Circulation pumps and circulating pumps are hydraulic flow machines that are used to force the circulation of liquids in closed systems. Since both perform the same functions, many users may wonder what exactly distinguishes them. In our guide, we will answer the question of how circulating and circulating pumps work and where they are used.
In this article you will learn:
- how do circulation pumps work,
- where circulation pumps are used and where recirculation pumps,
- what is the difference between circulation pumps and circulating pumps.
Circulation pumps - how do they work?
A circulation pump is a device used to pump water at an elevated temperature in systems responsible for preparing domestic hot water. Its task is to maintain a constant pressure and temperature of the liquid in all points of the system. This solution works well in single-family or multi-family buildings, as well as in industrial facilities, farms and public spaces. In a word, circulation pumps are used wherever constant access to hot water is necessary.
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The circulation pump is designed to work in a clean, chemically non-aggressive and pollution-free environment. The pressure it generates only allows it to overcome the resistance of the installation, but not to lift water to great heights. This type of device is most often made of stainless steel, brass or bronze, so it can work without problems with water at high temperatures.
There are many different types of circulation pumps on the market. The available variants include single- or three-phase, monoblock, maintenance-free, and electronically controlled pumps.
Thanks to the circulation pump, the medium constantly circulates in the installation. This means that hot water is available immediately when the tap is turned on, regardless of the number of points of its collection. The device therefore helps save water, which makes it an economical and environmentally friendly solution. What's more, this type of pump is characterized by a very long service life, and its installation is relatively easy and quick.
Circulation pumps – how do they work?
A circulation pump is a commonly used device used to force water circulation in closed central heating systems. It is installed in surface, solar or air conditioning installations, among others. Like the circulation pump, it works great in residential buildings, industrial plants or public utility buildings.
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The design of the circulation pumps includes a special rotor, responsible for increasing the momentum during the pumping of water so that it reaches all the exchangers in the building evenly. Thanks to this, the flow pressure of the medium is maintained, so each room receives the required amount of heat. The use of the circulation pump also protects the central heating boiler and eliminates the need to install it below the level of the receivers. This guarantees greater flexibility at the design stage of the system, because the furnace can be located, for example, on the first floor, and not only in the basement.
Due to the very demanding conditions, circulation pumps are made of highly resistant materials, such as stainless steel, brass, cast iron or durable plastics. Models available on the market are adapted to the requirements of most available boilers. They are also sometimes equipped with a (manual or automatic) three- or four-step engine speed control function.
Circulation and circulating pumps – what is the difference?
Although it may seem that circulation and circulating pumps have exactly the same function, the above descriptions clearly explain the main difference between them. While the former are used in domestic hot water installations, the latter are installed in central heating systems. It is worth keeping this in mind when choosing pumps, because using them in a manner other than intended can result in inefficient operation of the device or even its permanent damage.
The method of application is the most important difference between circulation and circulating pumps, which, however, results in other contrasts. The different method of operation determines, for example, the materials from which the devices are made. Models intended for domestic hot water installations should be primarily resistant to corrosion (hence the use of stainless steel or bronze). Since they pump drinking water, they must also have the appropriate certificates. Lower requirements are characteristic of pumps intended for central heating installations, whose bodies are made of cast iron, for example.
Circulation and circulation pumps in the Onninen offer
If you are looking for a circulation or circulating pump for your customer's installation, be sure to check out the Grundfos brand, available at Onninen. This is the world's largest pump manufacturer from Denmark. It supplies over 16 million units of this type to the market each year, while ensuring their quality and reliability.
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A wide range of circulation and recirculation pumps available in our online wholesaler will allow you to easily choose solutions that are perfectly tailored to the needs of your customers. Onninen's offer includes products such as:
- Grundfos ALPHA 2 model E circulation pump – the manufacturer calls it the most energy-efficient on the market. It is equipped with a one-way radio communication system, allowing for efficient and effective balancing of water pressure and temperature in the installation.
- Grundfos COMFORT 15-14 BA PM circulator pump – another example of a pump used in domestic hot water installations. It is made of brass and equipped with a 1.5-meter cable with a plug, permanently connected to the device.
- Grundfos Model UP 20-15N Circulation Pump – a glandless circulating pump with a wet rotor motor, sealed with two static seals. It is made of stainless steel and equipped with a shaft and thrust bearing made of ceramic. Its impeller is characterized by high corrosion resistance.
- Grundfos ALPHA 1L circulation pump – a high-performance glandless circulation pump, designed for all types of heating systems with variable flow rate. It is made of cast iron.
- Grundfos MAGNA1 circulation pump – an electronic pump designed for various types of heating and air conditioning installations. It is a basic solution that works best in simple systems. Like ALPHA 1L, it is made of cast iron.
- Grundfos MAGNA3 circulation pump – one of the large circulation pumps used to optimize the operation of central heating systems. It is equipped with communication devices and motors with electronic speed control. Thanks to advanced technologies, the pump automatically monitors the condition of the heating system and configures settings, adjusting its parameters to the current demand.
These are just a few examples of Grundfos circulation and circulating pumps that you can find in the Onninen installation wholesaler . See what else awaits you in our assortment, and choose the perfect solutions for your customers!
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