What type of pump is commonly used in chilled water systems?

In chilled water systems, centrifugal pumps are commonly used due to their efficiency in handling large volumes of fluid at relatively low pressures. A centrifugal chilled water pump operates by converting rotational kinetic energy to hydrodynamic energy, which effectively moves the water through the system.

These pumps are particularly beneficial in applications where high flow rates are needed, as they are able to provide a consistent flow of chilled water necessary for cooling systems, such as air conditioning and refrigeration. Their design allows for straightforward operation and maintenance, making them a popular choice in commercial and industrial chilled water systems.

While positive displacement pumps and reciprocating pumps are effective in different scenarios, they are more suited for applications requiring high pressure or specific flow rates, which are not typically the primary concerns in chilled water systems. Similarly, gear pumps are specifically designed for transferring viscous liquids and are not ideal for handling water due to potential issues with flow rate and the risk of cavitation in a chilled water context.