While both are centrifugal pumps used in HVAC and plumbing systems, Booster Pumps and Circulation Pumps serve two very different mechanical purposes. Understanding the distinction is vital for proper system design, especially in high-rise buildings and industrial facilities managed by EKG (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
A booster pump is designed to increase the pressure of a fluid. It takes water from a source (like a municipal line or a ground tank) and "boosts" it to a higher pressure to overcome gravity or friction.
Primary Goal: Increasing PSI (Pressure).
Common Use Cases:
Pushing domestic water to the top floors of a high-rise condominium.
Increasing water pressure for high-pressure industrial wash-down systems.
Firefighting systems (hydrants and sprinklers).
Mechanical Characteristic: Usually features multiple impellers (Multistage) to build high head pressure. They often operate intermittently based on a pressure switch or a VFD.
A circulation pump is designed to keep fluid moving within a closed-loop system. It does not need to "lift" water to a height because the weight of the water falling back down the return pipe balances the weight of the water being pushed up. It only needs to overcome the friction of the pipes.
Primary Goal: Maintaining Flow Rate (GPM/LPS).
Common Use Cases:
Moving chilled water from a chiller to Air Handling Units (AHUs).
Circulating hot water in a boiler system.
Moving water between a WCPU and a cooling tower.
Mechanical Characteristic: Typically a single-stage pump (Inline or End-Suction). These pumps often run continuously or modulate slowly via VFD to maintain a constant temperature or flow.
| Feature | Booster Pump | Circulation Pump |
| System Type | Open (e.g., Tank to Tap) | Closed (e.g., Chiller Loop) |
| Main Objective | High Pressure (Head) | High Flow (Volume) |
| Operating Mode | On-demand (Start/Stop) | Continuous or Modulated |
| Common Design | Vertical Multistage | End-Suction or Inline |
| Overcomes... | Gravity + Friction | Pipe Friction Only |
We specialize in setting the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and pressure transducers on high-rise booster sets. This prevents "pipe burst" events caused by excessive pressure while ensuring residents on the top floor have consistent flow.
Our team performs Hydronic Balancing for circulation loops. By ensuring the pump is sized correctly for the system's friction loss, we help buildings reduce energy consumption and eliminate "Low Delta-T" inefficiency.
Whether it’s replacing high-pressure mechanical seals on a multistage booster or performing laser alignment on a heavy-duty chilled water circulation pump, our ISO-certified technicians ensure your systems remain reliable.
Choosing the wrong pump can lead to poor performance or burst pipes. Trust the engineering experts at EKG (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd to help you select, install, and maintain the right pumping technology for your specific needs.
Are you experiencing low water pressure or poor cooling? Contact us now for a free site assessment and a technical recommendation on the best pump solution for your building!
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