The Difference Between Centrifugal Pump and Reciprocating Pump

Centrifugal pumps are known for their simple design and easy operation, while reciprocating pumps are known for their complex shape but highly effective operation. The centrifugal pump is also called a rotary pump as it uses the kinetic energy of an impeller to force the fluid and increase the kinetic energy.

On the other hand, a reciprocating pump, which is also called a positive displacement pump, works with a piston cylinder. Water is trapped in the cylinder during the suction stroke; it is then forced out during an exhaust stroke. It is widely employed for highly viscous fluids. Well, in this reading, we’ll explore the difference between centrifugal pumps and reciprocating pumps.

Let’s get started!

Centrifugal Pump

centrifugal types of pumps use centrifugal force to create velocity in the liquid being handled. This velocity is then converted to pressure. Kinetic energy is decreased and the pressure will be increased. This difference in pressure drives the fluid through the system or plant.

A centrifugal pump has a rotating impeller that creates a vacuum that helps in moving fluids. This impeller is enclosed in housing as it reduces pressure at the inlet. The motion created is what drives fluid to the outside of the pump’s housing.

The pressure increases at this stage so that it can send it out the discharge.

Centrifugal pumps are the most common type of pump that can transfer fluid of low viscosity at a high flow rate. Also, low-pressure installations make them perfect for applications that require pumps to deal with large volumes. Initially, centrifugal pumps are designed for the transfer of water but now used for pumping thin fuels and chemicals.

Finally, these pumps have a simple design and fewer moving parts, which result in lower maintenance requirements and costs. With this, the pump is suited for applications that work daily or continuously.

Reciprocating Pump

With the different positive displacement pumps available, it uses the reciprocating motion of pistons, plungers, or diaphragms to move the liquid through the pump.

The discharge of fluid here is in pulses instead of smooth flow of liquid. Reciprocating pumps work by trapping fluid at a fixed volume, usually in a cavity. This trapped fluid is then forced into the discharge pipe.

Reciprocating pumps are used based on their ability to handle high-viscosity fluid at high pressure. Because pressure has no impact on its efficiency, it can also handle relatively low flows.

This pump can handle more difficult conditions where dynamic pumps may fail. They can even run at any point on their curve. However, positive displacement pumps have a complex design.

Also, reciprocating pumps can handle variations in pressure, flow, and viscosity to remain efficient. Centrifugal pumps don’t operate well off the center of their curve. As the flow rate remains constant in this pump (proportional to the speed of operation), smooth and low pulsating is still achieved despite the change in pressure.

Peristaltic, piston, and diaphragm are types of positive displacement pumps. They are perfect solutions for dosing applications because of their accurate metering.

Difference Between Centrifugal and Reciprocating pump

Below is the difference between centrifugal and reciprocating pump in tabular form:

S/N	CENTRIFUGAL PUMP	RECIPROCATING PUMP
1 2	It is a rotary pump that uses the kinetic energy of the impeller. Fluid is discharged continuously	It is a positive displacement pump that a piston forces. Do not discharge fluid continuously.
3	The flow rate decreases, making the pressure increase.	Pressure has no effect on the flow rate.
4	High-viscous fluid can be pumped.	Used for pumping low-viscous fluid.
5	Pump discharge is inversely proportional to the viscosity of a fluid.	The viscosity of fluid has no effect on its discharge rate.
6	Efficiency is low when compared with reciprocating pumps.	Efficiency is high.
7	Priming is a problem in centrifugal pump	The reciprocating pump has no problem with priming.
8	An impeller is used in transferring the fluid.	A piston-cylinder device is used for fluid transfer.
9	Centrifugal pumps are portable and lighter	Heavier when compared with a centrifugal pump.
10	It offers higher discharge at low heads	It gives higher heads at low discharge.
11	Equipment cost is less	Reciprocating pumps are costly.
12	Lesser maintenance is required.	Requires higher maintenance.
13	Installation is easy and takes less space.	Installation can be difficult and more space is required.
14	Mostly used for domestic purposes and where higher discharge at the low head is needed.	Mostly used in industries and higher viscous fluid pumped at a high head.