pumps | Reciprocating Pumps |
|---|---|
| 1. Centrifugal Pump is one of the rotary pumps which used the kinetic energy of the impeller. | 1. Reciprocating Pumps is a positive displacement type pump that is forced by the piston. |
| 2. The discharge is continuous and smooth. | 2. The discharging is fluctuating and pulsating. |
| 3. It can handle large quantities of liquid. | 3. It can handle only a small quantity of fluid. |
| 4. It is used for large discharge through small heads. | 4. It is used for small discharge at high heads. |
| 5. Cost of the centrifugal pump is less compared to a reciprocating pump. | 5. Cost of a reciprocating pump is approximately four times the centrifugal pump. |
| 6. Runs at high speeds. | 6. Runs at low speed. |
| 7. Efficiency is high. | 7. Efficiency is low. |
| 8. It can be installed in a small area and the installation cost is low. | 8. It required a large floor area and installation is the cost is high. |
| 9. Low maintenance cost. | 9. High maintenance cost. |
| 10. It can be used for lifting highly viscous liquids. | 10. Used only for lifting pure water or less viscous fluids. |