Aquaculture Engineering

Pumps - Classification of Pumps

Unit 12 - Management of ponds

Pumps

Classification of Pumps
Pumps are basically classified as positive displacement pumps and variable displacement pumps. Positive displacement pumps discharge the same volume of water regardless of the head against which they operate. They are of two types

• Reciprocating pump
• Rotary pump

While the farmer is commonly used in home water supply system, while the later is used for pumping liquids having lubricating qualities. Because of low discharge capacity these pumps are not used in aquaculture.

In case of variable displacement pumps as the pumping head increases, the rate of pumping decreases. They are classified into the following types.

• Centrifugal pumps
• Propeller pumps
• Jet pumps
• Air lift pumps

Among the above, propeller pumps and centrifugal pumps predominantly used in aquaculture for farm water supply.