--- title: Types of Pumps description: We use pumps for a wide range of tasks and in a variety of different ways. Whether it’s an aquarium or an industrial plant operation, pumps are everywhere! image: https://hub.wvccinc.com/hubfs/WestViewCunningham_September2019/images/WestViewC-LOGO-300x108.png --- [![West View Cunningham Company, Inc.](https://hub.wvccinc.com/hubfs/WestViewCunningham_September2019/images/WestViewC-LOGO.png)](https://www.wvccinc.com/) # Types of Pumps by [WVC Team](https://hub.wvccinc.com/blog/author/wvc-team) | Oct 01, 2016 | [WVC News](https://hub.wvccinc.com/blog/tag/wvc-news), [Tips](https://hub.wvccinc.com/blog/tag/tips) | [1 Comments](https://hub.wvccinc.com/blog/types-of-pumps#comments-listing) ![WestViewC-LOGO-300x108](https://hub.wvccinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WestViewCunningham_September2019/images/WestViewC-LOGO-300x108.png?width=300&name=WestViewC-LOGO-300x108.png)We use pumps for a wide range of tasks and in a variety of different ways. Whether it’s an aquarium or an industrial plant operation, pumps are everywhere! Here are a few of the main types of pumps we have available at West View Cunningham:   #### 1. Centrifugal Pumps Centrifugal pumps include a wide variety that are customized for different functions. While these pumps have slight differences depending on their purposes, they share a few similarities. This category of pump includes all pumps with one or more impellers. They can be used for all types of liquids but function best for those with lower viscosity. We carry several types of high-quality centrifugal pumps from reliable companies such as [Sundyne, Sunflo, Barnes, and Crown](http://www.wvccinc.com/products.html). Here are a few types of centrifugal pumps: **a. Self-Priming Pumps** Self-priming centrifugal pumps don’t require external priming or foot valves. They are typically for dewatering services where the pump must be located above the suction vessel. This type is best for pumping water and relatively thin liquids. **b. Submersible Pumps** Submersible pumps have a motor that can function when submerged. These pumps have different impellers that can accommodate solids. They are usually used for sewage treatment, from small-scale residential services to sewage treatment plants. **c. Axial Flow Pumps** Axial flow pumps, also called propeller pumps, achieve high flow rates with low head. This type is best for handling flood water and for irrigation. It’s also used to circulate water in power plants. **d. Canned Motor Pumps** Canned motor pumps are a sealless type of centrifugal pump with the impeller directly attached to the motor rotor. Because this type is assured to be leak free, it’s often used for pumping chemicals and other liquids where leakage could have serious consequences. **e. Magnetic Drive Pumps** Our magnetic drive pumps are best for pumping dangerous chemicals also. These pumps eliminate the high-maintenance seal by transmitting the torque from the motor to the impeller through a rotating outer magnet. The outer magnet then transfers magnetic flux through a can to the inner magnet attached to the impeller. By using magnets instead of a seal, this pump is leak-free and extremely energy-efficient.   #### 2. Positive Displacement Pumps Positive displacement pumps are different from centrifugal pumps because they rely on rotating parts instead of impellers to pump liquids. In a displacement pump, the liquid is pushed into an enclosed volume until pressure builds up and moves it into a discharge system. These pumps operate based on the [positive displacement principle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pump#Positive_displacement_pump). If you require a pump that moves higher viscosity liquids more gently than a centrifugal pump, you should try a positive displacement pump. Here are two examples of this type of pump: **a. Diaphragm Pumps** Diaphragm pumps move liquid with a reciprocating diaphragm. These are commonly used for general plant service where the liquid being pumped is high in solid content. They are sealless and can run dry without damaging the pump. **b. Metering Pumps** Metering pumps are a type of reciprocating positive displacement diaphragm pump. They usually have a low flow rate and are often used for treating water in boilers and cooling towers with chemicals. No matter what type of pump you’re looking for, our expert service team can help you find and maintain the pump you need. [Contact us](https://www.wvccinc.com/contact/)! 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