Which Pump is best for my application?

Comparing Centrifugal Pumps to Positive Displacement Pumps
If the System Calls For:	The Best Pump To Use Is:
Pressurized network of piping with a constant pressure requiring constant flow rate	Centrifugal
Constant flow at various pressures	Positive Displacement
Constant flow at various viscosities	Positive Displacement
Constant flow at high viscosities (particularly above 850 cSt)	Positive Displacement
Line stripping	Positive Displacement
Dry running – short duration	Positive Displacement
Priming	Positive Displacement
Shear sensitive	Positive Displacement
Entrained gases	Positive Displacement
High flow / low head	Centrifugal
Low flow / high head	Positive Displacement

Summary

Consider Positive Displacement Pumps over Centrifugals when:

Working fluid is highly viscous (over 150 cSt)
Flow rate must be predictable over a wide flow range (flow must be metered or precisely controlled)
Flow rate must remain constant under varying system pressures
System requires high-pressure, low-flow
Line stripping is required (some PD technologies)
Suction lift or self-priming is required
Working fluid is shear-sensitive
Energy-savings/efficiency is a primary concern

"Though engineers may be first inclined to install centrifugal pumps, many applications dictate the need for PD pumps. Because of their mechanical design and ability to create flow from pressure input, PD pumps provide a high efficiency under most conditions, thus reducing energy use and operation costs."

Chemical Engineering - Facts at Your Fingertips
(Department Editor: Kate Torzewksi)

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blackOPS® - Blackmer Optimum Pump Solutions Allows users to select pump data and pump curves so they can select the proper positive displacement or centrifugal pumps for their application.
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