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Positive-Displacement Pump Selector

Select positive-displacement pumps by type, manufacturer and duty — gear, screw (single & twin), rotary-lobe, progressive-cavity, diaphragm and air-operated diaphragm (AODD), peristaltic (hose), piston/plunger, vane and metering pumps for viscous, high-pressure, shear-sensitive, dosing and abrasive services. Full data for every pump: best-efficiency flow, NPSHr, maximum pressure, viscosity range, motor power, speed, materials of construction and more.

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Choosing a positive-displacement pump

Positive-displacement (PD) pumps move a fixed volume per revolution or stroke, so flow is nearly independent of discharge pressure and rises in proportion to speed — the opposite of a centrifugal pump. That makes them the right choice for viscous fluids, high pressure at modest flow, accurate metering, shear-sensitive or two-phase fluids, and self-priming / high-suction-lift duties.

What to match

  • Fluid & viscosity — gear and screw pumps for oils and high viscosity; lobe and progressive-cavity for shear-sensitive and solids-laden fluids; diaphragm/AODD and peristaltic for corrosive, abrasive or hygienic dosing.
  • Flow & pressure — the best-efficiency flow and maximum pressure of each model; PD flow is set by speed, not the system curve.
  • NPSH & suction — confirm available NPSH against the pump’s requirement (use the NPSH calculator); PD pumps are sensitive to viscosity-driven suction losses.
  • Relief protection — a PD pump deadheads against a closed valve, so a relief/bypass valve is mandatory.

Pump data is from manufacturer references; confirm the duty point, viscosity correction and certified curve with the manufacturer before selection.

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