23.06.2026
Types of Pumps: Technologies, Principles and Selection Criteria
Pumps are among the most widely used components in industrial process engineering. There is hardly a production process which does not require conveying liquids, suspensions or viscous media. The range of available pump technologies is correspondingly diverse, making it challenging to select the right pump for a specific application.
The type of pump best suited to a given process depends on many factors. We provide a brief overview of the most widely used technologies and explain what to look for when selecting.
Difference centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
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Pumps can be classified into two main operating principles: dynamic and positive displacement. This distinction is fundamental, as it significantly determines a pump’s delivery characteristics, area of application and operational behaviour. Dynamic pumps, also known as centrifugal pumps, generate flow by converting the kinetic energy of a rotating impeller into flow. The fluid is accelerated and conveyed via the resulting pressure difference. Dynamic pumps are particularly suitable for low-viscosity fluids and high flow rates at moderate pressures. They are widely used, simple in design and economical in many standard applications. Positive displacement pumps, on the other hand, convey the fluid by cyclically reducing the volume of a defined chamber. The volume is mechanically displaced, regardless of back pressure. Positive displacement pumps are characterised by an almost linear relationship between speed and flow rate, which makes them particularly suitable for dosing tasks and for conveying highly viscous, sensitive or solids-laden media.
Overview of the most common types of pumps
Centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pumps are the most widely used pumps worldwide. Their applications include water supply, cooling circuits, chemical transfer and numerous other standard applications. Their weakness lies in their flow rate, which is highly dependent on viscosity: as fluid viscosity increases, both flow rate and efficiency drop significantly. Centrifugal pumps are therefore generally not the right choice for viscous, shear-sensitive or solids-laden fluids.
Progressing cavity pumps
Progressing cavity pumps are rotary positive displacement pumps which use a helical Rotorrotor,Rotors,rotorsrotor rotating within a flexible stator, thereby creating defined pumping chambers. They deliver an almost pulsation-free flow, are self-priming, and are suitable for an exceptionally wide range of viscosities – from low to high. With progressing cavity pumps, you can gently convey shear-sensitive, textured or solids-laden media without altering their texture or composition. Progressing cavity pumps are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical and wastewater sectors.
Rotary lobe pumps
Rotary lobe pumps operate using two counter-rotating pistons, creating defined pumping chambers within the pump housing. They are suitable for viscous and structure-sensitive fluids, can be designed to meet hygiene standards, and are suitable for CIP/SIP cleaning processes. Because of their hygienic design and ease of maintenance, they are particularly common in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Multi screw pumps
Multi screw pumps convey the fluid through the interaction of several intermeshing screws. They provide a very smooth, pulsation-free flow rate and are suitable for viscous, lubricating fluids under high pressure. Typical applications include the oil and gas industry, lubricating oil supply and the transfer of fuels and hydraulic fluids.
Peristaltic pumps
Peristaltic pumps convey the fluid only inside a flexible hose, which is compressed by rotating rollers. The medium does not come into contact with any internal pump parts. This complete separation of the medium makes peristaltic pumps the first choice for aggressive, contamination-sensitive or highly abrasive media. They are self-priming, non-return-proof and suitable for dosing tasks.
Piston pumps and diaphragm pumps
Piston pumps and diaphragm pumps are both types of positive displacement pumps. They generate high pressures at relatively low flow rates and are frequently used in high-pressure applications, cleaning systems or for metering very small volumes. Diaphragm pumps offer additional protection against leakage thanks to the flexible diaphragm, which acts as a barrier.
The decision on which type of pump to use should always be based on a systematic analysis of requirements. The following parameters are crucial: the physical properties of the pumped medium, such as viscosity, density, temperature, and solids content; and the required flow rate and operating pressure. The requirements for dosing accuracy and flow continuity. Industry-specific regulations such as hygiene standards, ATEX requirements or FDA compliance. The requirements for maintenance intervals and lifecycle costs. A common source of error in plant design is the uncritical transfer of tried-and-tested pump types from standard applications to more complex processes. Particularly with viscous, abrasive, or shear-sensitive media, using a centrifugal pump often leads to increased wear, unstable operation, and premature plant failure.
As a global specialist in handling complex media, NETZSCH Pumps & Systems focuses on the rotary positive displacement pump segment, covering a wide range of applications with four independent technology platforms: The NEMO® progressing cavity pumps, the TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps, the NOTOS® multi screw pumps and the PERIPRO® peristaltic pumps together form a comprehensive product portfolio for demanding industrial pumping tasks.
Our experts will assist you in selecting the appropriate pump technology based on a thorough analysis of your process requirements, the fluid being pumped and your operating conditions. Working with you, we will find the solution best suited to your application, both technically and economically.
