A pump cannot run on its own. To activate a pump, power is required. The power source of pumps are wide and varied. Some pumps come with in built power while some pumps fulfill the customer's specifications as to which source of power is required. Accordingly, the power source for pumps can be classified as follows:
- AC Powered
- DC Powered
- Battery
- Air Pneumatic
- Gasoline Engine
- Diesel Engine
- Hydraulic
- Manual
- Natural Gas
- Solar Powered
- Steam
- Water
AC Powered : In AC powered pump, the pump operates on a form of AC or alternating current voltage. An alternating current (AC) is an electrical current whose magnitude and direction reverses direction in a circuit at regular intervals.
DC Powered : In DC powered pump, the pump operates on a form of DC or direct current voltage. DC pumps run somewhat more efficiently than AC pumps. Direct current (DC) means electricity flowing in a constant direction, and/or possessing a voltage with constant polarity.
Battery : In case of power failure, the pump can also operate with the help of battery. In science and technology, a battery is a device that stores chemical energy and makes it available in an electrical form.
Air Pneumatic : Here, the pump is powered by a compressed air source.
Gasoline Engine : Pump is powered by a gasoline engine. Gasoline is volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived chiefly from crude petroleum and used principally as a fuel for internal-combustion engines.
Diesel Engine : Pump is powered by diesel engine. It is an internal-combustion engine that burns heavy oil. Diesel is produced from petroleum. But, alternatives such as bio diesel or biomass to liquid (BTL) or gas to liquid (GTL) diesel that are not derived from petroleum are being developed and adopted.
Hydraulic : Pump is powered by a hydraulic system. It is worked by the force of a moving liquid.
Manual : Pump is manually operated by hand or foot power.
Natural Gas : Pump is powered by natural gas. Natural gas is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases that occurs with petroleum deposits like methane together with varying quantities of ethane, propane, butane, and other gases. It is used as a fuel.
Solar Powered : Here, energy derived from the sun or sunlight is used to run the pump.
Steam : Pump is powered by steam.
Water : Pump is activated by a flowing or pressurized water source.
