Reciprocating Pump

If your business requires a piston or plunger style pump then you will probably be looking for a reciprocating pump. What is a reciprocating pump? How do they work and what are they used for?

 

 

What is a Reciprocating Pump?

 

When we talk about reciprocating pumps, we are actually referring to a classification of positive-displacement pumps which includes piston, plunger and diaphragm pumps. They are sometimes referred to as constant volume pumps because they have the ability to deliver a very precise amount.

 

They work based on the principle of a piston moving in backward and forward directions. This is different to a centrifugal pump which uses kinetic energy of the impeller to carry the liquid or substance from one place to another.

 

How does a Reciprocating pump work?

 

Reciprocating pumps work by a piston that travels in a cylinder moving up and down. As the piston moves in the upward direction within the cylinder, a liquid is discharged at a preset pressure. The pressure can be set by the delivery valve. Liquid is ejected at the discharge site of the pump.

 

The science behind reciprocating pumps tells us that these devices change the mechanical energy of the fluid into hydraulic energy or pressure.

 

Diaphragm Pumps

 

Diaphragm pumps are a types of reciprocating pump which are air driven and are very compact. These types of pumps are safer and ideal for transporting hazardous or toxic liquids.

 

What businesses use Reciprocating pumps?

 

So, what are reciprocating pumps used for? Where might you find a reciprocating pump in business and industry?  Reciprocating pumps are most commonly used in a situation where a very precise amount of fluid needs to be delivered.

 

This means that they are used extensively in the oil and gas industry, including production, offshore oil and disposal. A reciprocating pump would be very effective in the dispensing and disposal of chemicals and pastes. Therefore, they can even be found in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.

 

However, the most common reciprocating pump that you will recognize is the bicycle pump - used to pump air into bike tires.

 

What are the advantages of Reciprocating pumps?

 

Reciprocating pumps have many advantages. We have already mentioned their precision. They are actually one of the oldest and most proven types of pump (think back to the pistons used in steam engines). Reciprocal pumps are very durable and efficient. They are also perfect for high pressure, low flow applications.

 

On the downside, they can often require a lot of maintenance and can be relatively short-lived, but they get the job done!

 

Different types of Reciprocating pumps

 

There are many different types of reciprocating pumps. The most common are single-acting and double acting reciprocating pumps.

 

Single Acting Reciprocating Pumps

 

Single acting reciprocating pumps have just one suction valve and one discharge valve. Suction happens when it moves backwards and discharge happens when it moves forwards.

 

Double Acting Reciprocating Pumps

 

With a double acting reciprocating pump there are two suction and delivery valves. When the piston is moved forward or backward suction and expulsion happen at the same time. Therefore it needs two inflow and outflow pipes.

 

You can also get with one, two, three or more cylinders (simplex, duplex and triplex).

 

If your company is looking for a good reciprocating pump, then have a look at our recommendations below.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Installation, Pump Services, Pump Maintenance, Test & Monitoring ….

?What is Positive Displacement Pump

A positive displacement pump is a pump used in industry that provides a constant flow at a certain speed, regardless of any pressure changes. For this reason, they are sometimes known as constant volume pumps. They add energy to the fluid via a mechanical device for example gears, a piston or a plunger. So, what is a positive displacement pump exactly, and how does it work?

 

 

What is a Positive Displacement pump?

 

A positive displacement pump is an industrial pump that works by drawing fluid into the pump chamber at the inlet valve and then discharging it through the outlet valve, this ‘displacing’ the liquid.

 

This occurs by many different actions such as the turning of gears, the use of pistons or a diaphragm or reciprocating system that moves the fluid through. This adds energy to the liquid by applying force with the chosen mechanism. That’s why there are so many different types of positive displacement pump, because of the variety of mechanisms used in these pumps.

 

Types of Positive Displacement Pump

 

There are three main categories of positive displacement pump: rotary (cyclical or turning motion), reciprocating (forward or backward motion) and the linear type. Here are specific examples of these:

 

• Rotary Pumps - screw pump, gear pump, rotary vane pump
• Reciprocating pumps - piston pumps, plunger pumps, diaphragm pumps
• Linear pumps - Rope pumps, chain pumps.

 

Advantages a Positive Displacement Pump

 

A positive displacement pump is a good choice when you need a more or less constant flow regardless of pressure. These pumps are good in variable pressure situations.

 

A positive displacement pump also increases flow as viscosity goes up and so this type of pump is good for transporting high viscosity fluids. However, they are also excellent for transporting thinner liquids like solvents or ammonia.

 

Positive displacement pumps are a good choice for shear sensitive liquids, particularly gear pumps.

 

Because positive displacement pumps tend to operate at lower speeds than centrifugal pumps, this has a positive impact on the life of the seals. Seals therefore last longer in positive displacement pumps meaning less maintenance.

 

Displacement pumps are often used as ‘metering pumps’ because they can accurately control the flow rate by altering the speed at which it is driven. Some examples of this type of positive displacement pump include a leak-proof diaphragm pump or precision piston pump.

 

Disadvantages of a Positive Displacement Pump

 

On the downside, positive displacement pumps are low in efficiency and they can’ always deliver a pulsating free flow. A reciprocating pump or pulsating pump may be better for this. In general positive displacement pumps are often higher maintenance than other centrifugal pumps.

 

Where are Positive Displacement Pumps used?

 

• Progressive cavity pumps - to transport difficult liquids
• Gear pumps in ship engines
• Hydraulic systems to transport water
• A piston pump in a bicycle pump
• Lobe pump in chemical and food industries
• Van pump in automotive transition systems
• Screw pumps in oil production and fuel transfer

 

If you are interested in find out more about the different types of positive displacement pumps then you might also like to read about gear pumps, diaphragm pumps and vane pumps.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Test, Inspection & Analysis, Pump Repair & Overhaul, Pump Retrofit & Refurbishment, Test & Monitoring ….

?What is Peripheral Pump

Peripheral pumps are a type of centrifugal pump used often in household situations and in industry. They are also known as regenerative pumps or side channel pumps. So, what is a peripheral pump and what is it used for?

 

What is Peripheral Pump?

 

Peripheral pumps have an impeller that rotates in the concentric casing channel with an inlet and an outlet. A stripper between the inlet and outlet prevents a hydraulic short circuit from happening between the high pressure and the low side of the channel.

 

In a peripheral pump, the liquid or water in the pump circulates between the impeller and the casing channel repeatedly, the energy transferred is extremely high. The input power of this type of pump decreases with an increasing flow rate.

 

Peripheral pumps often a high number of smaller double flow radial vanes at its periphery, hence the name of the pump. They are usually quite small pumps and so they are used in small scale applications.

 

How is a Peripheral Pump different from a standard Centrifugal Pump?

 

A peripheral pump is a type of centrifugal pump, but it differs from a standard centrifugal pump because the water or fluid is pumped into a ‘peripheral’ channel around the casing. A centrifugal pump is often much larger in size than a peripheral pump.

 

Self Priming Peripheral Pumps

 

Peripheral pumps are often self-priming. A pump is self-priming if the pump is below the level of liquid to be pumped and gravity and air pressure make sure that it is constantly automatically filled.

 

If they are not self-priming then peripheral pump will need priming before use.

 

What are Peripheral Pumps made out of?

 

Peripheral pumps can be made of out of stainless steel or other non-ferrous materials. Parts may be made with cast iron and brass.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of Peripheral Pump

 

• Can handle gas entrained fluids without a risk of cavitation
• Low NPSH requirements
• Low flow rates at high pressure
• Operates like a gear pump but without the risks and maintenance that come with using gears

 

The downside to peripheral pumps is that they can be less efficient that most radial pumps. However, the biggest disadvantage is that peripheral pumps use rotation rather than suction to move the liquid, therefore have low or almost no suction power. This means that it may need to be put under water, or primed, before it will move water which can be an inconvenience.

 

What are Peripheral pumps used for?

 

Because they are small scale, peripheral pumps work well in domestic situations such as fountains, jet washes and water filtration. They are well suited to pumping liquids that are not contaminated, for example boiler feed pumps. You might also find peripheral pumps as pressure boosters, car wash pumps,

 

Peripheral pumps are the most popular type of pump that is used in reservoir type hydro-electric power stations. They can also act as a turbine to deliver power, which is why they are sometimes called turbine pumps. These kind of peripheral pumps swirl the water at very high speeds.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Installation, Pump Maintenance, Pump Services, Test & Monitoring ….

?What is Mixed flow pump

Here at Linquip, we often get as ‘What is a mixed flow pump?’ Well, a mixed flow pump is a type of centrifugal pump that operates with a mixed flow impeller. They are commonly used in irrigation, agriculture and sewerage applications. Let’s take a look at the mixed flow pump in more detail.

What is Mixed flow pump?

 

So, what is a mixed flow pump and how does it work? As we know, a mixed flow pump is an industrial pump that operates with a mixed flow impeller. As  the liquid or fluid moves through the impeller, the blades then push it out away from the pump shaft at an angle of more than 90 degrees. This creates enough force to produce high flow rates.

 

Is a mixed flow pump similar to axial and radial flow pumps?

 

Mixed flow pumps share similar characteristics with axial flow pumps and radial flow pumps. They are basically a mix between the two and they usually operate of a horizontal plane.  In a mixed flow pump the impeller sits within the pipe itself and rotates, but the turning mechanism is diagonal. It uses centrifugal force to transport the fluid, accelerating it with the push from the axial direction of the impeller.

 

Horizontal and Vertical mixed flow pumps

 

You can actually get both vertical and horizontal mixed flow pumps, which are named to reflect whether the pump is positioned down to up (vertically) or left to right (horizontally). The choice of a vertical or horizontal mixed flow pump will depend on the task in hand and what is more appropriate. 

 

For example, vertical mixed flow pumps might be adequate for drawing water from a well. A vertical mixed flow pump is a type of vane pump (high pressure hydraulic pumps).

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the mixed flow pump?

 

The mixed flow pump is a very versatile pump used in a variety of situations. It’s is essentially the pump that is a ‘jack of all trades’. Mixed flow pumps are ideal for the circulation of cold and hot water and for use in power plants. They are efficient (especially in hydraulic performance) and conserve energy well. However, mixed flow pumps are not always the lowest cost.

 

Where are mixed flow pumps used?

 

Mixed flow pumps are predominantly used in applications that require a high level of flow combined with relatively low discharge pressure.

 

• Lift irrigation and drainage of agricultural lands
• To pump clean, turbid and slightly contaminated liquids for example in sewage applications
• Handling sea water and water supply
• Moving cooling water in thermal and nuclear power plants

 

If you are looking for the best mixed flow pump for your business, then take a look at our recommendations below. We scan the market for the best mixed flow pumps that are high quality and good value for money.

 

Other types of pumps that you might be interested in are vane pumps, diaphragm pumps and axial flow pumps. You can also read all about all of these on our Linquip website.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers? 

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Test, Inspection & Analysis, Pump Repair & Overhaul, Pump Retrofit & Refurbishment, Test & Monitoring ….

?What is Industrial Pump

If your business depends on pumping products - particularly liquids - then you may find that you need an industrial pump.

 

What is Industrial pump?

 

So what is an industrial pump? In a nutshell, an industrial pump is a piece of equipment within industry designed for pumping mainly liquids (but also some solids and gases) from one place to another. They often work through some kind of suction or propeller method. A good industrial pump will make shifting water, petroleum, slurry, oil and even food easier and faster.

 

Many industrial pumps these days are plastic, but some pumps are made from carbon steel or cast iron. The material and the scale of the industrial pump will vastly depend on what it is being used for.

 

What are the different types of Industrial Pumps used by Businesses?

 

There are many different types of pumps available in industry. They can pump liquid through a variety of different methods. There are three main basic types of industrial pump: centrifugal, positive-displacement and axial-flow pumps.

 

Centrifugal Pumps

 

Centrifugal pumps use one or several rotating impellers to create suction. Centrifugal pumps are very common as they are cheap and efficient to make. You can get both vertical and horizontal centrifugal pumps depending on your business needs.

 

Positive Displacement Pumps

 

Positive displacement pumps work by ‘displacing’ the fluid - it makes it move by trapping a fixed amount of air forcing the product into the discharge pipe. Displacement pumps are good because they provide a constant flow at a fixed speed.

 

Axial-flow Pumps

 

An axial-flow pump (or AFP) is an industrial pump that basically consists of a propeller (called an axial impeller) in a pipe. The pressure in an AFP is created by the flow of liquid over the propeller blades.

 

What Businesses use Industrial Pumps?

 

So many businesses use industrial pumps in this day and age. For example, utility companies use industrial pumps to pump clean water and waste water. Fuel companies use industrial pumps to pump oil and petrol. Pumps can also be used in pulp and paper manufacturing and also the food manufacturing process.

 

What are the best manufacturers of Industrial Pumps?

 

The largest manufacturer of Industrial pumps is a company called Grundfos, based in Denmark. They produce over 16 million pump units every year! Other popular industrial pump companies include Sulzer, Myers, Herborner and the Wier Group.

 

Linquip - A Supplier of High Quality and Heavy Duty Industrial Pumps

 

You will be pleased to know that Linquip is in the business of selling the best quality of industrial pumps for the best prices. They are heavy duty pumps which will work effectively even in harsh weather conditions. So, if it’s an industrial pump your business needs, you’ve come to the right place.

 

Here is a list of the pumps that we sell here at Linquip:

 

• Dynamic Pumps
• Electromagnetic pumps
• Low duty and residential pumps
• Positive Displacement Pumps
• Solid handling or Slurry pumps
• Special purpose pumps
• Vacuum pumps

 

If you would like any further information on Linquip then please email us: [e-mail]

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Installation, Pump Services, Pump Maintenance, Test & Monitoring ….

Gear Pump

A gear pump is a type of displacement pump that runs with gears. The gear pump was invented in 1600 by a man called Johannes Kepler. Gear pumps are one of the most popular types of pump used in industry. Let’s take a look at the gear pump in more detail.

 

What is Gear Pump?

 

A gear pump uses a network of interlocking gears that are meshed together to move fluid via the displacement method. Therefore it is a type of displacement pump. This means that it works by trapping a certain amount of liquid and then forcing it to travel down the pipe, pumping and therefore ‘displacing’ the fluid.

 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Gear Pumps?

 

With a gear pump, there is little leakage due to the tight clearance and the fast rotation which prevents the fluid from backwards leakage. The flow is usually smooth and pulse free when using a gear pump. The gears and gear houses usually have a snug and rigid design. This enables gear pumps to create high pressure and allows them to pump viscous fluids (fluid with more flow resistance). They are very efficient pumps.

 

The downside is that they do need to be lubricated and should not run dry for long periods of time. Gear pumps should not be run outside of their recommended speed. If they are subjected to a blockage downstream, a gear pump will continue to operate to the point of equipment failure, so the systems do need regular monitoring.

 

Internal and External Gears Pumps

 

There are two main types of gear pump - the internal gear pump and the external gear pump. The difference is to do with how the cogs or gears are positioned in the pump. An external gear pump has two interlocking gears - these gears are often identical. With an internal gear pump, there are two gears of different sizes. The smaller gear is positioned within a larger one - one works inside the other.

 

External gear pumps are good for sustaining high pressures, whereas internal gear pumps create good suction and are great for viscous fluids. Internal gear pumps are also good when hygiene is important (e.g. food products) because they are easy to clean and then reassemble.

 

Which industries use Gear Pumps?

 

Gear pumps are found in a variety of industries including agriculture, engineering and the motor industry. They are the most popular type of gears used in situations that require a high pressure or accurate dosing for the output. Here are the most popular businesses where you will find them being used:

 

• Food production for example transporting corn syrup, peanut butter or vegetable oil
• Agricultural and mobile hydraulic applications
• Chemical installations for mixing and blending or polymer metering
• Automobile and watercraft for example ship engines
• Petrochemical industry to transport oil

 

If you are looking for the appropriate gear pump for your company then have a look at our recommendations from the best gear pump manufacturers in the industry including Bosch Rexroth and more.

 

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Retrofit & Refurbishment, Pump Repair & Overhaul, Pump Test, Inspection & Analysis & ….

Axial Pump

An Axial Pump or and Axial Flow pump (AFP) is one of the most popular Types of Pumps used in industry. These types of pumps are often used in irrigation and to circulate fluids in power plants and sewage plants. You might also hear them informally called elbow or propeller pumps. So, what is an axial pump and how does it work? Let’s take a look at these popular pumps in more detail.

 

What is Axial Pump?

 

Here at Linquip, we often get asked ‘What is an Axial Pump?’ It is an industrial pump that basically consists of a propeller in a pipe that is driven by a motor. The pressure comes from the flow of liquid over the blades. The liquid follows the same direction parallel to the axis, hence the name axial flow.

 

The propeller in the pipe on an axial pump can be driven by either a sealed motor within the pipe or an electric motor or diesel engine mounted on the outside of the pipe.

 

What are the advantages of an axial pump?

 

An axial pump is a very efficient pump. The main advantage is that they have a relatively high discharge at a relatively low head. Therefore, an axial pump can probably pump three times more water or fluid than a mixed flow or peripheral pump. This can be done at lifts of less than four meters.

 

The length of the blades is quite short in axial pumps - the effect of turning is not too severe. They have small dimensions compared to most other industrial pumps.  This means higher efficiency and low levels of hydrodynamic loss.

 

What are the disadvantages of an axial pump?

 

One of the main downsides to axial pumps is that they have poor suction and must be submerged in order to start.

 

What is the difference between an axial pump and a centrifugal pump?

 

Axial pumps and centrifugal pumps differ in the way that the fluid is moved. Most centrifugal pumps create a vacuum to move the fluid, whereas axial pumps move fluid by drawing it into their axis and using the impeller to draw it out the other side.

 

What is an Axial Pump used for?

 

So, which industries use axial pumps? Where might you find them? As axial flow pumps are perfect for high flow rates and low pressures, you are likely to find them in power plants, sewerage plants and irrigation. These are the main operations where they are used:

 

• Circulating water pumps in power plants
• Circulating large amounts of fluid in evaporators in the chemical industry
• Transporting large quantities of water from a river or reservoir to an alternative location
• Irrigation systems and flood dewatering
• Transfer pumps used in sailing
• Internal mixed liquor circulation in sewerage plants
• Crop irrigation n the farming industry (reduces energy costs in farming)

 

Best Companies for Axial Pump

 

If your business requires an axial pump, then have a look at our recommendations below. Some of the top companies that produce axial pumps include Flowserve Corporation, Sulzer, EBARA, EGGER and Big Water Tech. Some companies, such as Gould’s specialize in the pumping requirements of abrasive and corrosive slurries or solutions.

 

How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?

 

In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Installation, Pump Maintenance, Test & Monitoring ….