15.12.2025
Types of Positive Displacement Pumps: What You Need to Know
Whether highly viscous media, abrasive solids or sensitive liquids, positive displacement pumps offer the ideal solution for demanding pumping tasks where other pump technologies reach their limits.
However, not all positive displacement pumps are the same. Different types are used depending on the application, medium and process requirements. Here you will find everything you need to know about the various types of positive displacement pumps.
What are displacement pumps?
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Displacement pumps belong to the category of rotary pumping units and are specially designed to transport liquids using the principle of positive displacement. The medium is enclosed in a sealed pumping chamber and mechanically moved forward. Unlike centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps are particularly suitable for highly viscous, solid-laden, or sensitive media, as well as for applications with a constant flow rate regardless of counterpressure.
The most crucial displacement pump types
Different types of positive displacement pumps are used depending on the medium, application and process requirements. As a global specialist in handling complex media, NETZSCH Pumps & Systems offers a wide range of technologies that differ in their design, mode of operation and performance:
NEMO® progressing cavity pumps
Progressing cavity pumps deliver the medium with low pulsation, continuously and at a stable pressure. Their geometry makes them ideal for abrasive, viscous and solids-laden media. The main components are a Rotorrotor,Rotors,rotorsrotor and a stator. The rotor, which is connected on one side by a joint or elastically, is a type of round thread screw. The axis oscillates on the outlet side. The hollow stator is elastic and has the same pitch length as the rotor. This leaves pumping chambers between the stator and the rotor, which move continuously from the inlet to the outlet. NETZSCH NEMO® pumps thus enable precise metering, high delivery accuracy and maximum reliability. Even demanding applications in the chemical, environmental and food industries pose no problem for this type of positive displacement pump.
TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps
TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps, on the other hand, are characterised by their compact design and high delivery rate with low pulsation. They are particularly suitable for applications where robust, maintenance-friendly solutions are required, such as in water and wastewater management, biogas production or in the oil & gas industry. These are valveless, rotating positive displacement pumps with two lobes running in opposite directions. The rotation of the lobes creates a vacuum on the suction side, drawing the pumped medium into the system. The medium is driven into the pressure area by the lobes. Compared to progressing cavity pumps, they are more compact and require less installation space. This reduces your space requirements and saves costs.
NOTOS® multi screw pumps
NOTOS® multi screw pumps are designed for precise, pressure-stable pumping of low to high viscosity media. The multi screw pump is a rotary positive displacement pump in which the form of the rotors resembles a screw. It consists of two or more counter-rotating screws and a housing that encloses the screws. The screws have a regular, thread-shaped profile and mesh together like gears. The cavities created by these three design elements form the delivery chambers. As the screws rotate, they move in the direction of the machine and convey the medium from the suction side to the pressure side. Thanks to their multi-spindle technology, they offer high energy efficiency, low noise emissions and gentle product transport. This makes them ideal for the oil industry, power plants and marine applications.
PERIPRO® peristaltic pumps
PERIPRO® peristaltic pumps operate without valves, seals or mechanical seals, enabling virtually maintenance-free operation. Like all other NETZSCH pumps, peristaltic pumps belong to the group of rotary positive displacement pumps. The medium to be conveyed is forced through the hose by external mechanical deformation. The hose is supported by the pump head housing and clamped by rollers. The rollers rotate on a rotor. The rotation moves the clamping point along the hose, thereby advancing the pumped medium. They have only one wearing part, the hose. This means that maintenance is kept to a minimum. This type of positive displacement pump is particularly suitable for abrasive, shear-sensitive or aggressive media in the chemical, food or construction industries.
Which displacement pump is the right one?
The choice of the right positive displacement pump type depends mainly on the process requirements, the nature of the medium and the operating conditions. NETZSCH not only offers a wide range of pump technologies but also comprehensive advice to help you find the best solution for your specific application.
Why NETZSCH Pumps & Systems?
With more than 70 years of experience, beyond 75,000 pumps produced annually and a global presence, NETZSCH stands for Proven Excellence in pumping complex media. Our positive displacement pump types are the result of continuous research, maximum vertical integration and consistent quality orientation. Trust in a partner who combines technological expertise with customised solutions.
But our commitment goes far beyond the product itself: With a global service network, personalised on-site support and fast spare parts delivery, we accompany you throughout the entire life cycle of your pump. From initial consultation and commissioning to regular maintenance and optimisation of your systems, we are always there for you.
