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High Pressure Process Pumps And Their Applications

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.

If you are in search of a drive that can transmit abrasive fluids and still maintain its ability to move viscous fluids, then the reciprocating drives would be a much better pick. They operate by moving a plunger back and forth in a cylinder with a predetermined volume. They are very efficient but tend to be slower. They are applied when low volume fluids are moved at high strain levels.

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.

Deriving the full potential of the constant volume drives can only be achieved when the installation is done through an elaborate means of predetermined steps. These steps are usually clearly outlined in the user manual. Every manufacturer goes out of their way to ensure proper installation is done as long as the instructions are followed.

A most basic approach would be to ensure that a solid foundation on which the pump would rest on is built. The best foundation is usually reinforced concrete. The weight will determine the strength of the foundation. The pump and the driver are bolted to the concrete slab via a secured steel base plate. This and a proper application of the user manual is all that is needed for installation.

Factors that determine the choice of the pump can be divided into two; the viscosity of the fluid and the pressure needed. Changes in viscosity can have huge implications on the flow rate and efficiency. These might be slight, huge or even moderate changes.

Fluctuations in pressure levels also greatly affect the efficiency and rate of flow. The best choice therefore would be one that keeps a constant rate of flow whilst maintaining efficiency even with ever changing pressure levels. Pressure pumps are therefore ideal due to their ability to address these two concerns.




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