Common Pump Families Reference

Typical duty range and selection notes for centrifugal, positive-displacement, and specialty pump families used in refining and chemicals.

Pump Families

Common Pump Families Reference · Source: API 610 12th Ed, Hydraulic Institute Standards, Pump Handbook (Karassik) 4th Ed

Pump Type / Family	API Class	Typical Flow (gpm)	Typical Head (ft)	Typical Speed	Driver	Common Applications	Key Selection Criteria	Major Manufacturers
OH1 — Foot-mounted overhung	API 610 OH1	10 - 5,000	50 - 800	1,750-3,600	Electric motor	General refinery process, chemical process, utilities	Foot-mounted, easy alignment, baseplate mounted, standard ANSI/ISO dimensions available	Flowserve, Sulzer, Sundyne, ITT Goulds
OH2 — Centerline-mounted overhung	API 610 OH2	10 - 5,000	50 - 800	1,750-3,600	Electric motor	Hot services (>250°F), refinery charge/reflux, reactor effluent	Centerline support reduces thermal nozzle loads, preferred for hot service per API 610	Flowserve, Sulzer, KSB, Ruhrpumpen
OH3 — Vertical inline overhung	API 610 OH3	5 - 1,500	30 - 400	1,750-3,600	Electric motor	Space-constrained, cooling water boost, low-flow services	Minimal footprint, suction/discharge in-line, no baseplate needed	Flowserve, Grundfos, Sulzer
BB1 — Axially split, between bearings	API 610 BB1	100 - 20,000	100 - 1,500	1,750-3,600	Motor/turbine	Pipeline, large water, cooling water circulation	Easy maintenance (top half casing), not for high pressure H2 or lethal service	Flowserve, Sulzer, KSB, Ebara
BB2 — Radially split, between bearings	API 610 BB2	50 - 10,000	200 - 2,000	1,750-3,600	Motor/turbine	High-pressure hydrocarbon, boiler feed water, amine, high-temp	Radially split for high P (>1000 psig), barrel design for lethal/flammable	Flowserve, Sulzer, KSB
BB5 — Multistage barrel	API 610 BB5	50 - 5,000	500 - 8,000	3,600-7,200	Motor/turbine	Boiler feed water, high-pressure injection, pipeline boost	Highest head capability, cartridge pull-out, barrel casing for pressure containment	Flowserve, Sulzer, KSB
VS1 — Wet-pit vertical diffuser	API 610 VS1	500 - 100,000	20 - 400	700-1,800	Vertical motor	Cooling water intake, flood control, raw water	Submerged impeller, no priming needed, long shaft (up to 100+ ft)	Flowserve, Xylem, Sulzer, National Pump
VS6 — Vertical sump pump	API 610 VS6	5 - 500	10 - 100	1,750-3,600	Vertical motor	Sump drainage, oily water, contaminated service	Submerged, sealless, handles solids and vaporous liquids	Flowserve, Grundfos, Tsurumi
Positive Disp. — Reciprocating	API 674	1 - 500	To 15,000 psi	100-600 rpm	Motor/engine	Chemical injection, metering, high-pressure wash, methanol injection	Precise flow control, high pressure capability, pulsating flow	Milton Roy, Lewa, SPX, Cat Pumps
Positive Disp. — Rotary (gear)	API 676	1 - 2,000	To 500 psi	300-1,750	Motor	Lube oil, seal oil, viscous fluids, fuel oil	Good for viscous fluids (>100 cP), self-priming, steady flow	Viking, Roper, IMO, Tuthill
Positive Disp. — Rotary (screw)	API 676	10 - 5,000	To 2,500 psi	1,000-3,600	Motor	Crude oil, multiphase, pipeline, heavy fuel oil	Handles multiphase, low shear, smooth flow, viscous/abrasive OK	IMO, Leistritz, Bornemann, Netzsch
Diaphragm (AODD)	N/A	1 - 300	To 100 psi	N/A	Air-operated	Chemical transfer, slurries, abrasive, deadhead safe	Run dry safe, no electricity needed, portable, handles solids	Wilden, ARO, Yamada, Sandpiper

Source: Common_Pump_Families_Reference_v1.xlsx

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