The Archimedean screw pump (also called the water screw or screw conveyor pump) is one of the oldest pumping devices, dating back to ancient Greece. It uses a rotating helical screw inside an inclined trough to lift water or granular materials.
Few moving parts → low maintenance and long lifespan.
No tight tolerances, making it resistant to debris and solids.
Can pump water with leaves, sand, or small debris without clogging.
Used in wastewater treatment, agriculture, and flood control.
More efficient than centrifugal pumps for low-head, high-flow applications (e.g., irrigation, drainage).
Can operate at low speeds, reducing energy consumption.
Unlike high-speed pumps, it doesn’t harm fish or delicate fluids, making it eco-friendly.
Starts pumping without manual priming.
Can run in reverse to drain water (useful in flood control).
Unlike modern screw pumps, it doesn’t require tight sealing, reducing installation complexity.
Used in large-scale water management (canals, polders, fish farms).
Best for lifts below 10 meters (higher lifts require multiple screws).
Requires a long, inclined structure, making it unsuitable for tight spaces.
Excessive speed causes splashing and reduced pumping efficiency.
Cannot generate high pressures like centrifugal or rotary screw pumps.
Abrasive particles (sand, grit) can wear down the screw or trough over decades.
Works best with water-like fluids; not ideal for highly viscous oils or chemicals.
✔ Agriculture – Irrigation, drainage.
✔ Wastewater Treatment – Moving sewage without clogging.
✔ Flood Control – Reversible operation for filling/draining.
✔ Aquaculture – Fish-friendly water movement.
✔ Historical Water Lifting – Still used in some traditional farming systems.
| Feature | Archimedean Screw Pump | Rotary Screw Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open helical screw in a trough | Enclosed twin/multi-screw |
| Head (Lift) Capacity | Low (<10m) | High (up to 200+ bar) |
| Solids Handling | Excellent (debris, fish) | Limited (needs filtration) |
| Efficiency | High at low lifts | High at high pressures |
| Maintenance | Very low | Moderate to high |
| Cost | Low (simple construction) | High (precision parts) |
The Archimedean screw pump is a reliable, low-tech solution for moving water and slurries with minimal maintenance. It’s ideal for agriculture, wastewater, and eco-friendly applications but not suitable for high-pressure or compact systems.
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