Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Applications Of High Pressure Process Pumps

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 used in situations where the liquid that is being moved is thick or in scientific terms possesses a high level of viscosity. They cannot therefore be operated dry for extended durations. This would imply that abrasive fluids such as water will not be transmitted with the required efficiency. The only exception is air and vapor but this also has to be done under strict time constraints. Circulation of lubricant oils through turbines and engines is a common application of the rotary pumps.

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.

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.

Another consideration revolves around pressure. There is a direct correlation between the changes in the strain and the rate of flow and efficiency. Pressure pumps have long been advocated since they maintain high efficiency levels and a constant rate of flow even with huge changes in pressure and viscosity.




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