“In building services, mechanical pumps are used to move fluids (liquids or gases) throughout the building for various purposes. There are several types of mechanical pumps commonly used in building systems, and here is a full list of them along with their respective functions:
Centrifugal Pumps:
Function: Centrifugal pumps are one of the most common types of pumps used in building services. They convert mechanical energy into kinetic energy to move fluids by using the rotation of an impeller. They are ideal for handling large volumes of water with relatively low pressure requirements.
Positive Displacement Pumps:
Function: Positive displacement pumps deliver a fixed amount of fluid with each revolution, providing consistent flow rates regardless of pressure variations. They are suitable for applications requiring precise and constant flow rates.
Reciprocating Pumps:
Function: Reciprocating pumps use a piston or diaphragm to create a reciprocating motion that pushes fluid through the system. They are used for high-pressure applications, such as in hydraulic systems.
Diaphragm Pumps:
Function: Diaphragm pumps utilize a flexible diaphragm to displace the fluid, which is particularly useful for handling corrosive or hazardous liquids.
Screw Pumps:
Function: Screw pumps use an intermeshing screw and housing to move fluids continuously. They are commonly used for heavy-duty applications, like pumping viscous fluids and sewage.
Gear Pumps:
Function: Gear pumps employ meshing gears to displace the fluid. They are suitable for low-to-medium flow applications and are often used for hydraulic systems.
Jet Pumps:
Function: Jet pumps work by creating a high-velocity jet of fluid to entrain and move another fluid. They are often used for shallow well pumping or as boosters in water supply systems.
Submersible Pumps:
Function: Submersible pumps are designed to be submerged in the fluid they are pumping. They are commonly used in sump pits, wells, and sewage systems.
Booster Pumps:
Function: Booster pumps are used to increase water pressure in a building’s water supply system, ensuring adequate pressure at higher elevations or in tall buildings.
Circulating Pumps:
Function: Circulating pumps are used in HVAC systems to circulate hot or cold water throughout the building for heating, cooling, or domestic hot water supply.
Fire Pumps:
Function: Fire pumps are specially designed to provide high-pressure water supply in case of fire emergencies, ensuring adequate water flow for firefighting systems.
Vacuum Pumps:
Function: Vacuum pumps are used to remove air and other gases from HVAC systems, plumbing systems, and other equipment to create a vacuum or low-pressure environment.
Heat Pumps:
Function: Heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one place to another, providing both heating and cooling capabilities to a building.
These are some of the common types of mechanical pumps used in building services. Each pump type serves specific purposes and is chosen based on the building’s requirements and the fluid handling needs.”