Comparison between Centrifugal pumps and Reciprocating Pumps:

Centrifugal pumps

Reciprocating Pumps

1.The discharge is continuous and smooth

1.The discharging is fluctuating and pulsating

2.It can handle large quantity of liquid

2.handles small quantity of liquid

3.It is used for large discharge through small heads

It is meant for small discharge at high heads

4.Cost of centrifugal pump is less as compared to reciprocating pump.

4.Cost of reciprocating pump is approximately four times the centrifugal pump.

5.Runs at high speeds.

5.Runs at low speed.

6.Efficiency is high

6.Efficiency is low

7.Needs smaller area and cost of installation is less.

7.Needs large floor area and installation is cost is high

8.Low maintenance cost

8.High maintenance cost

9.It can be used for lifting highly viscous liquids

9.Used only for lifting pure water or less viscous fluids.