Pumps have two main purposes:
- Transfer of liquid from one place to another place (e.g. water from an underground aquifer into a water storage tank)
- Circulate liquid around a system (e.g. cooling water or lubricants through machines and equipment)
The main components of a pumping system are:
- Pumps (different types of pumps are explained in previous section)
- Prime movers: electric motors, diesel engines or air system
- Piping, used to carry the fluid
- Valves, used to control the flow in the system
- Other fittings, controls and instrumentation
- End-use equipment, which have different requirements (e.g. pressure, flow) and therefore determine the pumping system components and configuration.
Examples include heat exchangers, tanks and hydraulic machines. Electrical Energy Equipment: Pumps and Pumping Systems.
The pump and the prime mover are typically the most energy inefficient components.
