reciprocating hydraulic pump pricelist

Blackmer® is the leading global provider of innovative, high-quality sliding vane pump, internal gear pump, centrifugal pump, screw and regenerative turbine pump, and reciprocating gas compressor technologies for the safe transfer of liquids and gases. Since 1903, Blackmer pumps and compressors have been helping customers optimize productivity and profitability while improving safety and environmental protection in the global chemical process, energy, transport, military & marine, general industrial, oil & gas, and food & beverage markets.

Pump engineers are familiar with the performance curve of a centrifugal pump. For a fixed speed, the head varies with flow and the performance envelope can be clearly defined, although this envelope is often ignored to the detriment of reliability (Image 1).

Engineers intuitively use the mental image of the pump performance curve to evaluate the operating position and the interaction with the system. This has been widely discussed and has become second nature to many. However, reciprocating machines have different characteristics compared to centrifugal pumps.

There is no HQ curve for this type of machine as there is with centrifugal pumps. If we were to draw a capacity curve, it would simply be a straight line from zero capacity and speed to maximum capacity and speed (Image 2). For a fixed rotations per minute (rpm) value, the flow is consistent.

While centrifugal pump hydraulic engineers spend time and effort understanding impeller blade design and the transfer of energy between rotating and stationary components, the reciprocating pump principles are more straightforward.

Reciprocating pumps function by displacing liquid through a volume—the size of the volume and the number of times per minute the volume is swept. Plus, the number of available volumes means that the reciprocating machine is, in principle, a constant flow machine.

Plunger diameter: One pump can accommodate a range of plunger sizes. Changing the size changes the swept volume. The stroke length is fixed, but the diameter can be tuned to the process need.

Pump speed:Belt and chain drive systems are not uncommon to set the speed to the correct level, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) are also popular. The volume displaced varies directly with the number of revolutions, i.e., increase the number of sweeps of the fixed volume. Image 2 depicts 100% volumetric efficiency, and the other line depicts the pump at the actual application volumetric efficiency. Volumetric efficiency measures how much of the swept liquid passes through to the discharge based on the valve effectiveness. The analogy that can be applied from centrifugal pumps is the volumetric efficiency considered when evaluating the effectiveness of the wear ring landings.

Reciprocating pumps are well suited to lower flow rates. Certain combinations of flow rate and pressure can make centrifugal pumps inherently less efficient. A reciprocating pump in a high-head, low-flow application could have a high efficiency (90%) compared to the single-digit efficiency of an equivalent centrifugal machine.

Positive displacement reciprocating pump net positive suction head required (NPSHr) varies as a function of flow that is determined by speed. The lower the positive displacement reciprocating pump speed, the lower the NPSHr. The engineer often can run the pump slower to improve the NPSH margin. This is true in centrifugal machines, but there are often compromises on operating condition that can limit reliability.

The operating range constraints of a centrifugal pump do not apply to a reciprocating machine. Using the plunger/speed/number of plungers, the pump can run efficiently and reliably where centrifugal machines struggle.

Because of the fixed volume of fluid displacement, a more precise capacity can be achieved. A positive displacement reciprocating pump has a constant flow regardless of pressure.

A positive displacement reciprocating pump can be used if the application has variable pressure conditions. A centrifugal pump will be forced up and down the performance curve varying the flow. A positive displacement reciprocating pump can give near-constant flow, making it possible to match the flow rate to the process requirements. A reciprocating pump’s variable capacity can be achieved by changing the pump speed.

Misapplication is one of the main causes of poor reliability in reciprocating pumps.Reciprocating pumps should run slowly. Standards from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Hydraulic Institute (HI) limit the maximum speed of applications. Many are tempted to choose smaller, faster-running pumps that approach or surpass these limits as a less expensive alternative. This causes wear and reliability issues.

Due to the nature of the reciprocating motion of the plungers, the system experiences pressure pulsations on the suction and discharge side. System interactions are stronger. Poor system design drives down reliability, and the system designer must deal with the potential problems caused by pulsations.

Hydraulic pumps are mechanisms in hydraulic systems that move hydraulic fluid from point to point initiating the production of hydraulic power. Hydraulic pumps are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “hydrolic” pumps.

They are an important device overall in the hydraulics field, a special kind of power transmission which controls the energy which moving fluids transmit while under pressure and change into mechanical energy. Other kinds of pumps utilized to transmit hydraulic fluids could also be referred to as hydraulic pumps. There is a wide range of contexts in which hydraulic systems are applied, hence they are very important in many commercial, industrial, and consumer utilities.

“Power transmission” alludes to the complete procedure of technologically changing energy into a beneficial form for practical applications. Mechanical power, electrical power, and fluid power are the three major branches that make up the power transmission field. Fluid power covers the usage of moving gas and moving fluids for the transmission of power. Hydraulics are then considered as a sub category of fluid power that focuses on fluid use in opposition to gas use. The other fluid power field is known as pneumatics and it’s focused on the storage and release of energy with compressed gas.

"Pascal"s Law" applies to confined liquids. Thus, in order for liquids to act hydraulically, they must be contained within a system. A hydraulic power pack or hydraulic power unit is a confined mechanical system that utilizes liquid hydraulically. Despite the fact that specific operating systems vary, all hydraulic power units share the same basic components. A reservoir, valves, a piping/tubing system, a pump, and actuators are examples of these components. Similarly, despite their versatility and adaptability, these mechanisms work together in related operating processes at the heart of all hydraulic power packs.

The hydraulic reservoir"s function is to hold a volume of liquid, transfer heat from the system, permit solid pollutants to settle, and aid in releasing moisture and air from the liquid.

Mechanical energy is changed to hydraulic energy by the hydraulic pump. This is accomplished through the movement of liquid, which serves as the transmission medium. All hydraulic pumps operate on the same basic principle of dispensing fluid volume against a resistive load or pressure.

Hydraulic valves are utilized to start, stop, and direct liquid flow in a system. Hydraulic valves are made of spools or poppets and can be actuated hydraulically, pneumatically, manually, electrically, or mechanically.

The end result of Pascal"s law is hydraulic actuators. This is the point at which hydraulic energy is transformed back to mechanical energy. This can be accomplished by using a hydraulic cylinder to transform hydraulic energy into linear movement and work or a hydraulic motor to transform hydraulic energy into rotational motion and work. Hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders, like hydraulic pumps, have various subtypes, each meant for specific design use.

The essence of hydraulics can be found in a fundamental physical fact: fluids are incompressible. (As a result, fluids more closely resemble solids than compressible gasses) The incompressible essence of fluid allows it to transfer force and speed very efficiently. This fact is summed up by a variant of "Pascal"s Principle," which states that virtually all pressure enforced on any part of a fluid is transferred to every other part of the fluid. This scientific principle states, in other words, that pressure applied to a fluid transmits equally in all directions.

Furthermore, the force transferred through a fluid has the ability to multiply as it moves. In a slightly more abstract sense, because fluids are incompressible, pressurized fluids should keep a consistent pressure just as they move. Pressure is defined mathematically as a force acting per particular area unit (P = F/A). A simplified version of this equation shows that force is the product of area and pressure (F = P x A). Thus, by varying the size or area of various parts inside a hydraulic system, the force acting inside the pump can be adjusted accordingly (to either greater or lesser). The need for pressure to remain constant is what causes force and area to mirror each other (on the basis of either shrinking or growing). A hydraulic system with a piston five times larger than a second piston can demonstrate this force-area relationship. When a force (e.g., 50lbs) is exerted on the smaller piston, it is multiplied by five (e.g., 250 lbs) and transmitted to the larger piston via the hydraulic system.

Hydraulics is built on fluids’ chemical properties and the physical relationship between pressure, area, and force. Overall, hydraulic applications allow human operators to generate and exert immense mechanical force with little to no physical effort. Within hydraulic systems, both oil and water are used to transmit power. The use of oil, on the other hand, is far more common, owing in part to its extremely incompressible nature.

Pressure relief valves prevent excess pressure by regulating the actuators’ output and redirecting liquid back to the reservoir when necessary. Directional control valves are used to change the size and direction of hydraulic fluid flow.

While hydraulic power transmission is remarkably useful in a wide range of professional applications, relying solely on one type of power transmission is generally unwise. On the contrary, the most efficient strategy is to combine a wide range of power transmissions (pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical). As a result, hydraulic systems must be carefully embedded into an overall power transmission strategy for the specific commercial application. It is necessary to invest in locating trustworthy and skilled hydraulic manufacturers/suppliers who can aid in the development and implementation of an overall hydraulic strategy.

The intended use of a hydraulic pump must be considered when selecting a specific type. This is significant because some pumps may only perform one function, whereas others allow for greater flexibility.

The pump"s material composition must also be considered in the application context. The cylinders, pistons, and gears are frequently made of long-lasting materials like aluminum, stainless steel, or steel that can withstand the continuous wear of repeated pumping. The materials must be able to withstand not only the process but also the hydraulic fluids. Composite fluids frequently contain oils, polyalkylene glycols, esters, butanol, and corrosion inhibitors (though water is used in some instances). The operating temperature, flash point, and viscosity of these fluids differ.

In addition to material, manufacturers must compare hydraulic pump operating specifications to make sure that intended utilization does not exceed pump abilities. The many variables in hydraulic pump functionality include maximum operating pressure, continuous operating pressure, horsepower, operating speed, power source, pump weight, and maximum fluid flow. Standard measurements like length, rod extension, and diameter should be compared as well. Because hydraulic pumps are used in lifts, cranes, motors, and other heavy machinery, they must meet strict operating specifications.

It is critical to recall that the overall power generated by any hydraulic drive system is influenced by various inefficiencies that must be considered in order to get the most out of the system. The presence of air bubbles within a hydraulic drive, for example, is known for changing the direction of the energy flow inside the system (since energy is wasted on the way to the actuators on bubble compression). Using a hydraulic drive system requires identifying shortfalls and selecting the best parts to mitigate their effects. A hydraulic pump is the "generator" side of a hydraulic system that initiates the hydraulic procedure (as opposed to the "actuator" side that completes the hydraulic procedure). Regardless of disparities, all hydraulic pumps are responsible for displacing liquid volume and transporting it to the actuator(s) from the reservoir via the tubing system. Some form of internal combustion system typically powers pumps.

While the operation of hydraulic pumps is normally the same, these mechanisms can be split into basic categories. There are two types of hydraulic pumps to consider: gear pumps and piston pumps. Radial and axial piston pumps are types of piston pumps. Axial pumps produce linear motion, whereas radial pumps can produce rotary motion. The gear pump category is further subdivided into external gear pumps and internal gear pumps.

Each type of hydraulic pump, regardless of piston or gear, is either double-action or single-action. Single-action pumps can only pull, push, or lift in one direction, while double-action pumps can pull, push, or lift in multiple directions.

Vane pumps are positive displacement pumps that maintain a constant flow rate under varying pressures. It is a pump that self-primes. It is referred to as a "vane pump" because the effect of the vane pressurizes the liquid.

This pump has a variable number of vanes mounted onto a rotor that rotates within the cavity. These vanes may be variable in length and tensioned to maintain contact with the wall while the pump draws power. The pump also features a pressure relief valve, which prevents pressure rise inside the pump from damaging it.

Internal gear pumps and external gear pumps are the two main types of hydraulic gear pumps. Pumps with external gears have two spur gears, the spurs of which are all externally arranged. Internal gear pumps also feature two spur gears, and the spurs of both gears are internally arranged, with one gear spinning around inside the other.

Both types of gear pumps deliver a consistent amount of liquid with each spinning of the gears. Hydraulic gear pumps are popular due to their versatility, effectiveness, and fairly simple design. Furthermore, because they are obtainable in a variety of configurations, they can be used in a wide range of consumer, industrial, and commercial product contexts.

Hydraulic ram pumps are cyclic machines that use water power, also referred to as hydropower, to transport water to a higher level than its original source. This hydraulic pump type is powered solely by the momentum of moving or falling water.

Ram pumps are a common type of hydraulic pump, especially among other types of hydraulic water pumps. Hydraulic ram pumps are utilized to move the water in the waste management, agricultural, sewage, plumbing, manufacturing, and engineering industries, though only about ten percent of the water utilized to run the pump gets to the planned end point.

Despite this disadvantage, using hydropower instead of an external energy source to power this kind of pump makes it a prominent choice in developing countries where the availability of the fuel and electricity required to energize motorized pumps is limited. The use of hydropower also reduces energy consumption for industrial factories and plants significantly. Having only two moving parts is another advantage of the hydraulic ram, making installation fairly simple in areas with free falling or flowing water. The water amount and the rate at which it falls have an important effect on the pump"s success. It is critical to keep this in mind when choosing a location for a pump and a water source. Length, size, diameter, minimum and maximum flow rates, and speed of operation are all important factors to consider.

Hydraulic water pumps are machines that move water from one location to another. Because water pumps are used in so many different applications, there are numerous hydraulic water pump variations.

Water pumps are useful in a variety of situations. Hydraulic pumps can be used to direct water where it is needed in industry, where water is often an ingredient in an industrial process or product. Water pumps are essential in supplying water to people in homes, particularly in rural residences that are not linked to a large sewage circuit. Water pumps are required in commercial settings to transport water to the upper floors of high rise buildings. Hydraulic water pumps in all of these situations could be powered by fuel, electricity, or even by hand, as is the situation with hydraulic hand pumps.

Water pumps in developed economies are typically automated and powered by electricity. Alternative pumping tools are frequently used in developing economies where dependable and cost effective sources of electricity and fuel are scarce. Hydraulic ram pumps, for example, can deliver water to remote locations without the use of electricity or fuel. These pumps rely solely on a moving stream of water’s force and a properly configured number of valves, tubes, and compression chambers.

Electric hydraulic pumps are hydraulic liquid transmission machines that use electricity to operate. They are frequently used to transfer hydraulic liquid from a reservoir to an actuator, like a hydraulic cylinder. These actuation mechanisms are an essential component of a wide range of hydraulic machinery.

There are several different types of hydraulic pumps, but the defining feature of each type is the use of pressurized fluids to accomplish a job. The natural characteristics of water, for example, are harnessed in the particular instance of hydraulic water pumps to transport water from one location to another. Hydraulic gear pumps and hydraulic piston pumps work in the same way to help actuate the motion of a piston in a mechanical system.

Despite the fact that there are numerous varieties of each of these pump mechanisms, all of them are powered by electricity. In such instances, an electric current flows through the motor, which turns impellers or other devices inside the pump system to create pressure differences; these differential pressure levels enable fluids to flow through the pump. Pump systems of this type can be utilized to direct hydraulic liquid to industrial machines such as commercial equipment like elevators or excavators.

Hydraulic hand pumps are fluid transmission machines that utilize the mechanical force generated by a manually operated actuator. A manually operated actuator could be a lever, a toggle, a handle, or any of a variety of other parts. Hydraulic hand pumps are utilized for hydraulic fluid distribution, water pumping, and various other applications.

Hydraulic hand pumps may be utilized for a variety of tasks, including hydraulic liquid direction to circuits in helicopters and other aircraft, instrument calibration, and piston actuation in hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic hand pumps of this type use manual power to put hydraulic fluids under pressure. They can be utilized to test the pressure in a variety of devices such as hoses, pipes, valves, sprinklers, and heat exchangers systems. Hand pumps are extraordinarily simple to use.

Each hydraulic hand pump has a lever or other actuation handle linked to the pump that, when pulled and pushed, causes the hydraulic liquid in the pump"s system to be depressurized or pressurized. This action, in the instance of a hydraulic machine, provides power to the devices to which the pump is attached. The actuation of a water pump causes the liquid to be pulled from its source and transferred to another location. Hydraulic hand pumps will remain relevant as long as hydraulics are used in the commerce industry, owing to their simplicity and easy usage.

12V hydraulic pumps are hydraulic power devices that operate on 12 volts DC supplied by a battery or motor. These are specially designed processes that, like all hydraulic pumps, are applied in commercial, industrial, and consumer places to convert kinetic energy into beneficial mechanical energy through pressurized viscous liquids. This converted energy is put to use in a variety of industries.

Hydraulic pumps are commonly used to pull, push, and lift heavy loads in motorized and vehicle machines. Hydraulic water pumps may also be powered by 12V batteries and are used to move water out of or into the desired location. These electric hydraulic pumps are common since they run on small batteries, allowing for ease of portability. Such portability is sometimes required in waste removal systems and vehiclies. In addition to portable and compact models, options include variable amp hour productions, rechargeable battery pumps, and variable weights.

While non rechargeable alkaline 12V hydraulic pumps are used, rechargeable ones are much more common because they enable a continuous flow. More considerations include minimum discharge flow, maximum discharge pressure, discharge size, and inlet size. As 12V batteries are able to pump up to 150 feet from the ground, it is imperative to choose the right pump for a given use.

Air hydraulic pumps are hydraulic power devices that use compressed air to stimulate a pump mechanism, generating useful energy from a pressurized liquid. These devices are also known as pneumatic hydraulic pumps and are applied in a variety of industries to assist in the lifting of heavy loads and transportation of materials with minimal initial force.

Air pumps, like all hydraulic pumps, begin with the same components. The hydraulic liquids, which are typically oil or water-based composites, require the use of a reservoir. The fluid is moved from the storage tank to the hydraulic cylinder via hoses or tubes connected to this reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder houses a piston system and two valves. A hydraulic fluid intake valve allows hydraulic liquid to enter and then traps it by closing. The discharge valve is the point at which the high pressure fluid stream is released. Air hydraulic pumps have a linked air cylinder in addition to the hydraulic cylinder enclosing one end of the piston.

The protruding end of the piston is acted upon by a compressed air compressor or air in the cylinder. When the air cylinder is empty, a spring system in the hydraulic cylinder pushes the piston out. This makes a vacuum, which sucks fluid from the reservoir into the hydraulic cylinder. When the air compressor is under pressure, it engages the piston and pushes it deeper into the hydraulic cylinder and compresses the liquids. This pumping action is repeated until the hydraulic cylinder pressure is high enough to forcibly push fluid out through the discharge check valve. In some instances, this is connected to a nozzle and hoses, with the important part being the pressurized stream. Other uses apply the energy of this stream to pull, lift, and push heavy loads.

Hydraulic piston pumps transfer hydraulic liquids through a cylinder using plunger-like equipment to successfully raise the pressure for a machine, enabling it to pull, lift, and push heavy loads. This type of hydraulic pump is the power source for heavy-duty machines like excavators, backhoes, loaders, diggers, and cranes. Piston pumps are used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aeronautics, power generation, military, marine, and manufacturing, to mention a few.

Hydraulic piston pumps are common due to their capability to enhance energy usage productivity. A hydraulic hand pump energized by a hand or foot pedal can convert a force of 4.5 pounds into a load-moving force of 100 pounds. Electric hydraulic pumps can attain pressure reaching 4,000 PSI. Because capacities vary so much, the desired usage pump must be carefully considered. Several other factors must also be considered. Standard and custom configurations of operating speeds, task-specific power sources, pump weights, and maximum fluid flows are widely available. Measurements such as rod extension length, diameter, width, and height should also be considered, particularly when a hydraulic piston pump is to be installed in place of a current hydraulic piston pump.

Hydraulic clutch pumps are mechanisms that include a clutch assembly and a pump that enables the user to apply the necessary pressure to disengage or engage the clutch mechanism. Hydraulic clutches are crafted to either link two shafts and lock them together to rotate at the same speed or detach the shafts and allow them to rotate at different speeds as needed to decelerate or shift gears.

Hydraulic pumps change hydraulic energy to mechanical energy. Hydraulic pumps are particularly designed machines utilized in commercial, industrial, and residential areas to generate useful energy from different viscous liquids pressurization. Hydraulic pumps are exceptionally simple yet effective machines for moving fluids. "Hydraulic" is actually often misspelled as "Hydralic". Hydraulic pumps depend on the energy provided by hydraulic cylinders to power different machines and mechanisms.

There are several different types of hydraulic pumps, and all hydraulic pumps can be split into two primary categories. The first category includes hydraulic pumps that function without the assistance of auxiliary power sources such as electric motors and gas. These hydraulic pump types can use the kinetic energy of a fluid to transfer it from one location to another. These pumps are commonly called ram pumps. Hydraulic hand pumps are never regarded as ram pumps, despite the fact that their operating principles are similar.

The construction, excavation, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, manufacturing, and defense contracting industries are just a few examples of operations that apply hydraulics power in normal, daily procedures. Since hydraulics usage is so prevalent, hydraulic pumps are unsurprisingly used in a wide range of machines and industries. Pumps serve the same basic function in all contexts where hydraulic machinery is used: they transport hydraulic fluid from one location to another in order to generate hydraulic energy and pressure (together with the actuators).

Elevators, automotive brakes, automotive lifts, cranes, airplane flaps, shock absorbers, log splitters, motorboat steering systems, garage jacks and other products use hydraulic pumps. The most common application of hydraulic pumps in construction sites is in big hydraulic machines and different types of "off-highway" equipment such as excavators, dumpers, diggers, and so on. Hydraulic systems are used in other settings, such as offshore work areas and factories, to power heavy machinery, cut and bend material, move heavy equipment, and so on.

Fluid’s incompressible nature in hydraulic systems allows an operator to make and apply mechanical power in an effective and efficient way. Practically all force created in a hydraulic system is applied to the intended target.

Because of the relationship between area, pressure, and force (F = P x A), modifying the force of a hydraulic system is as simple as changing the size of its components.

Hydraulic systems can transfer energy on an equal level with many mechanical and electrical systems while being significantly simpler in general. A hydraulic system, for example, can easily generate linear motion. On the contrary, most electrical and mechanical power systems need an intermediate mechanical step to convert rotational motion to linear motion.

Hydraulic systems are typically smaller than their mechanical and electrical counterparts while producing equivalents amounts of power, providing the benefit of saving physical space.

Hydraulic systems can be used in a wide range of physical settings due to their basic design (a pump attached to actuators via some kind of piping system). Hydraulic systems could also be utilized in environments where electrical systems would be impractical (for example underwater).

By removing electrical safety hazards, using hydraulic systems instead of electrical power transmission improves relative safety (for example explosions, electric shock).

The amount of power that hydraulic pumps can generate is a significant, distinct advantage. In certain cases, a hydraulic pump could generate ten times the power of an electrical counterpart. Some hydraulic pumps (for example, piston pumps) cost more than the ordinary hydraulic component. These drawbacks, however, can be mitigated by the pump"s power and efficiency. Despite their relatively high cost, piston pumps are treasured for their strength and capability to transmit very viscous fluids.

Handling hydraulic liquids is messy, and repairing leaks in a hydraulic pump can be difficult. Hydraulic liquid that leaks in hot areas may catch fire. Hydraulic lines that burst may cause serious injuries. Hydraulic liquids are corrosive as well, though some are less so than others. Hydraulic systems need frequent and intense maintenance. Parts with a high factor of precision are frequently required in systems. If the power is very high and the pipeline cannot handle the power transferred by the liquid, the high pressure received by the liquid may also cause work accidents.

Even though hydraulic systems are less complex than electrical or mechanical systems, they are still complex systems that should be handled with caution. Avoiding physical contact with hydraulic systems is an essential safety precaution when engaging with them. Even when a hydraulic machine is not in use, active liquid pressure within the system can be a hazard.

Inadequate pumps can cause mechanical failure in the place of work that can have serious and costly consequences. Although pump failure has historically been unpredictable, new diagnostic technology continues to improve on detecting methods that previously relied solely on vibration signals. Measuring discharge pressures enables manufacturers to forecast pump wear more accurately. Discharge sensors are simple to integrate into existing systems, increasing the hydraulic pump"s safety and versatility.

Hydraulic pumps are devices in hydraulic systems that move hydraulic fluid from point to point, initiating hydraulic power production. They are an important device overall in the hydraulics field, a special kind of power transmission that controls the energy which moving fluids transmit while under pressure and change into mechanical energy. Hydraulic pumps are divided into two categories namely gear pumps and piston pumps. Radial and axial piston pumps are types of piston pumps. Axial pumps produce linear motion, whereas radial pumps can produce rotary motion. The construction, excavation, automotive manufacturing, agriculture, manufacturing, and defense contracting industries are just a few examples of operations that apply hydraulics power in normal, daily procedures.

There are two main types of process pumps: centrifugal pumps and reciprocating pumps. Both are used in oil and gas processes, refineries, the petrochemical industry, and chemical processes.

API stands for the American Petroleum Institute which is the largest U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industries. It focuses on developing petroleum and petrochemical equipment and operating standards including all pump technologies.

Power pump : a reciprocating pump consisting of a power end and a liquid end connected by a frame. The power end of a power pump uses a crankshaft, connecting rods, and crossheads to transfer energy from a rotating shaft to pistons or plungers. The liquid end of a power pump consists of cylinders, pistons or plungers, and check valves.

ANSI pumps provide generally reliable service across a wide range of applications. These pumps are often used to transfer and process fluids in various industrial settings. This includes chemical plants, refineries, pulp and paper mills, and wastewater treatment plants.

Milton Roy offers a large range of API 674 and API 675 pumps with ANSI connection. They are suitable for all processes in the oil and gas, chemical and other heavy duty industries.

Each serves a unique purpose and they’re typically not interchangeable. That’s especially true with plunger pumps and diaphragm pumps. First, we’ll give a brief explanation of how each pump works. Then, we’ll outline the pros and cons of each and how to know which one to choose for your application.

Plunger pumps — sometimes referred to as piston pumps — have a reciprocating plunger that moves back and forth, forcing liquids through a set of valves. Some simple examples in our everyday lives might include a bicycle pump, spray bottle, or squirt gun.

Commercially, plunger pumps are commonly used in soft wash, cleaning, disinfection, pest control, agriculture, and other applications in their electrically powered equipment such as pressure washers, misters and sprayers.

There are similarities between plunger pumps and diaphragm pumps. Both are considered reciprocating pumps, however, the end of the plunger in a diaphragm pump is connected to a flexible diaphragm that flexes back and forth. The human heart, for example, is a type of naturally occurring diaphragm pump.

Another notable difference between plunger and diaphragm pumps that must be considered is the power source. A diaphragm pump can be manufactured to accommodate a gas-powered engine or electric-powered motor. However, a gas-powered diaphragm pump is required to achieve the desired output and power needed for commercial use. Those using electric power are typically sold for residential use in small hand-held sprayers, RV sinks, and other low-impact use.

Positive displacement pumps refers to their ability to capture and move fluid forward through the system. Plunger pumps have a stable flow by use of a pressure regulator. The liquids are dispensed through the plunger pump system at a steady, fixed flow rate due to rigid components, providing consistent, even coverage. Diaphragm pumps also require a pressure regulator but, because some of the components are flexible, the flow is also “flexible,” meaning they’re notorious for losing pressure and having inconsistent flow.

Once again, the flexible components in a diaphragm pump can be its downfall, especially when it comes to applications requiring high PSI. The flexible diaphragm can rupture under high pressure whereas a plunger pump is engineered to withstand repeated high-pressure use. If you’re constantly replacing diaphragm pumps used in your high PSI applications, you may simply need to switch to a more durable plunger pump for an easy solution.

Equipment that uses 12V motors are much quieter than gas engines. If you’re in the pest control industry, for example, but your clients don’t want to call attention to the services you provide to their residences, a 12V pump system will quietly do the job.

Quiet operation also benefits lawn care professionals by increasing the hours of service available to them. In many areas, there are noise restrictions that limit the hours that gas engine diaphragm pumps can be operated. A 12V plunger pump system would not be controlled by this rule.

Unlike a typical centrifugal pump which requires priming to remove air from the pump chamber and avoid becoming inoperable, both the plunger pump and diaphragm pump will self prime. The step of priming a pump isn’t always straightforward, and inexperienced operators may encounter issues, losing precious time and raising labor costs.

Battery technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Today’s 12V plunger pump systems use batteries with extended run times that outlast the capacity of many gas-powered diaphragm pump engines. The operator doesn’t have to stop in the middle of a job to refuel or adjust the throttle, and safety is improved by not having to transport volatile substances. With a 12V system, operators can even ‘refill’ their batteries while driving between jobs.

The battery used in plunger pump systems is comparable to a marine battery and is about the same size. Therefore, the battery-powered unit is much more compact and maneuverable than a gas-powered diaphragm unit, making jobs less taxing on operators and improving safety. If you’re looking for a pump with a smaller footprint, the plunger pump wins out.

If you’re like many organizations that have green initiatives, battery-powered 12V equipment offers the benefits of ‘green’ technology. Concern over gas prices, oil dependency, and pollution will continue to rise, and the latest 12V plunger pump technology is an environmentally responsible power source. Users of 12V equipment may receive more business as a result of these trends in the market compared to diaphragm pumps.

The bottom line is that electric-powered plunger pumps may help your bottom line. Gas engines typically cost more than batteries, and you also need to purchase fuel on an ongoing basis which can experience price volatility over time. Marine-type batteries can be recharged again and again and are generally price-stable. Over time you’ll likely experience significant cost savings with a battery-powered plunger pump, not only from limiting fuel consumption but because of fewer breakdowns, downtime, and repairs.

For commercial cleaning, soft wash, disinfection, pest control, agriculture, lawn care, portable sanitation, and other pump sprayers and misters, an electric-powered plunger pump is clearly the best option. There are several other types of pumps in the industry, too. Learn about seven of the most common types in our Pump Comparison Cheat Sheet below.

1.Fluid service handled: Centrifugal pumps are preferred for a wide range of fluids from clean and clear non-abrasive fluids to abrasive fluids with high solid content. But centrifugal pumps run into limitations when it comes to handling highly viscous fluids and they have very low tolerance for handling entrained gases. Positive displacement pumps (reciprocating and rotary type) are preferred for handling highly viscous fluids and fluids with entrained gases. I general, it can be stated that positive displacement pumps are equipped to handle a wider range of fluids.

2.Flowrates handled: Centrifugal pumps are preferred for handling of higher flowrates. But centrifugal pumps have limitations on handling of lower flowrates. Positive displacement pumps are preferred when it comes to low flowrates.

3.Differential pressure head: A single stage centrifugal pump cannot deliver very high discharge pressure unless it is operated at very high speeds, which can turn out to be expensive. The operation of a positive displacement pump is nearly independent of the discharge pressure encountered downstream. Positive displacement can achieve very high differential pressures and hence they are preferred for such applications.

4.Efficiency:A Centrifugal pump can operate at the best efficiency for a narrow range of flowrate and differential head values. The positive displacement pumps are not limited in such ways.

5.Space constraints: Centrifugal pumps are compact and require less space compared to reciprocating pumps handling similar flowrates. In case of positive displacement pumps, rotary type of pumps should be preferred to reciprocating pumps as rotary pumps take up less space.

6.Pulsating flow: Centrifugal pumps deliver a smooth flow. Reciprocating pumps deliver a pulsating flow profile thus requiring a pulsation dampener at the pump discharge. Rotary pumps are preferred to reciprocating pumps as they can deliver a smooth flow as well.

7.Costs: Centrifugal pumps are most widely used and regarded as economical. They have low initial cost, low maintenance cost but high power cost. Out of positive displacement pumps, reciprocating pumps are the most expensive alternatives. Reciprocating pumps high initial and maintenance cost, but they consume lower power. Rotary type of positive displacement pumps are always an attractive alternative even to the centrifugal pumps. Rotary pumps have low initial, maintenance and power costs.

8.Summary:Centrifugal pumps have been found suitable for the widest range of application and are most widely used. A variety of users prefer to use centrifugal pumps because of their familiarity with these pumps. The comparison done here indicates that often times positive displacement pumps, especially the rotary type pumps can prove to be an attractive alternative to centrifugal pumps. Use of positive displacement pumps should be specially considered for cases with low flows, entrained gases, highly viscous fluid, high differential head.

There are two main families of pumps; positive displacement and centrifugal (rotodynamic), both of which have their uses and best areas of application. It is important however to be able to identify when each pump type should be selected, which ultimately comes down to their working principle and the application at hand.

Positive displacement pumps are characterised by an operation that moves fluid by trapping a fixed volume, usually in a cavity, and then forces that trapped fluid into the discharge pipe. A centrifugal pump transfers the kinetic energy of the motor to the liquid by a spinning impeller; as the impeller rotates it draws in fluid causing increased velocity that moves the fluid to the discharge point.

Below is a quick comparison table that highlights the main performance differences between centrifugal (rotodynamic) pumps and positive displacement pumps.FactorCentrifugalPositive DisplacementMechanicsImpellers pass on velocity from the motor to the liquid which helps move the fluid to the discharge port (produces flow by creating pressure).Traps confined amounts of liquid and forces it from the suction to the discharge port (produces pressure by creating flow).

ViscosityFlow rate rapidly decreases with increasing viscosity, even any moderate thickness, due to frictional losses inside the pump.Due to the internal clearances high viscosities are handled easily and flow rate increases with increasing viscosity.

ShearingHigh speed motor leads to shearing of liquids. Not good for shear sensitive mediums.Low internal velocity means little shear is applied to the pumped medium. Ideal for shear sensitive fluids.

For visual reference of the performance comparisons between the two working principles see below performance curves that show how both centrifugal and positive displacement pumps" duty are affected by different factors.

Centrifugal pumps are the most common pump type for the transfer of low viscosity fluids in high flow rate, low pressure installations, which makes them ideal for applications that require the pump to deal with large volumes. The centrifugal pump design is often associated with the transfer of water, but is also a popular solution for handling thin fuels and chemicals:General water supply

Whilst generally speaking centrifugal pumps are used with clean liquids, if the correct impeller is selected i.e. a vortex impeller, some solids are able to be handled.

Centrifugal pumps benefit from a simple design with few moving parts, resulting in lower maintenance requirements and costs. This makes them suited to applications where the pump is used often or is even continuously run. The simplicity of the construction also makes centrifugal pumps easy to produce in many different materials including plastics and cast iron for lighter duties, and bronze and stainless steels for more corrosive or hygienic application. Hence the multiple fluids that centrifugal pumps are suitable for use with.

The centrifugal pump design is also very compact in comparison to other pump types that produce the same output levels, making them a good option when space saving is an issue.

Positive displacement pumps are usually selected for their ability to handle high viscosity fluids at high pressures and relatively low flows as their efficiency isn’t affected by pressure. Whilst centrifugal pumps are the most common type of pump installed due to their simplicity, positive displacement pumps are a solution that can handle more difficult conditions where centrifugal pumps may fail, thanks to their ability to be run at any point on their curve.

There are two classifications of positive displacement pump; rotary and reciprocating. Whilst governed by the same working principle, all pumps types that fall within these classifications have their own design characteristics and benefits.

Generally speaking positive displacement pumps are designed for the transfer of high viscosity fluids such as thick oils, slurries, sewage and pastes. Thanks to their internal clearances, some types such as progressive cavity pumps and peristaltic pumps, are also excellent at applications handling mediums containing high levels of solids including dewatering ground water and waste oils. Screw and vane pumps on the other hand and are ideal for pumping relatively clean fluids such as fuels and lubrication oils.

Being lower speed pumps than the centrifugal design, rotary positive displacement pumps with larger pumping chambers such as progressive cavity, lobe and peristaltic pumps are typically low shear pumps that provide a smooth flow. This allows them to pump shear sensitive products that need their structure to remain intact such as olives that cannot be squashed and adhesives that cannot lose their stickiness and gels that need to retain their gel-like property.

Positive displacement pumps are able to handle variations in pressure, flow and viscosity and remain efficient, unlike centrifugal pumps which do not operate well off the centre of their curve. As their flow rate remains constant (proportional to the speed of operation), smooth and low pulsating despite changes in the pressure, positive displacement pumps such as peristaltic, piston and diaphragm pumps are ideal solutions for dosing applications as it allows accurate metering to be carried out.

As this guide illustrates, some processes are suited to centrifugal pumps and others to positive displacement pumps. What is important to note is the application conditions that make one more suitable than the other.

Any place that needs to transfer liquid or raise the liquid’s pressure almost certainly has a pump. Thus pumps are completely mended in our lives today as they are used in almost every sector. They are widely used in industrial settings in various operations and also in manufacturing products.

Centrifugal and reciprocating pumps are the two most popular types of pumps today. They both have a variety of uses, but you may often have to choose between a multi-stage centrifugal pump and a reciprocating pump depending on the situation. Knowing how these pumps differ from one another will help you avoid challenges and performance issues.

A positive displacement pump that uses rotating force to transfer fluid is known as a centrifugal pump. Pressure is produced by centrifugal pumps by use of a revolving impeller inside a chamber.

Fluid is drawn into the center of the impeller"s vortex as it rotates. The liquid"s kinetic energy is subsequently converted into pressure energy by the pump"s casing. Thus we can obtain pressurized liquid in this manner through centrifugal pumps.

A reciprocating pump is made with a piston-cylinder arrangement. The term "reciprocating pump" refers to a piston that rotates inside a sealed cylinder. In these pumps, the piston is driven back and forth by a motor, which forces the liquid out of the cylinder.

The design of centrifugal pumps is very simple and it has very less moving parts that can get worn out. Besides, they are also easy to install and their repairing takes less time comparatively. They are also cheaper compared to reciprocating pumps.

On the other hand, compared to centrifugal pumps, there are more moving components in a reciprocating pump, which means there is more wear and tear and they require extra maintenance.

Centrifugal pumps in comparison with reciprocating pumps are more compact and require less floor space. They have a simple design, are smaller in size and weigh less than reciprocating pumps. Moreover, small-sized centrifugal pumps can pump out the same amount of liquid as large-sized reciprocating pumps can.

Centrifugal pumps can handle high viscosity liquids like oil or muddy water while reciprocating only handle low viscosity liquids. Furthermore, compared to reciprocating pumps, centrifugal pumps have uniform torque and output and are safe to be used at high speeds. Also, centrifugal pumps have higher capacity and it can also be increased if the inlet and outlet diameters are made larger.

A centrifugal pump"s total efficiency usually ranges between 30-60%, depending on the pump"s design and the operating characteristics of the system as opposed to the pump"s performance parameters. In contrast, a reciprocating pump unit"s total efficiency is often greater than 85% throughout its whole operational range.

A centrifugal pump generally uses 1.40-1.90 times as much energy as a reciprocating pump. If the centrifugal pump works at less than 30% efficiency when its system performance does not match the pump performance, the energy consumption might be as high as 2-3 times.

Multistage centrifugal pumps are often preferred in operations with large volumes and low pressure. While reciprocating pumps are frequently favoured for applications requiring high pressure and low volume. Additionally, large quantities of liquid can be handled by centrifugal pumps whereas a reciprocating pump can handle less liquid due to its valves and the reciprocating action.

In this article, we have discussed the definition, working, characteristics, applications and differences between centrifugal and reciprocating pumps. So what do you think? Which pump is superior?

Both centrifugal and reciprocating pumps have different applications based on their designs. Both pumps are very useful for various pumping applications in their own ways. You can decide whether you want to go with a reciprocating pump or centrifugal pump based on your requirements. A choice can be made by looking at the requirements for the pumping system, the budget, installation and operating cost, maintenance, and your knowledge of both pumps.

Unnati Pumps is the largest manufacturer and exporter of high-performing pumps. We also provide customized solutions for all your pumping needs. Reach us today for more information.