What types of pumps are there? Types and variety of water pumps Types of pumps and their classification.

A pump is a hydraulic device designed to suck, move or inject fluid by imparting external kinetic or potential energy to it.

Types of water pumps are distinguished according to their technical parameters, which include:

the amount of liquid that the pump moves per unit time;
developed pressure or maximum pressure;
power.

History of invention

The first types of pumps appeared in the 1st century BC. e. They helped put out fires. However, until the 18th century. Such devices were used extremely rarely.

Everything changed after the invention steam engine and increasing water demand. Various types of pumps began to replace water-lifting devices and found wide application in human economic activity. Over time, the requirements for hydraulic mechanisms have become increasingly diverse. With the development of technical thought, the main types of pumps emerged. These included piston, rotary, and also machines that did not have moving working parts.

Advances in science and technology have led to the fact that today there are many various types pumps What they are, what their main purpose is, we will consider in this article.

Household and industrial hydraulic machines

The types of pumps existing today have different classifications. One of them concerns the scope of application of such devices and distinguishes between household and industrial ones. The first of these machines are used for sewerage, heating and water supply in residential and production premises.

Industrial pumps are designed for use in various systems and installations. They are used to supply water, pump oil products and aggressive substances, as well as to carry out many other specific actions.

Positive displacement pumps

Another classification of hydraulic machines takes into account their design features and operating principle. What types of pumps are the main ones in this case? These are volumetric and dynamic hydraulic machines.

In the first of them, the working body is the camera. Under the influence of emerging pressure forces, it changes in volume, which leads to forced movement of the substance.

All positive displacement pumps (the types we are considering) are designed to supply viscous liquids. The operating principle of such devices is based on energy conversion. It is transmitted from the engine to the pumped liquid.

Positive displacement pumps are high-pressure. During their operation, significant vibration occurs, to dampen which the device is placed on a massive foundation. However, the advantage of these pumps lies not only in their high power. Such devices are capable of dry suction.

Types of positive displacement pumps

There are various devices in which the working body is a chamber. Among them are the following units:

Rotary. These are pumps that have a fixed casing that encloses vanes, blades and other similar parts. The movement of liquid into in this case promotes the movement of the rotors.
Gear. This is the simplest type of positive displacement pump. These devices move fluid in the process of changing the volumes of the cavities of gears interlocked with each other.
Impeller. If you look at such a pump disassembled, you can see an impeller whose blades are made of elastic material. It is located inside an eccentric housing. What happens when such a device operates? The blades bend and rotate, displacing liquid.
Cam. In these pumps, two independent rotors rotate, which promotes the movement of liquid throughout the working chamber. Cam mechanisms are widely used in the production of dairy products, drinks, jams, etc. And all this is due to their ability to pump liquids that have large inclusions. Also, this type of pump is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Peristaltic. In these pumps the main working part serves as a multilayer flexible hose made of elastomer. When you turn on the engine in such a device, the shaft with rollers begins to rotate. They compress the sleeve, facilitating the movement of the liquid inside it.
Screw. A stator made of elastomer is inserted into the housing of these pumps. It contains a metal rotor that has a helical shape. How will the liquid be pumped in this case? After turning on the motor, the rotor begins to rotate, changing the volume of the internal cavities. This is where the fluid moves.

Dynamic pumps

These devices are characterized by double energy conversion. Initially, it is transferred to the liquid in kinetic form. At the same time, the flow moving inside the pump increases its speed. Next, a partial conversion of the liquid energy into static form occurs. In this case, the flow rate decreases with increasing pressure. Such devices, unlike volumetric ones, are not capable of producing dry suction.

Centrifugal hydraulic machines

Let's look at the types of pumps. The most common of them are centrifugal devices. These pumps are used for supplying hot or cold water, as well as for pumping aggressive and viscous liquids, Wastewater and mixtures of water with slag, with soil, peat, etc.

How does a centrifugal pump work? Being between the blades of a rotating impeller, the liquid particles receive kinetic energy from it. In this case, centrifugal force arises. It moves the liquid further into the motor housing. This operation occurs continuously due to pressure, which ensures a constant supply of new liquid particles to the pump.

According to their purpose, centrifugal pumps are classified into:

used in the operation of operational equipment of thermal power plants;
various technical purposes.

What are the types of centrifugal pumps belonging to the first group? Devices used for water circulation are divided into circulation and recirculation. Pumps installed for heat transfer are divided into boiler and network pumps. When cooking drinking water Condensate centrifugal pumps are used, and injection pumps are used in the feeding system for steam turbine servomotors.

What devices are used for various technical purposes? These are types of centrifugal pumps such as utility, fire, drainage, etc.

Recently, new developments of such devices have appeared. Among them, sand centrifugal pumps are especially popular. They are used for pumping hydraulic mixtures. That is why such pumps are installed in places where there is sand in the water, as well as all kinds of solid substances of industrial origin.

Vortex hydraulic devices

These dynamic pumps are similar in their characteristics to centrifugal pumps, but, unlike them, they have less weight and dimensions. One of the disadvantages of vortex pumps is their low efficiency, which in operating mode does not exceed fifteen percent. In addition, such mechanisms are not capable of pumping liquid containing abrasive particles, as this leads to rapid wear of internal parts.

Jet hydraulic devices

These pumps, unlike many other similar machines, are not capable of creating excess pressure at the outlet. Their operating principle boils down to converting the potential energy of a liquid into kinetic energy. However, jet pumps have no moving parts. The main working mechanism in devices of this type is a jet of liquid or gas.

Such pumps can be water jet (for example, hydraulic elevators). In them, the working fluid transfers its kinetic energy to the pumped substance. Among the jet pumps there are also airlifts. A compressor then supplies them with a water-air mixture and sets air bubbles in motion.

Water pumps

These devices come in many types. But mostly experts classify them according to their purpose. So, there are the following types of water pumps:

circulation used for forced movement of fluid in air conditioning, hot water supply and heating systems;
water-lifting necessary for extracting liquid from wells and wells, which are submersible and surface;
drainage, used for pumping water from wells, sewers and basements.

Experts divide types of surface water pumps into those used for:

increased pressure;
cold water supply;
fire extinguishing systems.

When choosing pumps, types, characteristics and other parameters of devices must be taken into account depending on their purpose. So, sometimes the machine will have to work in autonomous conditions. And in some cases, its access to the electrical network will be ensured.

That is why there are types of water pumps that operate on internal combustion engines. They are called motor pumps. Moreover, they are divided into gasoline and diesel. There are also electric pumps. Their operation depends entirely on the network voltage.

However, the main classification of pumps concerns the location they occupy relative to the supply source. Based on this parameter, they are divided into surface and submersible. Let's take a closer look at these types of devices.

Surface pumps

These devices are widely used in cottages, dachas and country houses. They are used to increase pressure in the water supply network, as well as for watering and irrigation. land plot. With their help, water is lifted from wells, boreholes and open reservoirs located at a distance of up to eight meters from the axis of the pump.

There are many types of such devices. For example, according to the method of pumping water and internal structure They are classified into vortex and barrel, drainage and circulation, as well as cantilever (centrifugal). The last two types are the most popular among summer residents. These units are easy to operate, compact and economical, and when connected to a special automation system, they create full-fledged stations.

Surface pumps consist of the following main components:

Hose. This is a kind of water-bearing path from the place where the direct intake of liquid occurs to the pump itself and further to the points of intersection with the water supply system or to the water intake.
Ejector. This is a special device designed to improve circulation and pressure in the pump by increasing the suction depth.
Frame. It is most often made of composite materials, cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. When the unit operates for all year round, V winter time the body requires protection from the cold.
Engine. It can be internal combustion or electric. It all depends on the type of pump.

Circulation pumps

This type of surface aggregate is distinguished by a complex structure. They are usually used in autonomous heating systems for the purpose of forced movement of water in a closed circuit and maintaining a constant temperature in it.

By design, they have a housing with a steel or ceramic rotor built into it, as well as a shaft with blades.

Today there are the following types of circulation pumps:

with a “wet” rotor;
with a “dry” rotor.

The first of them are practically silent, economical, cheap and easy to operate. Their working element is designed in such a way that it is located in water, which lubricates all parts and at the same time cools the engine. But such units have a significant drawback. The fact is that if the fluid circulation stops, the engine may overheat. In addition, the efficiency of such units is at an extremely low level.

All types of thermal type with a “dry” rotor have a built-in fan. Their engine is structurally isolated from the incoming fluid. In this case, all moving parts are lubricated using oil.

In turn, such pumps are divided into:

console, in which the engine is located separately from the body;
monoblock, where the body and engine are also separated, but are located in one block;
inline pumps, which differ from the previous two in their increased tightness.

Submersible pumps

Such units are indispensable in cases where layers of water lie at a depth exceeding 8 m. Submersible pumps are lowered into the well along with a pressure pipe. Further, under the pressure created hydraulic device, water enters the house.

All types of submersible pumps are highly efficient and, in addition, have efficient and high-quality cooling. According to their internal structure, submersible pumps are classified into:

centrifugal, in which water rotates along with the blades of the impeller and is supplied outward under high pressure;
vibrating, in which liquid is sucked in due to a vibration and electromagnetic mechanism.

Such pumps consist of a housing, a motor and a switch. Drainage and sewage pumps are additionally equipped with a grinder or cutting mechanism designed to prevent solids larger than 5 cm from being present in the liquid.

Hydraulic fire extinguishing means

Pumps used to contain fires have special requirements. The success of fighting fire largely depends on their design perfection and technical parameters.

What types of fire pumps are there? It all depends on the extinguishing conditions. Thus, centrifugal-type units are installed on fire trucks. They supply fire extinguishing agents without any pulsation, do not increase pressure when the fire hose is broken or clogged, and are simple and reliable in operation.

It is also important that centrifugal pumps installed on fire trucks do not require a complex engine drive and have a relatively low weight and dimensions. However, such units also have a number of disadvantages. They are not capable of sucking up liquid on their own and are ready for work only after the suction line is filled with water.

What other types of fire pumps are there? These are auxiliary units. They are also installed on fire trucks. Auxiliary pumps make it possible to fill the body of the centrifugal mechanism and the cavity of the suction hose with water. That is why their work is short-term. After the centrifugal pump starts, they are turned off. Rotary type units, etc. are used as auxiliary devices.

Oil pumps

These devices are designed to reduce the friction forces that arise between moving engine parts. All types oil pumps divided into two types. The first one is adjustable. In such pumps, constant pressure is maintained by varying the flow rate. The second type of oil pumps is unregulated. They also maintain constant pressure, but only with the help of a pressure reducing valve. Most modern engines are equipped with unregulated pumps.

Oil pumping units are also classified according to their design. They are:

gear-type, with drive and driven gears located in the housing;
rotary.

In the first of these two types of devices, the oil enters the housing where it is captured by the gears. It then moves through the discharge valve into the system.

The performance of such a pump is directly dependent on the frequency at which the crankshaft rotates. After the pressure of the oil pumped into the unit exceeds a certain limit, it starts working. It passes a certain portion of oil onto the suction blade or onto the engine crankcase.

As for rotary pumps, they can be either unregulated or adjustable. The first type of such units has driving and driven rotors, which are placed in its housing. These parts serve to capture the oil entering the system. Next, as in a gear pump, a pressure reducing valve opens to move the substance.

Having adjustable control, they provide constant operating pressure, which does not depend on the speed of their crankshaft. To perform this function, they are provided with an adjusting spring and a movable stator. Constant working pressure is created by changing the volume of the cavity that is located between the driving and driven rotors.

Fuel pumps

These units are the main elements without which the operation of any internal combustion engine is impossible. Their main purpose is to deliver gasoline or diesel from the tank to the combustion chamber.

One or two fuel pumps are a must for every car. These units perform work, the principle of which largely depends on the features of their design. What types of fuel pumps are there? There are two main ones. This:

Mechanical fuel pump. This device is part of a carburetor engine. By its design it is a classic piston pump. The main parts of such a unit are a housing divided into two parts by a diaphragm, as well as two valves for supplying and receiving fuel.
Electric pump. This type of unit finds its application in gasoline engines having separate injection. Electric pumps are installed either directly in the tank or at some point in the fuel line. The most widespread are submersible fuel units. They are placed at the bottom of the tank. In turn, according to the type of oil injection, electric pumps are divided into centrifugal, gear and rotary.

There are many types of pumps, and all such devices are widely used in one area or another.

Classification of pumps by purpose

Marine pumps

Depending from destination
The unit is called a pumping unit
pumping unit.
In ship practice, the classification of pumps according to their purpose. In accordance with this, pumps are distinguished:
— ship systems(drainage, ballast, sanitary, fire, etc.);
— ship power plant systems(fuel, oil-cooling);
- special purpose(cargo tankers, soil dredgers, etc.);
— hydraulic drives.

Classification of pumps according to operating principle

Marine pumps named according to the ship systems they serve. Thus, there are pumps for bilge, emergency and rescue systems, systems that provide the sanitary needs of the crew and passengers, cargo systems of oil tankers, and special ship systems.
Depending from destination The ship system has specific requirements for the pumps that serve it, which leads to a wide variety of designs of ship pumps.

The unit is called a pumping unit, consisting of a pump and a motor that drives it. Electric motors, turbines and internal combustion engines are used as engines.
Pumping unit with accessories mounted according to a certain scheme, called pumping unit.
According to the operating principle pumps are divided into dynamic and positive displacement.
Dynamic is a pump in which liquid moves under force acting on it in a chamber that is in constant communication with the inlet and outlet pipes.
Dynamic pumps include vane pumps and friction pumps.
U lobed The working part of the pump is a rotating wheel with blades. The blades transfer energy to the liquid and direct the flow. Depending on the direction of fluid flow, vane pumps are divided into centrifugal and axial. IN centrifugal In a pump, the fluid flow has a radial direction, in axial- the fluid flow is parallel to the axis of rotation of the impeller. The spread of vane pumps is due to the convenience of their arrangement with drive motors, compactness at high flow rates, fairly high efficiency, and the ability to achieve high pressures.
IN jet pumps ( friction pumps) the flow of the pumped liquid moves due to the kinetic energy of the jet of working liquid or steam emerging from the nozzle. There are two types of jet pumps - ejectors and injectors. Ejectors used for removal (pumping out), and injectors- for supplying liquid. Jet pumps are convenient because they allow you to do without a motor or moving parts.
IN volumetric In a pump, liquid moves due to periodic changes in the volume of the chamber it occupies, which alternately communicates with the inlet and outlet pipes of the pump. The pump operates on the principle of displacing liquid by working parts - pistons, plates, teeth moving in working cavities - cylinders, specially shaped housings.
Positive displacement pumps include reciprocating and rotary pumps.
Return—progressive pump It is distinguished by the rectilinear reciprocating movement of the pistons. The use of reciprocating pumps is explained by their positive properties: the ability to suction without filling with liquid, the ability to regulate the supply regardless of the pressure, ease of maintenance, fairly high efficiency, fire safety with a steam drive, the ability to achieve high pressures, the ability to pump a variety of liquids, and simplicity of design. The disadvantages of pumps are big sizes and weight, uneven supply and pressure fluctuations, limited shaft rotation speed due to the difficulty of creating high-speed valves, difficulties in regulating the supply and the impossibility of reversing the flow of the pumped liquid.
Main details rotary pump are a stator, a rotor connected to the pump shaft, and displacers. Distinctive features of a rotary pump are reversibility (i.e., the ability of the pump to work as hydraulic motors), high shaft speed, and the ability to operate only on lubricating fluids. The first two properties are advantages of pumps, and the third limits their scope of application. Rotary pumps can also operate on liquids with high viscosity.
By nature of movement Displacer rotary pumps are divided into rotary—rotational And rotary—progressive.
In the first, the working bodies perform only rotational motion, and in the second, simultaneously with the rotational motion, there is also a reciprocating motion relative to the rotor.
Rotary-rotational include gear And screw pumps, for rotary-sliding pumps - gate And rotary—piston pumps. In gate ( lamellar) in a pump, the working chambers are limited by two adjacent plates and the surfaces of the rotor and stator, and in a piston rotor they are formed inside the rotor and are closed by pistons. Based on the location of the working chambers, rotary piston pumps are divided into radial piston and axial piston.
Rotary pumps are often used due to their low weight and volume, high efficiency, the ability to regulate and reverse flow, and high shaft speed.
The disadvantages of gear ( gear) pumps include limited rotation speed and significant unevenness of flow. Screw pumps are free of these disadvantages and have high uniformity of supply, high rotation speed, quiet operation, and high efficiency.
To general properties of positive displacement pumps, determined by the principle of operation and distinguishing them from vane pumps, include cyclical operation and the associated batching and unevenness of supply, tightness (i.e., constant separation of the suction pipe from the discharge pipe), self-priming (i.e., the ability of the pump to remove air from the suction pipe ), independence of pressure from the speed of movement of the working body and fluid speed, low dependence of flow on pressure.

studopedia.ru

Area of use

Household- intended for:

creating pressure in autonomous systems heating of private residential buildings;
water supply in the absence of centralized sources of supply;
pumping wastewater in sewerage systems when it is impossible to provide the required slopes in pipelines, etc.

Performance household pumps significantly lower compared to industrial ones.

Industrial- are used:

to supply water necessary for the operation of industrial installations;
in water treatment plants and cooling systems;
in fuel and lubricant supply systems;
for washing components of mechanisms and equipment;
for transportation of petroleum products;
in water supply systems of boiler plants;
in the chemical industry for pumping aggressive liquids, etc.

The power of industrial types is of great importance for ensuring the profitability of enterprises, including those operating in the service sector, therefore, when selecting pumps, do not skimp on their performance and cost.

Operating principle

According to this criterion, equipment can be divided into positive displacement and dynamic pumps.

Principle of operation positive displacement pumps is to change different ways volume of the internal chamber, which creates pressure that encourages the pumped liquid to move. Their main feature is the self-suction of new volumes of pumped substance due to the creation of a vacuum in the chamber after removal of what was previously received from it. These include the following types:

Operation dynamic pumps is carried out due to the forces of movement in the absence of self-priming and is characterized by balanced operation, uniform supply of the pumped liquid and the elimination of vibration. These include:

Design features

By design features, pumps can be distinguished with the naked eye, especially in cases where it is not possible to install it in the planned location due to incompatible connections and inappropriate dimensions.

In addition, even one type of pump may have differences in its internal structure. For example, all rotary pumps are equipped with rotors, but the working elements are cams, vanes, screws, etc. - they may differ.

Another obvious difference different types pumps by design - horizontal or vertical design.

Purpose and installation location

Widely used pumps used to supply water from wells, reservoirs and wells are divided into surface and submersible.

Surface pumps

Water is supplied by suction through a flexible hose or pipe, which is lowered into the well. They can be equipped with an automation system that ensures the flow of water based on a signal from a sensor that is triggered when the taps in the system are turned on. Such a system is called a pumping station.

Submersible pumps

Wells are lowered directly into the water itself. They are equipped with floats that stop the pump when there is no water.

Purpose drainage pumps- pumping water from flooded underground premises, drainage systems, reservoirs, swimming pools, autonomous sewage systems. Pumped water is most often contaminated, so the design of the equipment is designed for minimal contact of rubbing parts with water.

Circulation pumps are used in autonomous heating systems to create pressure and accelerate the circulation of the coolant. They are distinguished by their small size, quiet operation, and easy integration directly into the pipelines of the heating system. When selecting them, you should use simple rule: the equipment must pass through itself 3 times the volume of coolant within an hour.

The purpose of fecal pumps is to pump contaminated and waste water, including domestic sewage containing a large number of large impurities. Such wastewater is removed from the sewerage systems of residential buildings, washing restaurants and cafes, laundries and bathing establishments, hotels, etc. Generally, domestic wastewater contains large particles that can clog pipes. sewer systems, to prevent this, the design provides a mechanism that grinds large particles to the desired fraction.

kachayvodu.ru

History of invention

The first types of pumps appeared in the 1st century BC. e. They helped put out fires. However, until the 18th century. Such devices were used extremely rarely.

Everything changed after the invention of the steam engine and the increase in the need for water. Various types of pumps began to replace water-lifting devices and have found wide application in human economic activity. Over time, the requirements for hydraulic mechanisms have become increasingly diverse. With the development of technical thought, the main types of pumps emerged. These included piston, rotary, and also machines that did not have moving working parts.

Advances in science and technology have led to the fact that today there are many different types of pumps. What they are, what their main purpose is, we will consider in this article.

Household and industrial hydraulic machines

Positive displacement pumps

In the first of them, the working body is the camera. Under the influence of emerging pressure forces, it changes in volume, which leads to forced movement of the substance.

Types of positive displacement pumps

There are various devices in which the working body is a chamber. Among them are the following units:

Rotary. These are pumps that have a fixed casing that encloses vanes, blades and other similar parts. The movement of fluid in this case is facilitated by the movement of the rotors.
Gear. This is the simplest type of positive displacement pump. These devices move fluid in the process of changing the volumes of the cavities of gears interlocked with each other.
Impeller. If you look at such a pump disassembled, you can see an impeller whose blades are made of elastic material. It is located inside an eccentric housing. What happens when such a device operates? The blades bend and rotate, displacing liquid.
Cam. In these pumps, two independent rotors rotate, which promotes the movement of liquid throughout the working chamber. Cam mechanisms are widely used in the production of dairy products, drinks, jams, etc. And all this is due to their ability to pump liquids that have large inclusions. Also, this type of pump is used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Peristaltic. In these pumps, the main working part is a multilayer flexible hose made of elastomer. When you turn on the engine in such a device, the shaft with rollers begins to rotate. They compress the sleeve, facilitating the movement of the liquid inside it.
Screw. A stator made of elastomer is inserted into the housing of these pumps. It contains a metal rotor that has a helical shape. How will the liquid be pumped in this case? After turning on the motor, the rotor begins to rotate, changing the volume of the internal cavities. This is where the fluid moves.

Dynamic pumps

Centrifugal hydraulic machines

Let's consider the types of dynamic type pumps. The most common of them are centrifugal devices. These pumps are used to supply hot or cold water, as well as for pumping aggressive and viscous liquids, waste water and mixtures of water with slag, soil, peat, etc.

According to their purpose, centrifugal pumps are classified into:

used in the operation of operational equipment of thermal power plants;
various technical purposes.

What are the types of centrifugal pumps belonging to the first group? Devices used for water circulation are divided into circulation and recirculation. Pumps installed for heat transfer are divided into boiler and network pumps. When preparing drinking water, condensate centrifugal pumps are used, and in the feeding system for steam turbine servomotors, injection pumps are used.

What devices are used for various technical purposes? These are types of centrifugal pumps such as utility, fire, drainage, etc.

Vortex hydraulic devices

Jet hydraulic devices

Such pumps can be water jet (for example, hydraulic elevators). In them, the working fluid transfers its kinetic energy to the pumped substance. Among the jet pumps there are also airlifts. They are supplied by a compressor compressed air. Next, the air-water mixture is set in motion by the lifting force of air bubbles.

Water pumps

These devices come in many types. But mostly experts classify them according to their purpose. So, there are the following types of water pumps:

circulation used for forced movement of fluid in air conditioning, hot water supply and heating systems;
water-lifting necessary for extracting liquid from wells and wells, which are submersible and surface;
drainage, used for pumping water from wells, sewers and basements.

Experts divide types of surface water pumps into those used for:

increased pressure;
cold water supply;
fire extinguishing systems.

Surface pumps

These devices are widely used in cottages, dachas and country houses. They are used to increase pressure in the water supply network, as well as for watering and irrigation of land. With their help, water is lifted from wells, boreholes and open reservoirs located at a distance of up to eight meters from the axis of the pump.

There are many types of such devices. For example, according to the method of pumping water and the internal structure, they are classified into vortex and barrel, drainage and circulation, as well as cantilever (centrifugal). The last two types are the most popular among summer residents. These units are easy to operate, compact and economical, and when connected to a special automation system, they create full-fledged stations.

Surface pumps consist of the following main components:

Hose. This is a kind of water-bearing path from the place where the direct intake of liquid occurs to the pump itself and further to the points of intersection with the water supply system or to the water intake.
Ejector. This is a special device designed to improve circulation and pressure in the pump by increasing the suction depth.
Frame. It is most often made of composite materials, cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. When the unit operates all year round, in winter the housing requires protection from the cold.
Engine. It can be internal combustion or electric. It all depends on the type of pump.

Circulation pumps

This type of surface aggregate is distinguished by a complex structure. They are usually used in autonomous heating systems to force water to move in a closed loop and maintain a constant temperature in it.

By design, they have a housing with a steel or ceramic rotor built into it, as well as a shaft with blades.

Today there are the following types of circulation pumps:

with a “wet” rotor;
with a “dry” rotor.

All types of circulation heat pumps with a dry rotor have a built-in fan. Their engine is structurally isolated from the incoming fluid. In this case, all moving parts are lubricated using oil.

In turn, such pumps are divided into:

console, in which the engine is located separately from the body;
monoblock, where the body and engine are also separated, but are located in one block;
inline pumps, which differ from the previous two in their increased tightness.

Submersible pumps

Such units are indispensable in cases where layers of water lie at a depth exceeding 8 m. Submersible pumps are lowered into the well along with a pressure pipe. Then, under the pressure created by the hydraulic device, water enters the house.

All types of submersible pumps are highly efficient and, in addition, have efficient and high-quality cooling. According to their internal structure, submersible pumps are classified into:

centrifugal, in which water rotates along with the blades of the impeller and is supplied outward under high pressure;
vibrating, in which liquid is sucked in due to a vibration and electromagnetic mechanism.

Hydraulic fire extinguishing means

Pumps used to contain fires have special requirements. The success of fighting fire largely depends on their design perfection and technical parameters.

Oil pumps

These devices are designed to reduce the friction forces that arise between moving engine parts. All types of oil pumps are divided into two types. The first one is adjustable. In such pumps, constant pressure is maintained by varying the flow rate. The second type of oil pumps is unregulated. They also maintain constant pressure, but only with the help of a pressure reducing valve. Most modern engines are equipped with unregulated pumps.

Oil pumping units are also classified according to their design. They are:

gear-type, with drive and driven gears located in the housing;
rotary.

In the first of these two types of devices, the oil enters the housing where it is captured by the gears. It then moves through the discharge valve into the system.

The performance of such a pump is directly dependent on the frequency at which the crankshaft rotates. After the pressure of the oil pumped into the unit exceeds a certain limit, the pressure reducing valve comes into operation. It passes a certain portion of oil onto the suction blade or onto the engine crankcase.

Rotary pumps, which have adjustable control, provide a constant operating pressure that does not depend on the speed of their crankshaft. To perform this function, they are provided with an adjusting spring and a movable stator. Constant working pressure is created by changing the volume of the cavity that is located between the driving and driven rotors.

Fuel pumps

Mechanical fuel pump. This device is part of a carburetor engine. By its design it is a classic piston pump. The main parts of such a unit are a housing divided into two parts by a diaphragm, as well as two valves for supplying and receiving fuel.
Electric pump. This type of unit finds its application in gasoline engines with separate injection. Electric pumps are installed either directly in the tank or at some point in the fuel line. The most widespread are submersible fuel units. They are placed at the bottom of the tank. In turn, according to the type of oil injection, electric pumps are divided into centrifugal, gear and rotary.

There are many types of pumps, and all such devices are widely used in one area or another.

fb.ru

Classification depending on the purpose of use

Type selection pumping equipment Depending on the purpose of use, it can be done based on the following classification:

All submersible pumps can be divided into three groups:
- borehole type units are suitable for installation in wells;
- drainage equipment is divided, in turn, into two types: pumps that work with clean water, and devices that can be used to pump dirty water;
- well units are installed in mine wells.

All surface pumps can be divided into the following types:
- fountain;
- sewerage installations, which are divided into units for external and internal use;
- pumping stations.

It’s worth knowing: there are about 3 thousand types of units for pumping water. Their design principle, scope of application and power supply features may differ significantly. To make the right choice, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of the device and operating conditions.

Classification

When choosing pumping equipment, it is very important to consider the type of power supply, since in some conditions the unit may need to operate independently from the mains. This type of operation is typical only for units equipped with an internal combustion engine.

So, according to the type of power supply, all pumps can be divided into the following types:

Electrical devices are used to operate the motor. alternating current. This makes them dependent on the power grid. However, this allows you not to worry about replenishing fuel supplies. The choice of such a pump should be made if there is a working electrical network at the place of its use. It is important to take into account the voltage in the network, as well as the number of phases the device is designed for.
Liquid fuel pumps, called motor pumps, operate on internal combustion engines. They are divided into the following types:
- Gasoline. These units use a gasoline-oil mixture prepared in a certain proportion. They are quieter to operate and less expensive than diesel units.
- Diesel pumps run on diesel fuel. These devices are characterized by high efficiency and increased noise during operation.

The main advantage of motor pumps is their mobility and ease of use. They are suitable for places where there are power outages or no electrical networks at all.

There is also a classification of water pumps depending on the purity of the pumped liquid. According to this criterion, pumping units are divided into the following types:

For clean water with a content of solid impurities not exceeding 150 g/m³. This includes borehole, well and all modifications of surface pumps;
for moderately polluted water, in which the impurity content does not exceed 200 g/m³. This category includes drainage pumps, self-priming and circulation units, some types pumping stations and fountain pumps;
for heavily polluted water with a concentration of solid impurities greater than 200 g per cubic meter. This category includes some types of sump pumps as well as surface sewer devices.

Attention: incorrect selection of a pump based on the purity of the pumped liquid can lead to rapid wear of mechanical parts and failure. You can independently assess the degree of purity of water only by the amount of sediment and floating solid particles.

Based on their location relative to the water surface, all pumping units are divided into the following types:

Surface pumps are installed at some distance from the source and communicate with it through a pipeline or hose. The power of the unit depends on the distance at which it is located from the source. The larger it is, the higher the power should be.
Submersible units are installed in a hydraulic structure. In this case, the body of the device must be completely or partially immersed in water.

Surface type units

Surface type pumps are most often used in everyday life for dachas, country houses and cottages. They are suitable for irrigation systems, watering gardens and increasing pressure in the water supply system.

These water pumps are small in size, easy to operate and highly economical. If they are equipped with additional automation, the devices will operate as autonomous pumping stations. And when equipped with a remote ejector, the unit will be able to lift water from a considerable depth.

According to the method of transporting water and the design, such devices are divided into the following types:

Vortex units are units with a special shape of impeller blades, which promotes the characteristic rotation of water in the space between the blades. Thanks to the concentration of turbulence in one channel, it is possible to achieve a powerful rotational movement of the flow. As a result, the pressure of such a unit is 5 times higher than that of its centrifugal counterpart. These are compact devices with an affordable price. However, they can only work with clean aqueous media.
Centrifugal pumps have blades that disperse water along the walls of the working chamber. These are more massive units with silent operation.

Self-priming devices

These types of pumps are highly valued for their simplicity, ease of maintenance and ease of use. Depending on the presence of an ejector device, the units are:

ejectorless. Liquid is drawn into them due to the special hydraulic design of pumping equipment;
ejector In this device, water is raised by pumping a vacuum in the ejector.

Such equipment can be used for:

watering the garden and garden;
ensuring drinking and domestic water supply to a country house;
for lifting liquid from clean or slightly polluted surface reservoirs, wells or boreholes.

The main disadvantage of ejectorless units is their small lifting height, not exceeding 9 m. However, units with an ejector can easily cope with this problem. Self-priming pumps are difficult to operate in the cold season, since all water supply mechanisms are on the surface and need protection from freezing.

Fountain pumps

The fountain type of pumping equipment has found wide application in landscape design. With the help of such units, mini ponds, decorative ponds, streams, fountains and cascading waterfalls are built. Some models of such equipment are supplemented with a liquid filtration function, so they can work with sea water.

Thanks to the use of special nozzles, you can create beautiful fountain jets. In addition, such pumping equipment can be used for irrigation of individual nearby areas.

Fountain pumps are divided into two types:

devices installed on the bottom of the reservoir (only the nozzle is visible on the surface);
units installed outside the water source.

In addition, there are heavy-duty units for creating large-scale water compositions and servicing objects of significant size, as well as low-power equipment for small reservoirs and fountain ensembles.

Pumping station

The main advantage of this device is operation in conditions of power outages. In addition, the equipment is distinguished by low motor wear, simplicity and accessibility of operation, and the ability to service several consumer points.

The unit consists of the following parts:

pump;
hydraulic accumulator;
check valve;
control sensors.

The operating principle of the equipment is based on the structure of a hydraulic tank, inside of which there is a rubber bulb into which water is pumped from a source. This bulb is placed in a steel case into which air is pumped, creating a certain pressure in the system. The pressure switch responds to changes in air pressure, which depends on the degree of filling of the bulb with water. As a result, the relay starts or stops the pumping equipment to pump water into the tank.

Important: To extend the life of the pump, be sure to use a filter device on the suction pipe.

Submersible units

These devices are installed at the point of water intake. In this case, either the entire unit with the motor is immersed in the aquatic environment, or the electric motor is located above the surface of the water. Such pumping equipment can pump liquid from significant depths. It features high performance and efficient engine cooling.

Depending on the internal structure, the device is divided into the following types:

vibration pumps are devices that suck in liquid due to an electromagnetic field and a vibration mechanism. This operation of the device dictates special rules for its installation - at a certain distance from the bottom of the water intake, since the unit is capable of lifting silt, sand and other sediment from the bottom;
Centrifugal units operate by torsion of blades. When water hits them, it is thrown onto the walls of the working chamber and transported out under pressure.

Well pumps

These units are suitable for lifting water from the bottom of wells. These devices have an elongated cylindrical configuration and small sizes allowing them to be lowered into the casing. Such equipment can operate at considerable depth in artesian wells. The power of the device is quite impressive. Only slightly polluted or clean water media are suitable for pumping.

Tip: when choosing the diameter of the pump, make sure that its size is 1-1.5 cm smaller than the cross-section of the casing pipe, since a cable attached to a loop of the casing is used to freely remove the device.

Drainage equipment

This equipment is suitable for pumping contaminated water from reservoirs, flooded basements, pits, trenches, etc. However, there are also modifications that are designed to work in lightly polluted environments.

The drainage pump can easily handle water that contains large amounts of sand, grass, clay, silt or other small debris. And some models are equipped with grinding knives, similar to fecal pumps. The pumped water can be used for irrigation, watering the garden and technical needs.

Well units

Such pumps are suitable for pumping water from mine wells. The aquatic environment may contain small amounts of small impurities in the form of sand, clay and silt. Their main difference from borehole type units is their immersion depth, which is relatively small. Such equipment is suitable for pumping clean water for drinking water supply needs.

The power, maximum pressure and productivity of such equipment are quite impressive, but the dimensions of the device are not compact in size. Well-type units boast silent operation and low vibration.

Circulation pumps

These units are installed in water supply and heating systems and promote the circulation of liquid in them. Typically these devices have a cast iron, bronze or steel body. Water circulation occurs due to the rotation of the impeller on the rotor.

Depending on the method of cooling the rotor, circulation-type units are divided into the following subtypes:

Devices with a wet rotor are mounted in the pumped liquid. Cooling of the motor occurs due to the transported aquatic environment. These are unpretentious, silent devices with smooth speed control and an affordable price.
Dry rotor pumps. This device uses special oil for lubrication and cooling. At the same time, the motor does not come into contact with water during operation. These devices are suitable for transporting large volumes of water because they have a higher efficiency (up to 80%). However, the unit requires regular maintenance, which consists of changing the oil for lubrication and cooling.

Such pumps ensure the movement of coolant in the pipeline and are suitable for heating and hot water systems. They can be used in small country houses, and in large country houses. The choice of unit is made based on the length of the pipeline and the volume of the heated room.

Sewage pumping devices

Such equipment is used for wastewater disposal. Depending on the installation location, pumps can be of two types:

Submersible drainage units of the sewer type are installed in the place where wastewater is collected, namely in a septic tank, septic tank, drainage ditch, cesspool and so on. The flow of wastewater into these storage tanks is carried out by gravity due to the inclination of the pipes. Typically, such equipment is used in summer cottages.
Forced sewage pumps external type is a combination of pumping equipment and storage tank. This device is installed in multi-storey buildings, office buildings, industrial premises where it is not possible to remove wastewater by gravity. They are mounted at a suitable lower point of the system and collect wastewater into a special tank, from where, under the action of a pump, it is delivered to the point of independent drainage into the sewer system.

As a rule, many sewer fecal pumps equipped with special chopping knives. This allows them to transport highly contaminated wastewater. Thanks to the knives, large waste components are crushed, which prevents clogging of the pumping equipment.

This type of classification of machines of this kind is usually used for pumping more viscous liquids. The operating principle of a positive displacement pump is based on converting engine energy into liquid energy. They are usually somewhat unbalanced and have high vibration, which is why they are installed on massive foundations.

There are several subtypes of such devices:
- impeller pumps, also used as dispensers;
- plate-shaped, which ensure sufficient suction of the product. Such pumps operate due to changes in the volume of the working chamber as a result of the rotor and stator;
- screw;
- piston ones, in which quite high pressure can be created. Such pumps are not suitable for working with abrasive liquids;
- peristaltic pumps with the properties of chemical inertia and low pressure;
- membrane;
- impeller or vane pumps, most often used in the food industry.

Properties common to all these subtypes include cyclical working process, tightness, self-priming ability and pressure independence.

Dynamic pump type

This type of equipment is divided into three categories: paddle (operate through a paddle wheel or shallow-feed auger); jet devices (they supply liquid using the energy obtained from the flow of auxiliary liquid, steam or even gas), as well as ram pumps, which are also called hydraulic ram pumps (their operating principle is based on hydraulic shock, which provokes the injection of liquid).

In turn, the first type of pumps - vane pumps - is divided into two more different subtypes based on the principle of operation: centrifugal devices that convert the mechanical energy of the drives into the potential energy of the fluid flow, and vortex pumps, which are a separate and less common type of device that operates account of vortex formation in the working channel of the machine.

The subtype of centrifugal pumps is also subdivided in more detail. On the:
- centrifugal screw pumps, in which the liquid supply to the working element occurs in the form of a shallow-threaded screw with large-diameter disks;
- cantilever, based on the principle of one-sided supply of liquid to the impeller;
- axial (the second name is propeller), in which the fluid is supplied due to a propeller-type impeller;
- semi-axial pumps, which are also called diagonal and turbine;
- radial devices with radial impellers.

A water pump is a device designed to pump liquid under high pressure. Today not a single private household can do without such equipment. With the help of this unit, water is supplied from wells or wells, the uninterrupted operation of the water supply system is ensured, and irrigation is carried out personal plot, filling tanks, etc.

Classification of water pumps

Today there are 3 classes of this equipment:
- water lifting,
- circulation
- drainage.

Water lift pumps

The classification of water-lifting devices is based on the conditions of use, as well as the assigned tasks. The principle of their operation is similar, there are only differences in the method of creating a vacuum inside. When started, a vacuum is formed inside the device, under the influence of which water enters the chamber and then out. According to the principle of operation, water pumps are divided into:

- vortex. The vortex wheel creates a vacuum. The wheel with radially arranged blades rotates, due to which water falling on it enters the pressure pipe. The undeniable advantages of this type of water pump are self-priming and the ability to create high pressure (2-4 times higher than centrifugal models). However, vortex equipment is best used exclusively for pumping clean water, since it wears out quickly in a polluted environment.
- vibration(electromagnetic). The principle of operation of the unit is as follows: alternating voltage is transmitted to the winding, and the armature is attracted, which, changing its polarity, returns to its initial position. Considering that the armature is connected to the piston, the device can create up to 100 vibrations within 1 second. Under the influence of vibrations, water is pushed into the pressure pipe through a special valve. The vibrating water pump does not have an electric motor or rotating elements. Such models are very popular among summer residents.
-vibration(membrane). The working capacity of the device is divided by a flexible membrane. On one side of the membrane there is a cavity that is filled with liquid, on the other there is a mechanism (vibrator), the main task of which is to set the membrane in motion. Under the influence of the vibrator, the diaphragm bends. Depending on the direction of bending, the working cavity increases or decreases, which indicates an increase or decrease in pressure. As the cavity decreases, a vacuum occurs, the valve opens and liquid is sucked into the pump cavity from the inlet pipe. The vibrator bends the membrane in the opposite direction, forming overpressure and the water enters through the outlet valve from the water supply network. Among other types of water pumps, vibration pumps have an affordable price, but in terms of performance they are inferior to centrifugal models.
- centrifugal. Among other types of pumps designed for water, centrifugal ones are one of the most popular. This is explained by the huge choice of options for their design: submersible, surface, cantilever, with horizontal/vertical placement of the working shaft, etc. These devices operate according to to the following principle: with the help of the impeller blades, a centrifugal force is created, under the influence of which water is pushed out under pressure.
- manual. Manual pumping equipment is driven by physical force. Today you can purchase vane and piston models. Vane devices are capable of supplying water from a depth of 20 meters to 15,000 ml, piston devices - up to 2000 ml. The undeniable advantages of manual models include efficiency and affordable price. They are used in areas where there is no power supply.

This equipment also belongs to the water-lifting type, because it allows you to provide all the conditions for normal water circulation within the household. Installation of centrifugal models is carried out in the case when the submersible borehole pump is not able to provide the required degree of rise and circulation of water in the water supply system. The undeniable advantages of circulation models include low consumption electricity, low noise level and good performance. The principle of operation of centrifugal units is as follows: when the impeller rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the water, which creates a zone of low pressure in the center, and at the periphery - an area high blood pressure. The pressure difference forms a kind of hurricane, as a result of which water is thrown out through the outlet pipe. There are multi-stage equipment models that have several impellers.

Drainage devices are used to pump out rainwater, sewage and fecal waste. This equipment is produced from different materials. If you have a model made of plastic, it can be used to pump clean water. Corrosion-resistant metal pumps are suitable for use in contaminated environments. The design of the drainage device includes a grinder, which reduces the risk of clogging (large particles of contaminants are ground with the help of a grinder).

Classification of water pumps by design type

- submersible. They work with full or partial immersion in water. This type of equipment is supplied with electricity by connecting a special electric cable to the electric motor. Considering that the device operates underwater, the wiring and control electronics must be reliably protected from moisture. In the production of submersible models, materials are used that are not afraid of water (polymers and stainless steel). The risk of engine overheating during prolonged operation is eliminated, because it is cooled by the pumped liquid.

There are such types of submersible water pumps: borehole and well, fecal drainage.

Borehole or deep models ensure the rise of water from artesian wells. They are distinguished by the ability to create high pressure, the shape and size of the body. The cylinder diameter does not exceed 10 cm. To ensure the required pressure and performance, a multi-stage suction system is used.

Well devices are used to lift water from wells and shallow wells. Less stringent requirements for the dimensions of the unit allow wider use of the engine’s capabilities. As a rule, this equipment has a float switch that prevents dry operation. To ensure efficient operation of the unit, it is necessary that there be a depth of at least 1 meter under it, otherwise silt or sand will be sucked from the bottom, which will inevitably lead to breakdown.

-superficial. Installation of this equipment is carried out on land. The surface device’s own suction height does not exceed 8 meters, so their use is only possible for a shallow source, lake, or river. In order to lift water from a significant depth, it is necessary that the water pump be equipped with an ejector - a device that is installed at the end of the suction hose immersed in water. During operation, water rises through an additional channel from the ejector, which helps to increase the inlet pressure. The water is further pushed from below. However, the deeper the ejector is placed, the lower the performance of the unit, and the higher the design complexity and power. Devices designed to operate at a depth of 25 m are almost equal in cost to downhole models.

There are models of surface pumping equipment equipped with automatic equipment that turns off the engine when a certain pressure is reached. For example, when the water flow stops or the hose becomes kinked, the unit automatically turns off, preventing the engine from experiencing overload. After the problem is resolved, the device automatically turns on. Automatic equipment is widely used in home water supply systems, as it is able to respond to the position of the water tap. If the tap is open, the pump automatically starts working, when closed tap the device turns off.

- pumping stations. This complex includes surface-type units, a hydraulic accumulator with a volume of at least 20 liters and a pressure switch.

A hydraulic accumulator is a container that not only provides a strategic supply of water in the house, but also helps maintain optimal pressure in the water supply system, eliminates the risk of water hammer, and minimizes turning on/off the pump, thereby extending its service life. Pumping stations – the best choice for home water supply systems.

External pumps

External pumps are used to draw water from wells, open reservoirs, and water supply systems. When the pump is running, water is sucked into the pipe, one end of which is in the water. The depth to which it can suck water, the height to which it can raise a column of water, and its performance depend entirely on its power. In turn, external pumps are also divided into two types: vortex and centrifugal. The former are used for extracting water from small wells, but the latter can cope with pumping water from deeper wells.

Advantages external pumps:

easily pumps water to a height of 15 to 20 meters;
the pump is easy to maintain;
easy to install.

Flaws external pumps:

with its help it is impossible to pump out water from a depth of more than 7-8 meters;
The electric motor is very noisy; there is, of course, the option of purchasing a silent pump, but its price will be many times higher.

Submersible pumps

Submersible pumps, as well as external ones, are used for water intake from wells and wells. By the name itself you can understand that such a pump is immersed directly into the water itself, due to which it does not need to provide dry running protection.

Advantages submersible pumps:

with extraordinary ease, such a pump is able to lift water from great depth, can cope even with a depth of 40-50 meters;
silent operation of the pump motor;
does not take up much space;

One of the biggest disadvantages of submersible pumps is their high price compared to outside.

Injection pumps

Injection pumps are used if there is a need pump water from depths more than 10 meters. The injection pump differs in that it has two suction pipes: one of larger diameter and the other of smaller diameter. At the ends of both pipes there is a special nozzle - an injector. Thanks to this nozzle, the pump can pump out water from greater depths.

Advantages of injection pumps:

affordable, reliable and easy to install;
safe;
provide water lifting from great depths;
suitable for use in household needs;
have great productivity;
energy consumption is reduced.

Water pump design

If we consider a water pump from the point of view of mechanical engineering, then it is a hydraulic machine that is designed to pumping water in horizontal or vertical direction. In order for water to start moving in one direction or another, it must be given a certain kinetic energy. Based on this, a water pump can be thought of as a device that converts electrical energy into kinetic energy, due to which liquid moves.

Based on their operating principle, pumps are divided into centrifugal and vibration pumps.

Eg, centrifugal pump consists of such elements as:

working chamber;
Working wheel;
guide vane;
pump shaft;
discharge pipe;
pump housing;
suction pipe.

But vibration pumps have in their design flexible membrane which divides the working capacity. On one side of the membrane there is a mechanism that sets it in motion, and on the other - area with water.

Popular water pump manufacturers

One of popular manufacturers The Italian company Calpeda is considered to be the source of water pumps. She is considered recognized leader in the global pumping equipment market. The pumps produced by this company are considered the most reliable in the world. They are manufactured using high-precision equipment, highly qualified personnel work in production and, moreover, the company is famous good technical traditions. Absolutely all materials and spare parts for Calpeda pumps are made in Italy.

In addition to this recognizable brand, there are also Gardena or Makita, which are also quite recognizable brands. Are stable and reliable companies that are currently only increasing their potential.

Cost of water pumps and their comparison

Prices for water pumps can be completely different, the price depends on:

engine power;
pump type;
manufacturer's brands.

Therefore, before buying this or that pump, you should first decide what type of pump you need, you also need know its power and then consider pumps from various manufacturers.

For example, a 900 W Gardena submersible water pump with a maximum output of 5500 l/h will cost within 8 thousand rubles. A pump of the same brand with only a power of 500 W will cost within 4 thousand rubles.

If we consider surface-type pumps, they have more power, and accordingly their price is higher. For example, a surface-type pump of the same brand with a power consumption of 1000 W costs around 15,000 - 17,000 rubles. However, the price may be inflated if the pump has some special features, for example, automatic control of the water level.

Makita brand surface pump with power 710 - 750 W costs almost the same as Gardena, and has less power but has a low noise level.

Based on all of the above, when purchasing a pump, the first thing you should do is decide on its type. You need to know where you will pump water from, and then make a choice regarding one type of pump or another. It’s also worth knowing what approximate water volume the pump will pump out. And then choose the manufacturer’s brand and compare their prices.

What types of pumps are there? Types and variety of water pumps Types of pumps and their classification.

History of invention

Household and industrial hydraulic machines

Positive displacement pumps

Types of positive displacement pumps

Dynamic pumps

Centrifugal hydraulic machines

Vortex hydraulic devices

Jet hydraulic devices

Water pumps

Surface pumps

Circulation pumps

Submersible pumps

Hydraulic fire extinguishing means

Oil pumps

Fuel pumps

Area of ​​use

Operating principle

Design features

Purpose and installation location

History of invention

Household and industrial hydraulic machines

Positive displacement pumps

Types of positive displacement pumps

Dynamic pumps

Centrifugal hydraulic machines

Vortex hydraulic devices

Jet hydraulic devices

Water pumps

Surface pumps

Circulation pumps

Submersible pumps

Hydraulic fire extinguishing means

Oil pumps

Fuel pumps

Classification depending on the purpose of use

Classification

Surface type units

Self-priming devices

Fountain pumps

Pumping station

Submersible units

Well pumps

Drainage equipment

Well units

Circulation pumps

Sewage pumping devices

Dynamic pump type

Water lift pumps

Classification of water pumps by design type

External pumps

Submersible pumps

Injection pumps

Water pump design

Popular water pump manufacturers

Cost of water pumps and their comparison

Area of use