When To Consider Screw Pump Over Centrifugal

The centrifugal pump has long been the pumping technology of choice in many fluid-transfer applications, ranging from oil and gas and chemical production to liquid terminals supplied by pipelines, barges, rail cars, and trucks. Their operation is well-suited for high-volume transfer applications because fluid enters the pump impeller along or near the rotating axis and is accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially outward into the volute discharge port. Centrifugal pumps also work well with water-like fluids that must be moved through piping networks with variable flow rates.


Still, in fluid-handling operations that are critical to many industries, a different technology — positive displacement twin and triple screw pumps — can be a more versatile, reliable, and efficient alternative to centrifugal pumps. This article demonstrates how effective screw pumps can be as a replacement for centrifugal pumps.

A family of highly efficient and versatile twin and triple screw pumps is designed to meet the fluid handling requirements of the oil and gas production and supply chains.

Differences Between Centrifugal and Screw Pumps

Centrifugal pumps utilize an impeller design that is great for high-transfer applications and water-like fluids that need to be pumped through piping networks with variable flow rates. With their engineering principles, it’s easy to understand why so many operators depend on centrifugal pumps for a variety of common fluid processing applications. Yet, we all know that different pumps are often better for different jobs.

Screw pumps are becoming increasingly popular in industries where standard centrifugal pumps either do not provide the desired flow rates and energy efficiency, or they have difficulty handling high-viscosity liquids and other materials that impede performance capabilities.

Positive displacement twin screw pumps and triple screw pumps have proven to be more versatile and reliable for certain applications, particularly in industries such as chemical processing, petrochemicals, and oil and gas, where viscosity is frequently a problem for centrifugal pumps.

The Benefits of Screw Pumps

Screw pumps have several screws that engage with one another as they rotate to form a sealed cavity within the pump casing. The fluid moves steadily and continuously through the pump as the screw drives turn. It produces a volumetrically consistent flow rate that is unaffected by pumping pressure or viscosity, which would otherwise slow down a centrifugal pump.

Some screw pump advantages include:

  • Versatility with different flow rates, pressures, liquid types, and viscosities
  • Constant flow rates
  • High volumetric efficiency
  • Controllable output
  • Low internal velocities
  • High tolerance for entrained gases or air
  • Smooth and quiet operation
  • Very low pulsation
  • Self-priming characteristics
  • Reduced mechanical vibration

Manufacturers of the Best Screw Pumps

Risansi is one of the world's leading screw pump manufacturers. Because these screw pumps can be used for a wide range of fluid applications, it is critical to select the correct pump for your specific fluid transfer requirements.

Contact Risansi Industries today to learn more about the benefits of screw pumps and to determine if one is a good fit for your industrial operation. Allow us to assist you in selecting, installing, and maintaining the best pump for the job!

 

 

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