What Is the Difference Between a Pump and Gas Booster?

If you’re new to industrial or commercial equipment, the pump and gas booster might seem similar at first glance. These two can indeed have similarities, mainly since both mechanical devices help transfer elements from one point to another. 

However, pumps and gas boosters still have unique functions, especially in how they operate. 

The main difference between a pump and a gas booster is the state of matter they transfer or compress. Other than this, there is still some uniqueness between the two, which is essential to know, especially when you need to acquire one.

Whether you need new equipment for your business, a systems upgrade, or personal use, understanding the differences between a pump and a gas booster is crucial. It will help you make an informed decision about what’s best for your needs. 

This article will explore further the differences between pumps and gas boosters, their types, and their applications. 

Understanding Pumps

A pump is an industrial device that moves or transfers fluids, such as liquids and slurries. Though there are many types of pumps, at their core, they all work by creating various pressures to drive fluids from one point to another. This is why pumps have become indispensable to many industries and even for personal use.

How does it work? This type of equipment converts mechanical energy into pressure or hydraulic energy to transfer liquid or slurries. In detail, pumps work by pushing air out of the way through the device’s moving parts. Hence, a vacuum-like storage space is created that can be filled with fluids.

Some common types of pumps are centrifugal pumps, which use a rotating impeller; diaphragm pumps, which use a rubber-made diaphragm to move corrosive liquids; and piston pumps, which use a piston to create that reciprocating motion.

Moreover, pumps find applications across a variety of industrial and commercial businesses. They are used in water treatment plants to distribute clean water. Pumps like pistons are also used in the oil and gas sector to transport crude oil and other fluids. Even industries that handle sensitive and viscous materials, like pharma and food, use pumps in their daily operations.

Understanding Gas Boosters

Unlike pumps that handle liquids, a gas booster compresses air, Nitrogen, and other gases. This mechanical equipment is primarily used in industries dependent on consistent high-pressure gas delivery. 

A gas booster system compresses low-pressure gas using mechanical means to achieve and release an effectual high-pressure output. Usually, gas boosters have a piston or diaphragm mechanism, which is the central part of the system and efficiently orchestrates the compression within a cylinder. 

⁤While both pumps and gas boosters aim to increase pressure, they differ significantly in function and design. ⁤⁤As previously mentioned, pumps are designed to move incompressible fluids like water, oil, and slurries. Meanwhile, gas boosters are mainly used to handle and compress gases. This means the latter focuses more on compression than moving the matter at hand. 

⁤Gas boosters are famous in different sectors, like aerospace, where they use equipment to pressurise hydraulic systems and fuel tanks. In the medical field, some equipment, like oxygen tanks, heavily relies on gas boosters to deliver high-pressure medical gases. This booster is also essential in manufacturing, assisting some of its tools and equipment. 

Key Differences Between Pumps and Gas Boosters

When choosing the right equipment for your specific personal or business needs, it is essential to understand the differences between your options. Since you are here trying to discover more about pumps and gas booster pumps, below is information containing the critical differences between the two. 

• Operational Mechanisms: To determine the device’s suitability for your application, you must understand how pumps and gas boosters operate. As mentioned earlier, pumps use impellers, diaphragms, or pistons to create pressure and move fluids. Meanwhile, a gas booster–using either a piston or diaphragm mechanism–aims to increase pressure and compress gases rather than moving them from point A to B. 
• Flow and Pressure Capabilities: If you need equipment that handles high flow rates with moderate pressure increases and is suitable for moving large volumes of fluids, then a pump is what you should look for. But if the focus is on significantly increasing gas pressure with lower flow rates, then a gas booster is what you need. The latter is ideal for applications needing high-pressure gas delivery. 
• Materials and Construction: Pumps and gas boosters are designed and engineered according to their application. Pumps are manufactured depending on the fluid they will pump and its corrosiveness; common materials used are stainless steel, cast iron, or plastic. On the other hand, a gas booster is made of high-grade stainless steel or aluminium to ensure that it can withstand high pressures and prevent gas leaks. 
• Energy Consumption and Efficiency: Due to the lower pressure demands, pumps often require less energy to operate, ensuring that you can efficiently do the necessary application without consuming too much power. It’s the opposite, though, when it comes to gas boosters, as they tend to consume more energy to maximise their efficiency. 

Applications and Use Cases

Here are some of the specific applications where pumps and gas boosters are preferred: 

Pumps: 

• Water Treatment Plants: Centrifugal pumps are commonly used in this industry, helping move water through various stages of treatment and distribution to communities. 
• Chemical Processing: Companies in this industry use pumps to handle all corrosive and viscous liquids, ensuring precise and leak-free fluid transfer. The most common type used in chemical processing is diaphragm pumps. 
• Agriculture: Distributing water efficiently across the plantation is essential in agriculture, specifically in irrigation systems. Thus, having pumps to distribute them is a massive help in enhancing crop yields. 
• Oil & Gas: Piston pumps are commonly used in the oil and gas industry for pressure testing. Pressure testing is done on valves, pipes and other related products in the value chain before delivery to the end user and deployment on site. 

 

Gas Boosters:

• Aerospace: Gas boosters are vital to ensure that aircraft operate reliably. They pressurise hydraulic systems and fuel tanks. For instance, crews use nitrogen gas boosters to pressurise landing gear struts during pre-flight preparations.
• Manufacturing: Gas boosters power pneumatic tools and equipment, which are crucial in manufacturing production. They maintain consistent pressure in conveyor systems to ensure smooth, uninterrupted production lines.  
• Medical Field: Hospitals use gas boosters to ensure a high-pressure and reliable flow of oxygen supply, especially in critical care units. 
• Firefighting: Firefighters often use gas boosters to fill high-pressure air cylinders. This is crucial as it enables quick refilling of the breathing apparatus on-site. 

 

Choosing the Right Equipment

If you’re still undecided about which device to choose between a pump and a gas booster, there are several factors you can consider. The first is usually the type of fluid that you will be working on. Pumps are designed for liquids like water, oils, slurries, and other chemicals. Gas boosters, on the other hand, are designed for gases such as Nitrogen, Oxygen, Hydrogen, etc.

Next, pressure requirements. Pumps are designed to handle low to moderate pressure, only enough to transport fluids. Gas boosters, on the other hand, are ideal for high-pressure applications. 

The application environment must also play a significant part in your decision-making; make sure that the area where you will use the device is set and clear. Pumps and gas boosters can be appropriate if you work in a clean, controlled setting. However, selecting suitable materials, types, and construction equipment is paramount for more demanding environments, such as high temperatures or corrosive materials.

Consult an Expert

In choosing between a pump and a gas booster, you just have to know what you need, and everything will follow. Pumps and gas boosters are different devices serving two distinct purposes, and understanding their functions is the best way to make a sound decision. 

If you’re still unsure of your judgment, it’s best to consult experts like Maximator, explain your needs, and let them tailor advice, specifically for you. 

Maximator Far East is an internationally leading company specialising in high pressure technologies . Our team develops high-quality products for different industry uses and applications, especially in hydraulics, equipment, high-pressure testing and pneumatics. 

We offer a wide variety of high pressure solutions; Pneumatic (Air-driven) Liquid Pumps and Gas Boosters, Compressors,  Valves, Fittings, and Tubing, High Pressure Hoses, Pressure Gauges, Chart Recorders, Customised Liquid and Gas Test Bay Systems, and Preventive Maintenance and Repair Services.