Which type of pump is typically shown in an insulated configuration in a refrigeration system?

The centrifugal chill water pump is typically shown in an insulated configuration in refrigeration systems due to its common application in chilling fluids effectively while maintaining energy efficiency. Insulation is primarily used in refrigeration systems to minimize heat gain from the surrounding environment, ensuring that the temperature of the chilled water remains low as it circulates through the system. This is crucial for maintaining the desired cooling effect and preventing inefficiencies that heat exchange can introduce.

Centrifugal chill water pumps are designed to move large volumes of water at relatively low pressures, making them ideal for HVAC applications where they are used extensively to circulate chilled water throughout a building. The insulation not only serves the functional purpose of temperature maintenance but also aids in noise reduction and protection from condensation, which can occur when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces.

In contrast, while gear pumps, piston pumps, and diaphragm pumps have their applications, they are less common in centralized chill water refrigeration systems and often don't require the same insulating precautions typical of centrifugal chill water pumps.