Side channel pumps, or liquid ring pumps as they are otherwise known, are popular in low flow/high head applications where clean fluid is handled. They are also capable of dealing with a mixture of liquid and gas. The side channel pump design has characteristics of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps. Thanks to its self-priming capabilities, a liquid ring pump initially functions like a displacement pump, however once the side channels are filled, it begins to operate like a centrifugal pump. Read our guide to side channel pumps here.
Applications whereby a side channel pump is commonly used include:
Volatile liquid transfer
Boiler feed
LPG pumping
Heating/air conditioning
Condensation extraction
Side channel pumps are flexible in their application thanks to their compatibility with most clean fluids, provided there is no presence of solids. Due to the tight tolerances within the pumps, there is barely path for any particles; however this enables the pumps to operate at peak efficiency, As well as water, fuels, lubricants and oils, liquid ring pumps can be used to handle chemicals such as ammonia that are pumped at close to boiling point and fluids with up to 50% gas content such as LPG.
