A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement pump that captures a moving fluid in a cavity and then discharges a fixed amount of it via mechanical pressure. It is a constant volume pump that operates in low flow and high discharge pressure environments.
Milton Roy’s reciprocating pumps can handle flow rates from 0.024 gallons per hour (0.09 liters per hour) to 12,681 gallons per hour (48 cubic per hour) and discharge pressures up to 15,000 psi (1,034 bar).
A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement pump that captures a moving fluid in a cavity and then discharges a fixed amount of it via mechanical pressure. It is a constant volume pump that operates in low flow and high discharge pressure environments. Milton Roy’s reciprocating pumps can handle flow rates from 0.024 gallons per hour (0.09 liters per hour) to 12,681 gallons per hour (48 cubic per hour) and discharge pressures up to 15,000 psi (1,034 bar).
Reciprocating pumps can be Steam, Power or Metering pumps. See Figure 1.0.
Steam Pumps: Steam pumps consist of a liquid and steam cylinder joined by a spacer cradle. These pumps may be steam or air driven.
Power Pumps: Power pumps consist of a liquid end and a power end. These pumps are generally driven by electric motors, air or gasoline driven motors, or any device imparting a rotary or reciprocating motion to the pump.
Metering Pumps: Metering pumps consist of a reciprocating piston which is either in direct contact with the process fluid, or is shielded from the fluid diaphragm. Diaphragms are actuated by hydraulic fluid between the piston and the diaphragm. These pumps are driven by an AC constant speed motor. Variable speed, pneumatic and hydraulic drives are also utilized.
The major components of a reciprocating pump are:
Piston, Plunger or a diaphragm
Crank and Connecting rod
Suction Pipe
Delivery pipe
Suction and Delivery valve
A reciprocating pump's function is to pump or move liquid from one point to another. It works on the principle of positive displacement. It uses a piston or a plunger to move the liquid back and forth in a cylinder. The piston is connected with a crankshaft with the help of a connecting rod. This piston moves as the connecting rod moves due to the motion of the crankshaft. The crankshaft connects with a motor that rotates it. The pump cylinder is connected to a suction pipe and a discharge pipe with a suction valve and a delivery valve. The inlet and outlet valves act as check valves that allow the fluid flow to flow in one direction. The fluid sucks into the cylinder through the inlet valve. The fluid exits the cylinder of the pump through the outlet valve. See Figure 2.0
A reciprocating pump is used where a precise amount of fluid is required to be delivered, and where the delivery pressure required is high. Some of the common applications are:
Below are some differences between reciprocating and centrifugal pumps.
Parameter | Reciprocating Pump (Milton Roy) | Centrifugal Pump |
|---|---|---|
Construction | This is complicated in construction | This is simple in construction |
Head or Pressure application | Reciprocating pump work at the high‑pressure head (high discharge pressure) | This works at low or medium pressure head |
Pressure relief valve | Internal pressure relief valve is recommended to protect the pump | Relief valve is not required |
Smooth or Pulsating flow | Pulsating flow | Smooth flow |
Delivery | Constant delivery | Variable |
Self‑priming | Self‑priming is possible | There is no self‑priming |
Space considerations | The reciprocating pump requires more space | It requires less space |
Cost | The initial cost is higher | The initial cost is low |
Efficiency | High efficiency | Low efficiency |
Power consumption | Power consumption is low | Power consumption is high |
Maintenance | It requires maintenance | It requires lower maintenance |
Fluid handling | Suitable for clean, clear and non‑abrasive fluids | Suitable for a wide range including clean, clear, particles, abrasive fluids, dirty water and oil |
There are several benefits of selecting a reciprocating pump:
Some common considerations:
Milton Roy has over 85 years of experience in reciprocating metering pumps and equipment that delivers reliability and accuracy in critical chemical dosing applications. We manufacture different types of chemical metering pumps for your application needs.
