Reciprocating pumps use pistons or diaphragms to transport fluids or gases by positive displacement. Piston pumps draw in fluid through an intake valve, compress it, and expel it through an exhaust valve. Diaphragm pumps use a flexible diaphragm to move matter. Piston pumps provide higher pressure and flow rates, while diaphragm pumps are suitable for pumping toxic or explosive materials.
A reciprocating pump is a device designed to pump gases or fluids via pistons or a diaphragm. The term “reciprocal” describes any continuously repeated movement back and forth. Reciprocating pumps are volumetric devices, i.e. they transport matter by moving it with a moving object. Reciprocating piston or plunger pumps accomplish this pumping action by alternately drawing fluid or gas into a piston cylinder through an inlet port, then ejecting it again via an exhaust port. Diaphragm pumps, the other variant, work in a similar way and use the flexing of a diaphragm to move matter.
Any continuously repeated back and forth motion is known as reciprocating or reciprocating motion. In a reciprocating pump, this term refers to the cyclic action of a piston or flexible diaphragm. In both cases, these components are used to move or transport fluids and gases by positive displacement. This describes a process of progressively moving or moving matter in an enclosed space by introducing a moving obstruction such as a diaphragm or piston.
A piston pump consists of a piston and cylinder arrangement similar to an internal combustion engine. Each cylinder is equipped with an intake and delivery valve which operate alternately and are synchronized with the piston stroke. The initial downward stroke of the cycle sees the piston draw fluid or gas into the cylinder through the intake valve. At full stroke the intake valve closes as the piston rises and compresses matter in the cylinder. Near the top of the stroke, the exhaust valve opens, allowing the compressed material to escape from the cylinder.
When this process is repeated, a steady stream of fluid or gas is expelled from the pump through the outlet port. The compression ratio, rotational speed, number of cylinders and cylinder capacity of the pump determine its output capacity. Common uses of the plunger or reciprocating piston pump include hand well pumps, windmill pumps, and air compressors. Of the two types of reciprocating pump, the piston pump can provide the higher pressure and flow rate. However, reciprocating piston pumps are not suitable for pumping explosive or toxic media.
Diaphragm-type reciprocating pumps operate on the same principle as a piston pump, except that a flexible diaphragm feeds the displacement component. In this type of pump, a diaphragm is alternately deflected up and down by a cam inside a valved sealed chamber. When the diaphragm initiates the downward cycle, an inlet valve opens and the vacuum generated draws fluid into the chamber. As the diaphragm rises, both valves close for the compression stroke, then the outlet valve opens to allow fluid or gas to escape. Reciprocating diaphragm pumps are often used on smaller compressors and can be suitable for pumping toxic or explosive materials.
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