Working of Reciprocating Pump
The working of reciprocating pump is as follows:
When the power source is connected to crank, the crank will start rotating and
connecting rod also displaced along with crank.
The piston connected to the connecting rod will move in linear direction. If
crank moves outwards then the piston moves towards its right and create vacuum
in the cylinder.
This vacuum causes suction valve to open and liquid from the source is
forcibly sucked by the suction pipe into the cylinder.
When the crank moves inwards or towards the cylinder, the piston will move
towards its left and compresses the liquid in the cylinder.
Now, the pressure makes the delivery valve to open and liquid will discharge
through delivery pipe.
When piston reaches its extreme left position whole liquid present in the
cylinder is delivered through delivery valve.
Then again the crank rotate outwards and piston moves right to create suction
and the whole process is repeated.
Generally the above process can be observed in a single acting reciprocating
pump where there is only one delivery stroke per one revolution of crank. But
when it comes to double acting reciprocating pump, there will be two delivery
strokes per one revolution of crank.
Uses of Reciprocating Pump
Reciprocating pump is mainly used for
Oil drilling operations
Pneumatic pressure systems
Light oil pumping
Feeding small boilers condensate return
Advantages of Reciprocating Pump
1. This pump is self-priming – Not require filling the cylinders by starting.
2. This pump can work in wide pressure range.
3. Priming is not necessary in pump.
4. Provide high pressure at outlet.
5. Provide elevated suction lift.
6. They are use for air also.
Disadvantages of Reciprocating pump
1. Flow is not consistent, so we have to fit a bottle at equally ends.
2. Flow is extremely less and cannot use for high flow process.
3. High wear and tear, so need lot maintenance.
4. Early price is much more in this pump.
5. Additional heavy and large in shape.
6. Low discharging capacity.
Definition of Reciprocating pump
Reciprocating pump is a mechanical device which is used to deliver
(or pump) the liquid with the help of a piston which reciprocates
inside an enclosed cylinder.
The Reciprocating pump is also called a positive displacement pump
because it actually does work on the liquid by compressing it.
Construction of reciprocating pump
The basic components of a single-acting reciprocating pump are:
Plunger / piston
Unlike centrifugal pump which has an impeller, the reciprocating pump has
a piston or plunger and it reciprocates in the cylinder due to which suction
and increase in pressure takes place.
Piston rod
The piston rod connects the connecting rod to the piston and transfers
reciprocating motion to the piston from the connecting rod. As shown in
the figure below.
Connecting rod
The connecting rod is used to connect the piston rod to the Crank.
Crank
The crank is connected to a prime mover which may be an electric motor
an engine. This crank is then connected to the connecting rod as shown in
the figure below. Thus the rotary motion of the crank is converted into the
reciprocating motion of the piston rod.
Suction pipe
It is the pipe that connects the reservoir to the inlet cylinder of the pump as
shown in the figure.
Delivery pipe
The delivery pipe is used for delivering the pressurized liquid coming out
from the pump to its destination.
Suction and delivery valve
These are non-return valves and allow the liquid to enter from one
direction only. One valve is fitted at the inlet of the cylinder whereas the
other is fitted at the outlet of the cylinder as shown in the figure. This
ensures that the water or the liquid doesn’t flow backward.
Strainer
A Strainer is attached at the beginning of the suction pipe so as to prevent
the entering of any foreign material or particles.
