Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Types

In the world of mechanical and chemical engineering, few components are as critical—and as misunderstood—as pumps. Pumps: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Types: Theory, Design and Applications is a widely respected technical reference that tackles this exact challenge. Used by students, practicing engineers, and design professionals worldwide, this book bridges the gap between theory and real-world application.

Rather than treating pumps as black-box machines, the author breaks down how and why different pump types work, how they are designed, and where they perform best. Its popularity comes from its practical approach, clear explanations, and strong engineering foundation. If you’re looking for a reliable guide to pump selection, performance, and troubleshooting, keep reading for a concise summary, pros and cons, and where to buy this essential engineering book.

About the Book

Pumps: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Types is a technical engineering textbook and professional reference focused on the theory, design, operation, and applications of pumps across industries.

The book covers two major pump families:

Rotodynamic pumps (centrifugal, axial, and mixed flow)
Positive displacement pumps (reciprocating, gear, screw, vane, and lobe pumps)

It is written primarily for:

Mechanical engineering students
Chemical and process engineers
Maintenance and reliability engineers
Design consultants and plant engineers

Published by a reputable technical publisher, the book is often recommended in university curricula and industry training programs. Its structured layout, equations, diagrams, and case-based explanations make it both academically solid and practically useful.

About the Author

The author of this book is a recognized expert in fluid mechanics and turbomachinery, with decades of experience in engineering education, research, and industrial consulting. Known for translating complex concepts into understandable engineering language, the author has contributed significantly to pump design standards and applied fluid systems.

In addition to this title, the author has written and contributed to several well-known works on fluid dynamics, hydraulic machines, and mechanical system design, further strengthening the book’s credibility. Many engineers trust this author’s work as a long-term desk reference rather than a one-time read.

Summary / Key Takeaways

Here are the core insights readers gain from this book—without spoilers or excessive technical detail:

Clear explanation of pump fundamentals, including head, flow, efficiency, cavitation, and NPSH
In-depth comparison between rotodynamic and positive displacement pumps
Step-by-step coverage of pump design principles and performance curves
Practical guidance on pump selection for different fluids and operating conditions
Real-world insights into operation, maintenance, and common failure modes

This balance of theory and application is what sets the book apart from many purely academic texts.

What Readers Liked

Readers consistently highlight several strengths that make this book stand out:

Strong conceptual clarity with logical progression from basics to advanced topics
Well-illustrated diagrams that simplify complex pump mechanisms
Balanced focus on both design theory and industrial application
Useful for exam preparation as well as on-the-job reference
Covers a wide range of pump types in a single, cohesive volume

Many engineers appreciate that the book doesn’t just explain formulas—it explains how pumps actually behave in real systems.

What Could Be Better

While highly regarded, the book isn’t perfect for everyone. Some readers note:

The writing is technical and dense, which may be challenging for beginners
Limited coverage of modern simulation tools and CFD software
Fewer real-life case studies compared to some newer industry-focused books

That said, these are minor issues for a book whose primary goal is building a strong engineering foundation.

Why You Should Read It

If your work or studies involve fluid handling systems, this book is a smart investment. It helps you move beyond memorization and truly understand pump behavior, selection, and limitations.

You should read this book if you:

Want to avoid costly pump selection mistakes
Need a reliable reference for industrial pump applications
Are preparing for engineering exams or certifications
Work in industries like oil & gas, water treatment, power plants, or manufacturing