Positive Displacement Pumps Market: Optimizing Fluid Transfer

Pumps are an essential element of fluid handling systems. They allow for the controlled transfer of fluids. Pumps support both basic and complex industrial operations. They are important in processes such as sanitation, irrigation, and manufacturing. There are various types of pumps available, with positive displacement pumps being one of the most widely used.

What is it about positive displacement pumps that makes them different from other pump types? Our blog is your definitive answer for that. We cover the essentials of these pumps, their types, working, and benefits. The key metrics and growth drivers for the positive displacement pumps market have also been assessed.

What Are Positive Displacement Pumps?

Positive displacement pumps are designed to ensure that any pumping action is forward. The flow provided by these pumps is constant and at a fixed speed. This is irrespective of changes in pressure. The fluid in positive displacement pumps is moved by first trapping a fixed amount. The trapped volume is then forced through a discharge pipe. The internal design of positive displacement pumps ensures that the fluid isn’t recirculated back towards their inlet or within their casing.

Did You Know?

Rising investments in wastewater management and a growing focus on infrastructure modernization have created an increased demand for positive displacement pumps that offer high performance. The introduction of favorable government policies promoting the reuse of water is also having a favorable impact on the positive displacement pumps market expansion.

As per our latest assessment, the positive displacement pumps market is poised to witness sustained growth. The market for these pumps stood at USD 19.91 billion in 2024. It is expected to account for a CAGR of 4.3% between 2025 and 2034.

What Are the Types of Positive Displacement Pumps?

There are a variety of positive displacement pump types available. However, their categorization can be done into two main types. Below, we’ve explained these types in detail:

Reciprocating Positive Displacement Pumps

These pumps are part of the reciprocating pumps market. They involve repeated back-and-forth movement or strokes. A piston or diaphragm may be used for the same. These cycles are referred to as reciprocation.

In piston pumps, the first piston stroke creates a vacuum. Here, the inlet valve is opened, the outlet valve is closed, and fluid is drawn into the piston chamber. During the reverse motion of the piston, the inlet valve closes and the outlet valve opens. This reverse motion causes the fluid present in the piston chamber to be discharged. Piston positive displacement pumps may be double-acting. This means that the piston has inlet and outlet valves present on both of its sides. More sophisticated versions of piston positive displacement pumps are often used in industrial applications.

Diaphragm pumps involve the use of a flexible membrane instead of a piston for the movement of fluid. The expansion of the diaphragm increases the pumping chamber volume and draws the fluid into the pump. The compression of the diaphragm reduces the volume, resulting in some fluid expulsion. Diaphragm positive displacement pumps have the benefit of being hermetically sealed systems. This makes them suitable for pumping hazardous fluids.

Rotary Positive Displacement Pumps

Rotary positive displacement pumps are also offered by key players in the rotary pumps market. These pumps make use of rotating cogs or gears for transferring fluids. The rotating element results in the development of a liquid seal within the casing of the pump. Suction is also created at the pump inlet. The fluid drawn into the pump gets enclosed within the teeth of the gears or rotating cogs and is transferred for discharge. There are two basic designs of rotary positive displacement pumps: internal and external.

An external rotary positive displacement pump comes with two interlocking gears. These gears are supported by separate shafts. The rotation of these gears results in the fluid getting trapped within the teeth. The fluid is then transferred from the inlet to the discharge. The interlocked nature of gears means no fluid is transferred back through the center.

The operating principle of internal pumps is the same as that of external pumps. However, the sizes of the two interlocking gears vary. Also, the gears rotate within one another. The fluid fills the cavities between the two gears at the inlet. It is then transferred to the discharge port.

What Are the Advantages of Positive Displacement Pumps?

There are several benefits associated with the use of pumps available in the positive displacement pumps market. These include:

Accurate Prediction of Flow

The fixed volume of the chambers in positive displacement pumps means flow and speed are proportional. This allows for the accurate calculation of the flow produced per revolution. That way, pump flow or expected output for a period of time can be estimated.

Consistent Pressure

Positive displacement pumps are capable of providing a constant pressure. And they can do so at pressures that are several bars higher than that of the required duty point. This can be helpful in applications where discharge pressure varies.

Lower Wear and Tear

The operating speeds of positive displacement pumps are lower than those of centrifugal pumps. The lower speed allows these pumps to handle abrasive or solid-laden liquids that could wear parts otherwise.

What Are the Applications of Positive Displacement Pumps?

Tanker Unloading and Loading: Positive displacement pumps are typically used for loading and unloading fuels from tankers. These pumps can also handle the transfer of food ingredients and oils into tankers.

High Viscosity Fluid Transfer: Positive displacement pumps are capable of handling high viscosity liquids without loss in pressure or flow. This is useful in industrial factories, such as those that produce greases and waste oils.

Container Emptying: These pumps can be used for emptying barrels that contain viscous liquids. These include grease, tomato paste, and cosmetic products.

Conclusion

Positive displacement pumps are used for liquid handling across various industries. There are various types of these pumps available. The selection of a specific pump type depends on various factors, including the fluid’s viscosity, its temperature, and its abrasiveness. Innovation and precision engineering are increasingly influencing the positive displacement pumps market.