Circulation pumps

What are circulation pumps used for ?

Circulating pumps are often used domestically to move hot water so that faucets or taps will provide hot water instantly when they are opened. This is also a good way to save water.

What is a circulation pump ?

A circulation pump is a type of pump used to circulate gases, liquids, or slurries in a closed off pipeline. Circulation pumps are usually found circulating water in heating or cooling systems. Because these pumps only circulate liquid in a closed circuit, they only need to overcome the friction of a piping system (compared to lifting a liquid from a lower point to a higher point) this translates to low energy consumption.

Who uses circulation pumps ?

Circulation pumps are usually used in homes, they are often small but they are also used in commercial buildings where bigger variants can be found they can be so big the motor is usually kept apart from the pump body. Compare this to home applications where the motor rotor, impeller, and support bearings are all compactly integrated into the circulation pump.

 

Which circulation pump should I get ?

Small to medium sized circulatory pumps are typically supported entirely by the pipeline flanges that join them to the rest of the plumbing; whereas large pumps are usually pad-mounted. So depending on your pipeline you need to consider how much weight it can hold. If the they will be used solely for closed hydronic systems, they can be made with cast iron components as the water in the loop will either become de-oxygenated or be treated with chemicals to inhibit corrosion. But pumps that have a steady stream of oxygenated, potable water flowing through them - which is most domestic cases - must be made of more expensive materials such as bronze.