A circulator pump is a specific type of pump used to circulate fluids in a closed circuit. They are most commonly found circulating water in a heating or cooling system. Because they only circulate liquid within a
closed circuit, they only need to overcome the friction of a piping
system (as opposed to lifting a fluid from a point of lower potential
energy to a point of higher potential energy).
As used in homes, they are often small, sealed, and rated at a fraction of a horsepower, but in commercial applications they range in size up to many horsepower and the motor is usually separated from the pump body by some form of mechanical
coupling.
Small- to medium-sized circulator pumps are usually supported
entirely by the pipe flanges that join them to the rest of the plumbing. Large pumps are usually pad-mounted.
Pumps that are used solely for closed hydronic systems can be made with cast iron components as the water in the loop will either become de-oxygenated or be treated with chemicals to inhibit corrosion. But pumps that have a steady stream of oxygenated, potable water flowing through them must be made of more expensive materials such as bronze or stainless steel.
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