Why High Pressure Process Pumps Are Highly Revered

By Daphne Bowen


A pump is a device that moves fluids by means of mechanical action. High pressure process pumps move the fluid by trapping a given fixed amount and displacing the trapped amount through the discharging pipe. They are more preferred to their counterparts the centrifugal types since their capacity is not affected by the pressure under which they operate. They are also known as constant volume pumps and are divided into three main categories namely the rotary, reciprocating and linear drives. These classifications are usually made according to the mechanism used to transmit the fluid.

Rotary drives are applied when the fluid to be transmitted has a high viscosity. They are not designed to run dry for long periods of time. This means that fluids such as water cannot be moved efficiently by this pump. They can however be used to pump large quantities of air and vapor but for only short periods of time. Usage is common place in machinery where they circulate lube oils through engines and turbines.

Reciprocating drives are more dynamic in that they can transmit both abrasive and viscous fluids. They work through the motion of a piston in a cylinder of fixed capacity. Their dynamism however comes at a cost since they are actually slower compared to the other mechanisms of transmission although it is highly efficient. Common place usage is in circumstances that need to transmit low volumes of the fluid but under high pressures.

Linear drives are simplistic in design but still retain their ability to perform the task required of it. One would only need a rope, a wheel and a piece of PVC piping to construct one. Since these materials are readily available, its use has spread all around the world. It serves as a pump for water from wells and boreholes.

In order for one to experience the full capabilities and performance of positive displacement drives, the installation has to be done properly and in accordance to the stipulated guidelines. Each manufacturer usually provides instructions for proper installation which if followed to the latter will definitely result in a successful installation.

A solid foundation has to be built whether the instructions say so or not. This is the most fundamental part of the entire process. This foundation usually consists of a layer of reinforced concrete. The layer can be thick or thin depending on the weight. Both the driver and the pump are secured on a steel metal base that is laid on the concrete. Any further instructions are provided for in the user manual.

When choosing a suitable pump, two factors have to be put into consideration. These are viscosity of the fluid and the pressure required. Variations in viscosity such as highly, slightly or even modest viscosity can have dramatically huge effects on the rate of flow and efficiency of the pump.

Changes in pressure are also a major concern and its effects on the rate of flow and efficiency cannot be understated. A pump that maintains its flow rate and efficiency even with significant changes in pressure would therefore be the ideal choice. Pressure pumps give the best value for money due to their ability to well address the viscosity and pressure concerns.




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