A Guide For Choosing Your Industrial or Manufacturing Pump

6  Things to Consider When Choosing Your Industrial & Manufacturing Pump

When selecting an industrial or manufacturing pump, these six factors help to determine the right choice:

1. Fluid Type & Chemical Compatibility

What are you pumping? Clean water, oils, solvents, acids, alkalis, adhesives, or slurries all demand different wetted materials and seal configurations. Incompatible pump materials can cause rapid degradation, contamination of the product, or catastrophic seal failure. Always confirm chemical compatibility before specifying a pump.

2. Viscosity & Flow Characteristics

Thin, low-viscosity fluids like water and light oils behave very differently to thick pastes, resins, or heavy coatings. High-viscosity fluids typically require positive displacement pumps (diaphragm, piston, gear, or peristaltic) rather than centrifugal types, which lose efficiency rapidly as viscosity rises. Confirm the cP or cSt rating of your fluid at operating temperature.

3. Duty Cycle & Continuous Operation

Will the pump run intermittently, starting and stopping with each batch or process cycle, or must it run continuously for extended shifts? Intermittent-duty pumps are not built to sustain 24/7 operation and will overheat or wear prematurely. Industrial-grade pumps with appropriate motor sizing must be specified for continuous service.

4. Containment & Leak Prevention

In chemical processing, paint transfer, and hazardous fluid handling, even minor leakage carries serious safety, environmental, and compliance risks. Air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps and magnetically driven pumps offer seal-less designs that eliminate shaft seal leakage entirely. Where mechanical seals are used, double or cartridge seal arrangements provide an additional safety margin.

5. ATEX & Hazardous Area Classification

If your pump operates near flammable vapours, solvents, or combustible dust, such as in paint shops, fuel transfer areas, or chemical stores, it must be rated for use in classified hazardous zones. Both air-operated and electric pumps used in these areas still require ATEX certification,  air-operated pumps are not exempt. Electric pumps additionally require ATEX-certified motors and components. Failure to comply carries significant legal and safety consequences.

6. Hygiene, Cleanability & CIP Requirements

Food-adjacent manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and cosmetics processing require pumps with smooth internal surfaces, minimal dead-legs, and the ability to be cleaned in place (CIP) or sterilised in place (SIP) without disassembly. FDA-compliant / Food Grade materials, sanitary fittings, and quick-knockdown designs are essential in these environments.

Our Pump Recommendations

We’ve broken our recommendations down by application. Jump to the one that fits your needs:

• Process & General Fluid Transfer
• Chemical Handling & Dosing
• Cooling, Circulation & Industrial Water Supply
• Paint, Coatings & Viscous Fluid Handling
• Lubrication & Oil Transfer

Process & General Fluid Transfer

Perfect For Production Lines, Batch Processes & General Manufacturing Fluid Handling

The backbone of most manufacturing operations, process fluid transfer covers everything from moving raw materials between vessels to feeding production lines, emptying IBCs, and transferring finished products. These applications demand pumps that are robust, self-priming, and capable of handling fluids ranging from clean water to moderately viscous or particle-laden liquids.

Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps are the most widely used pump type in industrial fluid transfer. Their seal-less design, self-priming capability, and ability to run dry without damage make them ideal for demanding manufacturing environments. They handle a broad range of fluids and solids-laden liquids without issue.

	Graco Husky Series Versatile AODD pump for chemical processing, wastewater handling, and general manufacturing fluid transfer. Handles corrosive acids, caustic liquids, abrasive slurries, and detergents across a wide flow range.
	Enviroflex EF Series AODD pump with broad chemical resistance and robust construction, suitable for chemical processing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and oil and gas fluid transfer. Available in a range of wetted materials to suit aggressive and hygienic applications.
	Aro Classic, Expert, Pro, and PW Series A comprehensive range of AODD pumps covering light utility transfer through to heavy-duty slurry and abrasive fluid handling. The Expert Series handles chemical transfer and filter press feed; the Pro and PW Series are built for the most demanding abrasive and high-viscosity applications.
	Yamada DP, G, and NDP Series Reliable AODD pumps with broad chemical compatibility, suitable for industrial fluid transfer, chemical handling, paint and coatings transfer, and mining applications. Available in a wide selection of materials to suit aggressive media.
	Nomad Pwr-Flo and Trans-Flo Series High-volume and medium-volume AODD pumps for demanding industrial and chemical transfer applications. The Pwr-Flo is suited to slurry and abrasive fluid handling; the Trans-Flo offers smooth, consistent flow for metering and dosing duties.

Flexible Impeller Pumps offer gentle, self-priming transfer of liquids including those containing suspended solids, making them a popular choice for process lines handling viscous or shear-sensitive fluids.

	Jabsco Industrial, Bronze Series, S10, and Utility A versatile range of flexible impeller pumps for circulating and transferring liquids, velocity mixing, pumping machine tool coolants, and handling various process fluids including dyes, glycerine, brine, and dilute acids. Available in multiple configurations and flow sizes for industrial process lines.
	Jabsco Pedestal Motor-mounted pedestal unit for stationary industrial installations. Ideal for circulating and transferring process fluids, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, soaps, inks, and cooling water in fixed process line configurations.

Peristaltic Pumps are the preferred choice for metering, transfer, and dosing of abrasive, caustic, or sensitive materials where the fluid must only contact the hose, with no seals, valves, or glands to maintain.

	Enviroflex L Series Heavy-duty peristaltic pump for chemical, nuclear, food manufacturing, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, marine, and mining applications. Handles abrasive and corrosive fluids, slurries, and anaerobic digestate with gentle, low-shear pumping action and no seals, valves, or glands to maintain.
	Graco Solotech High-efficiency peristaltic pump for metering and transfer of caustic, abrasive, or shear-sensitive materials. Delivers more flow per revolution than comparable models, with reversible operation for line emptying and no valves, seals, or glands to service.

Key benefits: Self-priming with no need for foot valves • Dry-run capability without damage • Handles solids, slurries, and viscous fluids • Seal-less options eliminate leak risk • Available in ATEX-rated configurations • Wide chemical compatibility across materials

Chemical Handling & Dosing

Perfect For Chemical Processing, Precision Metering & Hazardous Fluid Transfer

Chemical handling in manufacturing environments demands pumps with precise flow control, excellent chemical resistance, and, in many cases, seal-less construction to prevent leakage of hazardous media. Dosing applications require accuracy and repeatability at low flow rates, while bulk chemical transfer calls for robust pumps capable of handling aggressive acids, caustics, solvents, and slurries.

Dosing Pumps provide precise, repeatable metered addition of chemicals at controlled flow rates. They are essential for water treatment, chemical injection, neutralisation, and process control applications within manufacturing facilities.

	ProMinent Gamma Series Precise electronic dosing pump for a wide range of industrial chemical applications including chemical injection, neutralisation, and process dosing. Suitable for use as a stand-alone unit or integrated into automated systems, with optional process timer control for simple cyclic dosing.
	ProMinent Beta Series Compact and reliable dosing pump for disinfection, chlorine dosing, biocide addition, and general metering of industrial and chemical liquids. Ideal for water treatment within manufacturing plants and cooling tower chemical dosing.
	ProMinent Sigma X Series Advanced intelligent dosing pump for volume-proportional chemical addition, neutralisation processes, and pulse-controlled metering in complex industrial applications. Suitable for stand-alone or fully integrated system operation.

Electronically Operated Double Diaphragm (EODD) Pumps combine the seal-less safety of diaphragm technology with electric operation, offering precise flow control without the need for a compressed air supply.

	Graco Quantm Electrically operated double diaphragm pump for chemical processing, manufacturing fluid transfer, and wastewater handling. Offers the reliability and chemical resistance of AODD technology with electric-driven precision and significantly lower energy consumption than air-operated equivalents.
	Dellmeco DME EODD pump designed for transfer of corrosive chemicals, viscous process fluids, oils, coolants, and surface treatment baths. Supports CIP and SIP cleaning systems and is available in ATEX-certified variants for hazardous area use.

Magnetic Drive Pumps offer completely seal-less fluid containment through magnetic coupling, making them the safest option for transferring aggressive or toxic chemicals where zero leakage is mandatory.

	GemmeCotti HTM and HTT Series Seal-less magnetic drive pumps specifically designed for transferring acids, corrosive chemicals, and dangerous liquids where zero leakage is critical. Completely seal-less construction eliminates the risk of shaft seal failure, making these an essential choice for aggressive chemical handling in manufacturing and processing environments.
	Flojet NDP Series Continuous-duty magnetic drive pump for transfer and recirculation of aggressive chemicals, pure fluids, and chilled water. Completely seal-less construction with no rotating shaft seals to fail. Ideal for photographic, reprographic, X-ray processing, and chemical laboratory applications.

Key benefits: Precise, repeatable dosing and metering • Seal-less designs prevent chemical leakage • ATEX-rated options for hazardous zones • Wide chemical compatibility • CIP/SIP capability for process hygiene • Electric and air-operated options available

Cooling, Circulation & Industrial Water Supply

Perfect For Cooling Towers, Process Water Systems & Industrial Plant Water Supply

Manufacturing facilities depend on reliable water circulation for machine cooling, process temperature control, washing systems, and general plant water supply. These applications require centrifugal and multistage pumps capable of continuous operation, high flow rates, and consistent pressure delivery across complex pipework systems.

Centrifugal Pumps are the standard solution for industrial water supply and circulation. They deliver smooth, continuous flow with low maintenance requirements and are available in configurations suited to everything from modest process water duties to large-scale plant-wide distribution.

	Ebara 3 Series Comprehensive range of industrial-grade centrifugal pumps for water supply to civil, agricultural, and industrial plants. Suited to pressurisation, firefighting systems, HVAC, industrial liquid handling, and continuous-duty washing systems across manufacturing facilities.
	Varisco J Series Rugged self-priming centrifugal pump capable of handling clean or dirty liquids, including those with sand or solids in suspension. Suitable for industrial washing, cooling and recirculation, chemical dosing and neutralisation, and liquid feed applications in manufacturing plants.
	Lowara CO Series Designed for industrial washing equipment, metal part washing, surface treatment plants, and dyeing and textile industry applications. Also suitable for the circulation and transfer of moderately viscous liquids in manufacturing process lines.
	Ebara DWO Specialist pump for industrial end-of-cycle washing systems including metal part finishing, can and bottle washing, spray booths, and communal dishwashers and glasswashers in industrial and commercial catering environments.

Multistage Pumps are used where higher pressures are required for industrial water supply, reverse osmosis, washing systems, or cooling circuits operating at elevated head.

	Ebara EVM and Matrix Series High-efficiency multistage pumps for industrial pressurisation, washing systems, water treatment, heating and air conditioning, and primary water treatment applications including reverse osmosis and filtration. The Matrix Series is suited to complex industrial installations with variable demand.
	Lowara SVI and SHO Series The SVI Series handles cooling and lubricating circuits for machine tools, emulsions, cutting oils, and water-glycol cooling systems. The SHO Series is a dedicated high-pressure washing pump for industrial washing machines and washing equipment.

Key benefits: Continuous-duty operation without overheating • Consistent pressure across complex pipework • Low operational noise for plant environments • Single and three-phase options available • High-efficiency motors reduce energy costs • Stainless steel options for corrosive water quality

Paint, Coatings & Viscous Fluid Handling

Perfect For Paint Shops, Coatings Lines, Finishing Operations & High-Viscosity Transfer

Paint circulation, coatings transfer, and the handling of adhesives, resins, and high-viscosity materials are among the most demanding fluid transfer challenges in manufacturing. These applications require pumps that maintain consistent, low-pulsation flow, handle abrasive pigments and solid-laden media, and integrate reliably with automated spraying and dispensing systems.

Piston Pumps are the industry standard for paint and coatings transfer, circulation, and supply. Their ability to generate high pressures, handle high-viscosity materials, and deliver consistent flow to spray guns and applicators makes them essential in finishing operations.

	Graco Merkur Precision piston pump for spray finishing applications using air spray, air-assisted, and airless systems. Features Ultralife ceramic-coated components for abrasive coatings, fast colour changes with easy-flush design, and optional DataTrak monitoring of spray cycles and material volumes.
	Graco President Industrial piston pump for paint circulation in paint kitchens, ink handling, and general industrial fluid transfer. Handles tough and catalysed materials reliably, suitable for both automated and manual production lines requiring consistent, medium-pressure flow.
	Graco Glutton High-pressure piston pump for general industrial spraying, airless and air-assisted spray gun supply, and handling abrasive or high-solids coatings. Protects moisture-sensitive materials, such as urethanes and epoxies, and supports the circulation of materials at the specified temperature.

AODD Pumps for Coatings are frequently used alongside piston pumps in paint transfer and circulation roles where their inherent safety, self-priming capability, and broad materials compatibility offer operational advantages.

	Graco Husky Series (AODD) AODD pump widely used in paint and coatings transfer, paint circulation systems, and sludge removal. Handles abrasive pigments and high-solids materials without damage. Available in configurations suitable for ATEX-rated paint spray environments.
	Enviroflex EF Series AODD pump suited to paint transfer, coatings handling, and chemical processing lines. Available in a range of wetted materials to suit solvent-based, waterborne, and specialty coating chemistries. ATEX-rated variants available for use in classified spray environments.
	Yamada DP and NDP Series AODD pumps with excellent resistance to solvents, paints, and coatings are widely used in paint transfer and industrial finishing lines. Available in a range of wetted materials to match specific solvent and resin chemistries.
	Graco Endura-Flo Long-life diaphragm pump for fluid transfer, supply, and small paint circulation, including piggable systems. The 3:1 Endura-Flo features an isolated air section to prevent contamination, delivering low-pulsation output, smooth colour changes, and extended diaphragm life at lower pressures.
	Graco Triton Air-operated double diaphragm pump for wood and metal finishing, including stains, sealers, and lacquers. Delivers low-pulsation, low-shear performance with durable aluminium and stainless steel construction, ideal for replacing pressure pots and standard diaphragm pumps.

Key benefits: Handles high-viscosity materials and abrasive pigments • Low-pulsation flow for consistent spray quality • Integrated colour change and flush capability • ATEX ratings available for solvent-laden environments • Piggable system compatibility for minimal waste • Wide material selection for solvent and resin compatibility

Lubrication & Oil Transfer

Perfect For Machine Lubrication, Workshop Oil Dispensing & Fluid Maintenance

Keeping machinery properly lubricated is essential for uptime, component life, and safety across all manufacturing environments. From automatic lubrication systems on CNC machines and production equipment to workshop oil dispensing and bulk lubricant transfer, the right pump ensures the right amount of lubricant reaches the right place reliably and without manual intervention.

Piston Pumps for Lubrication are the backbone of industrial lubrication systems. They deliver oil and grease at controlled rates under high pressure to automatic and semi-automatic lubrication points across complex machinery.

	Graco LD Series High-volume lubricant transfer pump for automotive and industrial machinery servicing. Transfers engine oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, and grease from drums or totes to dispensing stations in workshops, service bays, and manufacturing facilities. Features advanced NXT air valve technology for reliable, efficient operation.
	Graco Fireball Purpose-built lubrication pump for dispensing oil and grease to industrial equipment and machinery. Compact and reliable for use in fixed dispensing stations or mobile drum-mounted configurations.
	Graco Checkmate Piston pump for transferring medium- to high-viscosity materials including sealants, adhesives, and grease from pails or drums to dispensing stations. Also suited to packaging operations and ink transfer in industrial printing environments.
	Graco G1 and G3 Series Automatic lubrication pumps for industrial machinery, off-road equipment, and commercial vehicles. The G1 Series handles standard automatic and semi-automatic greasing systems; the G3 Series is built for demanding applications including hydraulic fracturing equipment, mining machinery, and high-pressure grease dispensing in extreme operating conditions.
	Graco Fast-Flo Air-operated piston pump for transferring low-viscosity fluids including oils, inks, antifreeze, and windshield washer fluid. Ideal for drum-to-drum or drum-to-station transfers and siphon feeding in workshops and industrial maintenance settings.

Gear Pumps provide smooth, consistent flow for electric fluid transfer duties, particularly where precise dispensing of oils, antifreeze, and lubricants is required without the use of compressed air.

Graco EGP Transfer Electric gear pump for precise fluid transfer of oils, antifreeze, and other fluids in critical equipment maintenance and dispensing applications. Can be mounted stationary or on a roll-around drum stand for flexible use across workshops, industrial sites, and vehicle service operations.

AODD Pumps for Drum & IBC Transfer are a practical and safe solution for dispensing oils, lubricants, and fluids directly from drums and IBCs. Self-priming and capable of running dry without damage, they are well suited to workshop and plant maintenance environments where drum- or IBC-mounted dispensing stations are required.

	Samoa ClassicFlo and DirectFlo Air-operated diaphragm pumps designed specifically for unloading, transfer, and dispensing of oils, lubricants, antifreeze, and windscreen wash solutions. Available for drum and IBC mounting with a full range of accessories for complete dispensing station configurations.
	Graco Husky Series Versatile AODD pump that can be drum- or IBC-mounted for transferring oils, lubricants, and non-aggressive fluids in workshop and maintenance environments. Handles a wide range of viscosities and is available in ATEX-certified configurations where required.
	Enviroflex EF Series AODD pump suitable for drum and IBC mounting for transfer of oils, lubricants, and fuel-adjacent fluids. Broad material compatibility and ATEX-rated options make it a flexible choice for maintenance and fluid transfer duties across manufacturing facilities.

Key benefits: Precise, controlled lubricant delivery to critical machinery • Automatic operation reduces manual handling • Handles greases up to NLGI Grade #2 • Drum and IBC mounting configurations available • Electric and air-operated options to suit site power availability • Extended machinery life through consistent lubrication

Additional Support

Components & Accessories

Beyond pump selection, several additional components ensure safe, efficient operation:

• Drum & IBC Mounting Equipment – Bung adaptors, mounting frames, and drum followers allow pumps to be securely positioned on drums and IBCs for efficient fluid transfer without manual handling or spillage risk.
• Chemical-Resistant Hose & Pipework – Correct hose and pipe selection is critical when handling solvents, acids, and aggressive chemicals. PTFE-lined, stainless steel, and chemically resistant polymer options are available to suit specific media.
• Pressure Switches & Flow Controls – Automated pressure switches, flow regulators, and electronic controls ensure precise dosing, protect pumps from dry running, and enable integration with PLC and SCADA systems.
• Filtration & Strainers – In-line strainers, filter housings, and cartridge filters protect pumps and downstream equipment from particulate contamination in process and cooling water systems.
• Relief Valves & Back-Pressure Regulators – Essential for dosing and piston pump installations, these components prevent over-pressurisation of the system and maintain consistent back-pressure for accurate metering.
• Containment & Spill Protection – Drip trays, bunded plinths, and leak detection systems are important safety additions for chemical handling and oil transfer applications, reducing environmental and compliance risk.

Additional Resources

• Chemical Compatibility Guide
• AODD Pump Viscosity Correction Tables
• How to Select the Right Diaphragm Pump
• Understanding Friction Loss in Pump Systems

We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect pump for your industrial and manufacturing needs.