What is a Piston Pump? it’s application, diagram, and how it works
One kind of positive displacement pump that is frequently utilized in many different industries where precise and reliable fluid flow is required is the piston pump. This type operates on the basis of reciprocating motion, which originates in the cylinder and travels through the pistons.
Reciprocity is the term for these cycles. Figure 1 illustrates the strokes of a typical piston pump. In the suction phase, the piston opens an inlet valve, closes the outlet valve, and draws fluid into the piston chamber.
As the piston reverses motion, the inlet valve, which is now under pressure, closes and the outlet valve opens, allowing the fluid in the piston chamber to be released.
In this article, we will explore what a piston pump is, it’s application, diagram, types, and how it works. We also discussed its advantages and disadvantages
What is a piston pump?
One kind of reciprocating pump is a piston pump, where the piston and high-pressure seal reciprocate. Piston pumps are useful for compressing gases and moving liquids.
A broad variety of pressures can be used to operate them. It is possible to operate at high pressure without significantly altering the flow rate. Additionally, viscous media and solids containing media may be handled by piston pumps.
A piston cup, an oscillating mechanism that creates pressure differentials with downstrokes, and filled pump chambers that drive the pump fluid out for utilization with an upstroke are how this kind of pump operates.
When high, continuous pressure is needed, like in water irrigation or supply systems, piston pumps are frequently utilized. In order to move liquids, piston pumps employ a piston, also known as a plunger.
A wheel or rotating shaft drives the plunger into the cylinder, where it displaces a volume of fluid. When the plunger is removed, it pulls in a replacement amount of fluid, and the cycle is repeated.
Applications of a piston pump
Medical: systems for precise dispensing, aspirating, washing, and mixing, as well as for replacing syringe pumps in the production of medical equipment, diagnostics, clinical chemistry, and dialysis.
Industrial: For precise measurement and mixing of paint and pigment additives, petroleum additives, photochemicals, inks, monomers, adhesives, catalysts for foundry resins, and plating bath regeneration.
Dispensing Systems: Mercury, lubricants, reagents, solvents, and UV adhesives are dispensed via dispensing systems in the production of computers, electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical disposables, and calibration tools.
Spraying Systems: for the injection of agricultural nutrients, insecticides, and herbicides. used in mosquito control ULV spray equipment as well.
Environment Pollution: For the purpose of injecting monomers, polymers, and chemicals for the treatment of water and waste, as well as for monitoring stack gases, ground water, and waste water.
Manufacturing of Electronics: for the dispensing of ceramic slurries used in the production of diodes and capacitors. Additionally, for measuring semiconductor wash and etch solutions, adding flux for wave soldering equipment, dispensing mercury for switch manufacturing, and dispensing insulating and encapsulating chemicals used in the production of electric motors.
Instrumentation: For all kinds of precision instruments and monitors, including titrators, TOC, SO2 monitors, chromatographic systems, and humidity control.
Pilot Plant: Chemical synthesis, water and waste treatment, power plants, pharmaceutical production, petroleum refining, and photofinishing are just a few of the many process applications that may be studied, developed, and tested in a pilot plant.
Beauty and Personal Care: Pigments used in cosmetic color mixing systems are dispensed precisely. Additionally, to enhance aroma and regulate moisture.
Production of Batteries: lubricating precision blanking machines that shape and stamp battery components, as well as precisely pouring electrolytes and slurries into batteries.
Automotive: Research and development of automotive hydrogen fuel cells for fuel injection and humidification systems. In the production of distributors, armatures, and stators, insulating and encapsulating coating ingredients are dispensed. utilized in instruments to confirm the octane rating of petrol.
Food and Dairy: The addition of tastes, colors, and preservatives; hops for brewing; sugar coating and polishing; vitamin fortification for milk; and sanitizing agents for aseptic packing. In milk analyzers and other food quality control equipment, it is also utilized for sample and reagent fluid control.
Accurate Cleaning: For measuring concentrated liquid car wash detergents and dispensing concentrated cleaning solutions used in automatic washers for mechanical parts and laboratory glassware.
Diagram
Types of Piston Pumps
These pumps fall into four major categories: axial, force, lift, and radial piston pumps. These pumps allow lift and force pumps to run manually; normally, an engine is needed.
1. Piston pump for lifting
With the aid of a valve, a control mechanism, the piston above the stroke of this kind of pump may draw fluid into the cylinder’s lower section.
Fluid enters the upper part of the cylinder on the lower stroke via control mechanisms positioned within the piston. A spout can then be used to expel fluid from the upper part of the cylinder during the upstroke.
2. The Force Pump
With this kind of pump, fluid may be drawn to the cylinder (tube) via an intake valve by the piston pump’s upstroke. An exit valve allows the fluid level to be released into the output tube above the downstroke.
3. Axial Piston Pump
This pump is a positive displacement (PD) pump with many pistons arranged in a circle inside a tube block. An essential shaft connected to the pumping pistons can be used to drive this block to rotate its symmetry axis. These pumps can be utilized as a hydraulic motor, a separate pump, or an automobile air conditioning compressor.
4. Radial Piston Pump
The working pistons of this particular type of hydraulic pump expand symmetrically along a radial track in the drive shaft region, in contrast to the axial piston pump’s orientation.
How does a piston pumps work?
PD pumps and piston pumps operate similarly. because they raise the liquid’s volume by using the force of the pumping mechanism. Power sources can be used to power these pumps.
These pumps have a number of control devices and many pistons. The duplex pump has two regulating devices and two pistons. Likewise, a triplex pump has three regulating devices in addition to three pistons.
To make sure that the liquid flow is moving in both directions, it is crucial to inspect the regulating devices on both sides. Other than being single-acting, these pumps are double-acting.
Two sets of control devices and fluids are used on each end of double-acting pumps. This allows the pump to flow from one direction to another, completing a pumping cycle.
The piston will exhaust on one side when it is moved in one direction. For this pump to flow in both directions and complete a cycle, solo action versions are required.
Advantages of a Piston Pumps
Ideal for accurate metering or dosing due to repeatable and predictable action.
Flow is independent of feed pressure and low internal velocity.
Can handle high-viscosity fluids like oils and slurries at high pressures.
Wide pressure range and force management without changing flow rate.
Small impact of flow rate and pressure changes on act.
Skilled in moving thick fluids, slurries, and abrasives with good control device design.
Disadvantages of a Piston Pumps
High maintenance cost and operating weight.
Handles lesser flow rates.
Flow is pulsating.
Predicts leakage due to difficulty in sealing around the piston.
Valves and seals require regular maintenance and replacement.
FAQs
What are the 3 styles of piston pumps?
A piston pump is a type of positive displacement pump in which a piston creates fluid movement. These designs come in three varieties: rotating piston, plunger, and piston.
How reliable is a piston pump?
Durability: Because piston pumps are made to withstand harsh operating conditions, they require fewer repairs or replacements over time. Accurate Control: For devices that require precision, axial piston pumps provide outstanding control over the amount of fluid that passes through the system.
What is piston vs. centrifugal pump?
A piston, diaphragm, or plunger is used in reciprocating pumps to move fluid in a regulated way, as opposed to centrifugal pumps, which use spinning. Through the creation of a pressure difference, this reciprocating motion pulls the fluid in on one stroke and forces it out on the subsequent one.
What are the 4 types of pumps?
There are four major types of PD pumps available: internal gear, external gear, timed lobe, and vane. Most PD pumps may be configured to handle a wide range of applications, however some varieties are more suited than others for a specific set of conditions.
What is the purpose of piston pump?
Piston pumps may be used to compress gases or transfer liquids, and they can work at a variety of pressures, including high pressures without compromising flow rate. They can also handle media that contain solid particles and viscous materials.
What are the main parts of piston pump?
Piston pumps may consist of one or multiple pistons depending upon the pump design.
Swash Plate. The amount of fluid pumped is dictated by the swash plate angle/pitch.
