Which type of pump is most effective for pumping heavy viscous liquids?

The most effective type of pump for handling heavy viscous liquids is a positive displacement pump. This type of pump operates by trapping a fixed amount of liquid and forcing it through the discharge pipe. This method is particularly well-suited for viscous fluids as it can generate the necessary pressure to move them effectively, regardless of their thickness.

Positive displacement pumps can maintain a consistent flow rate, which makes them ideal for applications involving heavy and viscous materials. They can handle a wide range of viscosities and are less affected by changes in downstream pressure compared to centrifugal pumps. This characteristic allows them to operate effectively even with liquids that have a high viscosity, which might be challenging for other types of pumps.

While diaphragm and reciprocating pumps are also capable of handling thick liquids, positive displacement pumps generally offer superior performance for very viscous materials due to their robust design and ability to create high pressure for continuous flow.