Industrial liquid handling pumps are classified in many different ways. They are distinguished by materials of construction, media pumped, industries or applications served, pressure and flow levels, and physical orientation. For this product area, however, industrial liquid handling pumps are distinguished by the media pumped and the fluid motive mechanism, which can be separated into two broad categories of pumping action: dynamic and displacement. 

Dynamic or kinetic industrial liquid handling pumps operate by imparting energy into the fluid, frequently by increasing its velocity to a level greater than that allowed by the fluid outlet port. This energy is thereby converted to higher pressure. Displacement pumps compress fluid mechanically by decreasing the volume of a chamber that contains the fluid. Many configurations of piston-cylinder combinations, diaphragm oscillation, and rotating members are used to achieve this compression. While many ranges of flow and pressure capabilities are available for all industrial liquid handling pumps, dynamic pumps are characterized by the ability to produce high flow rates. 

Displacement industrial liquid handling pumps are distinguished by their comparatively high-pressure capabilities.  Specific pump types include axial, bladder, cantilever, centrifugal, circumferential piston, diaphragm, double diaphragm, dosing or metering, drum, gear, hand, jet, linear, lobed rotor, manual, peristaltic, piston or plunger, radial piston, rocking piston, rotary vane, regenerative blower, screw, scroll, syringe, and turbine. Other types of displacement industrial liquid handling pumps may also be available.

Industrial liquid handling pumps are designed to work with specific fluids and/or applications. Some pumps may be suitable for multiple applications. Common fluids and applications for industrial liquid handling pumps include general-purpose fluid transfer, chemicals, cryogenic materials, food processing, fuel or oil, high temperature fluids, high viscosity fluids, hydraulic fluid, medical or surgical fluids, refrigerants, sludge or sewage, slurry, solids or gravel, thermoplastics, and water. 

Specifications to consider when selecting industrial liquid handling pumps include maximum flow rate, maximum pressure, maximum temperature, and maximum power drive. Flow capacity must be specified separately for air or gas and liquid pumps. Maximum pressure refers to the maximum level of air pressure generated at the pump outlet. Typically, units are referenced to one atmosphere, as in psig or psi gauge.  Maximum flow may not occur at maximum pressure. Depending on the pump style, maximum temperature can refer to either maximum fluid temperature being pumped, or the upper limit of ambient conditions. Maximum drive power is the rated power of the motor or engine which drives the industrial liquid handling pumps.