Circulator pump

The circulator pump is supposed to be one of the largest, however "unknown" electricity consuming devices in the household. It is a specific type of pump which is used to circulate gases, liquids, or slurries in a closed circuit. It is commonly found circulating water in a hydronic heating or cooling system.

Features of Circulator Pump:

• Circulator pumps used in hydronic systems are usually electrically-powered centrifugal pumps.
  
  
• The circulator pump used in homes are often small, sealed, and rated at a fraction of a horsepower.
  
  
• In commercial applications, the pumps range in size up to many horsepower. The electric motor is usually separated from the pump body by some form of mechanical coupling.
  
  
• The sealed units used in residential applications have the motor rotor, pump impeller, and support bearings combined and sealed within the water circuit.
  
  
• There are small-to-medium sized circulator pumps. These are usually supported entirely by the pipe flanges that join them to the rest of the hydronic plumbing.
  
  
• Large pumps are usually pad mounted.
  
  
• Pumps that are used solely for closed hydronic systems are made with cast iron components. This is because the water in the loop will either become de-oxygenated or be treated with chemicals to inhibit corrosion.
  
  
• Pumps that have a steady stream of oxygenated, potable water flowing through them must be made of more expensive materials such as bronze.

Applications of Circulator Pumps:

• Residential and Light Commercial Applications
• Domestic Hot Water Recirculation
• Heat Recovery Units
• Water Source Heat Pumps
• Drain Down Open Loop Solar Systems
• Potable Water Systems etc.