Pump systems generally fall under one of four types of configuration. Each configuration has its own set of factors to consider.

1. Simple system. A simple system consists of a single input source and a single destination. Many pump systems fall under this category, such as a chemical unloading system, where the pump transfers the chemical from a chemical truck to a storage tank. Pumps that circulate the chemical back to the same tank, such as an electroplating system, are also a simple pumping system.
2. Branched discharge. This is also a fairly common pump system configuration. A pump is used to move chemicals from a storage tank to various workstations. Each workstation may be located at a different distance from the storage tank, so the discharge piping is being branched to supply to the workstations. In such a system, we have to consider running the pump at variable speeds to optimize the delivery of the chemicals as needed by the workstations.
3. Pumps in parallel. This is also a common pump configuration where two or more pumps are used at the same time to transfer chemicals from the same suction tank to be processed or to be discharged. Using this configuration allows the transfer volume to be scaled up as needed. Advanced systems use monitoring systems to balance the loading between the pumps to ensure the pumps run closest to the best efficiency point of the pumps.
4. Pumps in series. This configuration is not as common as others. The main purpose of running pumps in series is to provide a boost to reach a higher pressure or a greater height. Such a system is used when using a single pump to achieve the pressure/height is impractical.