Table of Contents
ToggleComparing Gear Pumps and Screw Pumps
Explore the key differences between gear pumps and screw pumps.
| Features | Gear Pumps | Screw Pumps |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Uses gears that fit together to move fluid | Uses twisted screws for a steady flow |
| Flow | Can make flow that goes up and down | Gives smooth and even flow |
| Efficiency | Works best with thin or medium fluids | Great for thick and dirty fluids |
| Pressure Capability | Handles high pressure well | Lower pressure, but good for thick fluids |
| Noise & Vibration | Makes more noise and shakes more | Runs quietly and softly |
| Suction Capability | Not as good at sucking fluid | Strong suction, works in long pipes |
| Maintenance | Bushes and bearings wear out faster | Fewer parts, but screws need changing |
| Footprint | Bigger, needs more room | Smaller, fits in tight places |
| Motor Speed | Gear size limits speed | Can run faster, up to 3500 RPM |
| Adaptability | Works with machines that control it | Connects easily to smart monitors |
When you compare gear pumps and screw pumps, think about what you need. Gear pumps are good for high-pressure jobs and simple fluids. Screw pumps work well with thick, dirty, or tricky fluids. They also give a smoother flow. Many companies now pick screw pumps because more people want them. The market is growing fast. It is worth $2,730 million in 2024. It may reach $4,670 million by 2035. Gear pumps are still used a lot. About 1.6 million are in factories to move fluids well.
Key Takeaways
- Gear pumps are ideal for moving simple fluids and work well under high pressure. They are reliable and easy to maintain.
- Screw pumps excel at handling thick or dirty fluids, providing a smooth flow and lower noise levels. They are great for tough jobs.
- Consider the long-term costs when choosing a pump. Gear pumps may be cheaper initially, but screw pumps can save money over time due to lower energy use and maintenance.
- Choose a gear pump for precise fluid delivery in applications like fuel transfer. Opt for a screw pump when dealing with slurries or fluids with solid particles.
Gear Pumps

Gear Pump Principle
Gear pumps have two gears that spin. These gears catch liquid between their teeth and the pump wall. When the gears move, they push the fluid from the start to the end. This makes the fluid flow steady. Gear pumps are positive displacement pumps. This means each turn moves the same amount of fluid. Many companies use gear pumps because they are simple and work well. They help move fuels and other liquids when you need accuracy. Gear pumps can give smooth flow without bumps.
Gear Pump Applications
Gear pumps are used in many places. They help move fuels, oils, and chemicals. They work best with low or medium pressure. You can use them for thin or thick fluids. Here is a table that shows where gear pumps are used and why they are good:
| Application Area | Performance Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Industry | Moves crude and refined products, works with thick liquids |
| Chemical Processing | Handles thick fluids like oils, keeps flow steady |
| Hazardous Fluid Handling | Stops leaks, safe for dangerous fluids |
| Hydraulic Systems | Works well and is accurate, fits many fluid types |
| Food and Beverage | Moves liquids and slurries safely |
| Pharmaceuticals | Handles clean or sensitive fluids |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment | Measures and moves fluids |
Gear pumps are liked because they can move many kinds of fluids. They are small, so you can put them in tight spots.
Gear Pump Pros and Cons
Gear pumps have good and bad sides. The table below shows the main ones:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Simple design | Not very good at high pressure |
| Reliable | Fluid can leak through small gaps |
| Can move many types of fluids | Changes in thickness can affect how they work |
| Small size | |
| Saves money | |
| Smooth flow without bumps | |
| Moves fluid well and accurately | Only works in certain ranges |
| Easy to fix | Hard to use with thin fluids |
Gear pumps work well in many jobs. They are easy to fix and save money over time. Most gear pumps are best for low or medium pressure. If you need to move fuels or chemicals, gear pumps are a good choice.
Screw Pumps

Screw Pump Principle
Screw pumps use one or more screws that spin. These screws catch liquid and push it forward. The movement is smooth and does not stop. This design helps the pump move thick and thin fluids easily. The flow stays steady, even if there are bits in the fluid. Screw pumps make less noise and shake less than other pumps. Many industries like screw pumps because they work well.
Screw Pump Applications
Screw pumps are used in many places. You can use them to move oil, chemicals, water, and food. The table below shows where screw pumps work best and what they do:
| Application Area | Key Performance Benefits |
|---|---|
| Oil & Gas | Moves crude oil with different thickness and bits, lowers downtime and repair costs. |
| Water and Wastewater Management | Handles sludge and slurry well, helps meet rules for the environment. |
| Chemical and Petrochemical | Keeps flow steady and gentle for sensitive chemicals, makes work safer and better. |
| Food & Beverage | Keeps food safe and clean, stops mixing in thick products, meets health rules. |
| Power Generation | Helps cooling and oil systems work well, keeps power plants running smoothly. |
Screw pumps can move fluids with lots of bits in them. This makes them good for thick fluids and tough jobs. Gear pumps may have trouble with fluids that have many bits. Screw pumps keep the flow and pressure steady, even if the fluid is thick or dirty.
Screw Pump Pros and Cons
When you pick a pump, you want to know what is good and bad. The table below shows the main points for screw pumps:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Works with many types of fluids | Costs more at first |
| Uses energy well | Needs more care and fixing |
| Makes flow smooth and steady | Can be affected by fluid type |
| Moves hot fluids | |
| Can suck fluid in by itself |
Tip: Screw pumps are great for moving thick or dirty fluids. They help your work stay steady and lower the chance of problems.
If you need to move thick fluids or fluids with bits, screw pumps work better than gear pumps. You can also use them for thin fluids, so they fit many jobs. Screw pumps give steady flow, make little noise, and last a long time.
Gear Pumps vs Screw Pumps
Efficiency Comparison
When you compare gear pumps and screw pumps, you notice big differences in efficiency. Gear pumps use a positive displacement method. This means each turn moves a set amount of fluid. You get good results with simple fluids and steady conditions. Screw pumps, on the other hand, work better with a wide range of fluids, including those with high viscosity or solid suspensions. They keep energy use low, especially in large-scale applications. You can see lower long-term operating costs with screw pumps because they waste less energy and last longer.
| Pump Type | Efficiency with Thin Fluids | Efficiency with Thick Fluids | Energy Use Over Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gear Pump | High | Drops with thick fluids | Higher |
| Screw Pump | High | Stays high | Lower |
Screw pumps handle highly abrasive slurry and viscous fluids better. Gear pumps work best for the transfer of fuels and other simple liquids. If you want stable delivery and high efficiency, screw pumps often give you better results.
Flow and Noise
Flow and pressure stability is a key feature when you choose a pump. Gear pumps give you steady flow, but you may notice more noise and vibration. Screw pumps stand out for their smooth flow and quiet operation. In controlled tests, screw pumps show smoother flow and lower noise levels. For example, the Settima Screw Gear Pump GR47 operates between 54 to 65 dB, depending on speed and pressure. This is much quieter than most gear pumps.
| Pump Type | Flow Smoothness | Noise Level (dB) | Vibration Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screw Pump | Smoother | 54-65 | Low |
| Gear Pump | Less Smooth | Higher | Higher |
If you need a pump for common applications where noise matters, such as in food or chemical plants, screw pumps offer a clear advantage. You also get more stable delivery, even with fluids that have solid suspensions.
Maintenance and Lifespan
Maintenance and service life are important when you pick a pump. Gear pumps have a simple design, but their parts can wear out faster, especially with thick or dirty fluids. Screw pumps last longer because they handle tough fluids better and have fewer parts that wear quickly. Here are some common failure modes for both types:
| Failure Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Mechanical seal leakage | Happens at the seal faces, often from dry running or misalignment. |
| Bearing issues | Usually caused by poor lubrication, leading to overheating. |
| Impeller wear and tear | Comes from erosion or wrong sizing, causing pressure problems. |
You will find that screw pumps need less frequent repairs. This means less downtime and lower costs over the life of the pump.
Cost Factors
Cost is a big part of your decision. Gear pumps cost less at first. You pay less to buy and install them. Over time, though, you may spend more on repairs and replacement parts. Screw pumps cost more at the start, but you save money in the long run. They use less energy and last longer, so you spend less on maintenance.
- Gear pumps are economical at first but have parts that wear out, leading to higher long-term costs.
- Screw pumps require a higher initial investment but can lead to savings due to reduced energy use and fewer repairs.
- Energy savings from screw pumps can offset their higher price, especially in large operations.
If you want a pump for the transfer of fuels or other simple jobs, gear pumps may fit your budget. If you need a pump for highly abrasive slurry or fluids with solid suspensions, screw pumps give you better value over time.
Note: Always match the pump to your specific applications. This helps you get the best performance and the lowest total cost.
Choosing the Right Pump
Picking the right pump depends on your fluid and process. You also need to think about safety. The pump should fit your job and help things run well. NTGD has both gear pumps and screw pumps. This gives you choices for many kinds of work.
When to Use Gear Pumps
Pick a gear pump if you need steady flow and exact delivery. Gear pumps are good for thick fluids and high pressure. They work best when you need to measure liquids carefully or move clean fluids. You often see gear pumps in cars, food plants, and chemical factories.
Here are times when a gear pump is a good pick:
- You need to move oil or fuel with steady flow.
- Your job needs careful dosing of chemicals.
- You use fluids with few solids or particles.
- You want a small pump for a tight space.
Tip: NTGD gear pumps work well and are easy to fix. Many factories trust them because they last and are simple to care for.
When to Use Screw Pumps
A screw pump is best for thick fluids or fluids with bits in them. Screw pumps also run quietly and smoothly. They can move slurries and liquids with solid pieces. You find screw pumps in food plants for jams and pastes. They are also used in oil, gas, wastewater, and power plants.
Use a screw pump if:
- Your fluid is thick or has solids in it.
- You need to handle products gently.
- Your job needs low noise and little shaking.
- You want a pump that runs long with less fixing.
Safety matters in dangerous places. Both NTGD gear pumps and screw pumps use strong materials. These pumps fight rust and meet tough safety rules. You can get sealed pumps to stop leaks. The design makes them safe and easy to care for.
| Factor | Gear Pump | Screw Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | Handles high-viscosity fluids | Good for thick fluids with bits |
| Corrosiveness | Material picked for the fluid | Material picked for the fluid |
| Temperature | Works in many conditions | Works in many conditions |
| Applications | Used in cars, food, and chemicals | Used for jams, pastes, and more |
NTGD helps you pick the best pump for your job. This makes sure your work is safe and runs well every time.
Summary Table
Key Differences
It is important to pick the right pump. The table below shows how gear pumps and screw pumps are different. This helps you know which pump is best for your job.
| Feature | Gear Pumps | Screw Pumps |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Uses gears that fit together to move fluid | Uses twisted screws for a steady flow |
| Flow | Can make flow that goes up and down | Gives smooth and even flow |
| Efficiency | Works best with thin or medium fluids | Great for thick and dirty fluids |
| Pressure Capability | Handles high pressure well | Lower pressure, but good for thick fluids |
| Noise & Vibration | Makes more noise and shakes more | Runs quietly and softly |
| Suction Capability | Not as good at sucking fluid | Strong suction, works in long pipes |
| Maintenance | Bushes and bearings wear out faster | Fewer parts, but screws need changing |
| Footprint | Bigger, needs more room | Smaller, fits in tight places |
| Motor Speed | Gear size limits speed | Can run faster, up to 3500 RPM |
| Adaptability | Works with machines that control it | Connects easily to smart monitors |
NTGD has both gear pumps and screw pumps. You can pick the pump that fits your space, job, and control needs.
New screw pumps are made to be more efficient and flexible. You see them used more in oil, gas, water, and food jobs. New clean models help meet health rules. Gear pumps are still liked for high-pressure work and careful dosing.
- Using pumps with smart controls makes them work better. You get live data and can control them easily.
- Flat screw pumps now move thick fluids with less power. This helps save money and is better for the planet.
You should think about your fluid, pressure, and space before you choose a pump. NTGD helps you pick the best pump for your work.
You now see the key differences between gear pumps and screw pumps. The table below highlights the main points:
| Pump Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Screw Pump | Handles thick, corrosive, or dirty fluids. | Needs precise manufacturing. |
| Gear Pump | Reliable, low cost, easy to maintain. | Not for fluids with solids or high volatility. |
To choose the right pump, follow these steps:
- Define your fluid and process needs.
- Check which pump fits your application.
- Review performance and material compatibility.
- Compare long-term costs.
NTGD offers both pump types to help you find the best fit for your job.