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What is a plunger pump? How does it work?

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Plunger pumps are classified as positive displacement pumps. To better understand this type of pump, we must first become familiar with the concept of a plunger. A plunger is a component that functions similarly to a piston in a piston pump and is used to transfer various fluids. It is also worth noting that high-pressure plunger pumps are used in various industries due to their ability to provide different pressures. In the following, more explanations will be provided about what a plunger pump is and how it differs from piston pumps.

Imen Datis Asia Technical and Engineering Company is one of the top providers of fire alarm and extinguishing equipment, all types of fire fighting and water supply pumps, etc. in the country, with the aim of increasing safety and protecting people’s lives and property.

How does a plunger pump work?

A plunger pump is a type of valve pump similar to a piston pump and uses a plunger to move fluids through cylindrical chambers. In fact, the plunger operation is made possible by using steam, pneumatic power, hydraulic system or electric drive. This pump creates a reciprocating motion through a crank mechanism and creates the required pressure inside a cylindrical cylinder or barrel to force the fluid or gas through the pump. The main components of this pump include a connecting rod, crank and piston which are housed in a sealed chamber.

The piston is connected to the crankshaft by a connecting rod and, receiving the force from the engine that turns the crankshaft, converts the engine’s rotational motion into reciprocating motion. The crankshaft transfers this force to the piston, and as the piston begins to reciprocate, it moves up and down inside the cylinder. When the piston moves down, a vacuum is created in the pump chamber and a pressure difference is created between the external fluid and the internal fluid of the cylinder. Initially, the piston draws liquid into the chamber, and when a sufficient amount of fluid is absorbed, the suction valve closes and the piston moves up. The upward movement of the piston reduces the volume of the chamber and increases the pressure of the liquid. When the internal pressure of the fluid exceeds the pressure of the tank, the outlet valve opens and the fluid is transferred into the tank.

Plunger pump components

Plunger pumps consist of the following five main parts:

Plunger
Suction part
Discharge section
Cylinder
Watertight

Plunger: A plunger is a rigid piece that functions similarly to a piston, except that its moving part inside the cylinder is longer. The plunger’s reciprocating and up-and-down motion inside the cylinder creates the suction and discharge process of fluid in the pump.
Suction section (suction valve): Fluid enters the pump chamber (cylinder) from the suction section, and a one-way valve is located in this section, which prevents fluid from exiting the pump suction chamber.
Discharge section (discharge valve): This one-way valve prevents fluid from returning from the pump outlet into the cylinder, and its main function is to discharge pressurized fluid from the cylinder.
Cylinder: The cylinder acts as the plunger pump chamber and is the part where the fluid is pressurized.
Seal: The seal is used to prevent fluid from leaking and escaping from the cylinder. In plunger pumps, the seal is attached to the cylinder and fixed in place.

Application of plunger pump

Chemical injection
Fuel transfer and handling
Pressure and hydrostatic testing of various equipment
Application in coal liquefaction process
Urea production
Oil and gas industries
Urban and industrial wastewater
Waterjet cutting machine
Drilling particles transfer and handling
Seawater transfer systems
Reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems

Difference between plunger and piston pumps

Based on the explanations provided, it was found that both piston and plunger pumps have a similar function for transporting fluids. In such a way that by transferring energy to the fluid, their pressure increases and pumping takes place. However, there are differences between these two types of pumps that are essential to know in order to understand them more accurately.

In piston pumps, unlike plunger pumps, the pistons do not extend out of the cylinder.
The distance traveled by the piston in the cylinder is greater than the length of the plunger stroke.
The sealing ring in piston pumps is located on the piston, while in plunger types these rings are mounted on a fixed cylinder.
Plunger pumps, unlike piston models, are suitable for transporting fluids with low volume and high pressure.

Advantages of plunger pumps

These pumps create higher pressure than piston pumps.
Changes in flow rate and pressure do not have much effect on the performance of a plunger pump.
These pumps are capable of pumping abrasive materials and slurries.
They allow the movement of high-viscosity fluids and heavy materials.
These pumps have self-priming capabilities.

Disadvantages of plunger pumps

These pumps have high operating costs.
Maintaining them is expensive.
Piston pumps are not capable of providing a smooth, pulsating flow.
These pumps can only handle low-flow fluids.
These devices are large and heavy.

Imen Datis Asia Company, as a company approved by the fire department, in addition to consulting in order to obtain fire department approval, is an importer and supplier of all types of fire equipment, including fire pumps, fire valves, fire alarm and extinguishing equipment, and all types of fire sprinklers. It is one of the best and most reliable domestic and foreign brands.

For more information and price inquiries, please contact our experts.

Industrial equipment, Types of pumps

Plunger pump price

Plunger pumps, like other types of pumps, can have different types and naturally have different prices. The most important factors affecting the price of these pumps include things such as head and flow rate, inlet and outlet size, motor power and speed, available temperature, material of pump parts, brand and manufacturer, warranty period, exchange rate and its fluctuations, production standards, transportation and installation costs, etc.

What is a steel plunger pump?

Stainless steel has high mechanical strength and is resistant to vibration, thermal shock, impact, and oxidation. Plungers made of stainless steel are widely used in the oil and gas industry and for handling chemicals. Also, steel plungers are more cost-effective than ceramic ones.

What is a ceramic plunger pump?

Contrary to popular belief, ceramic is extremely durable and resistant. In applications where the fluid is corrosive in nature, such as pesticides, disinfectants, and desalination, or where there is a risk of the plunger rusting, ceramic is a very good choice. Although ceramic plungers may cost more than stainless steel ones, their use is essential in some specific applications.

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Imen Datis Asia Company, relying on up-to-date knowledge, continuous activity and cooperation with highly specialized forces, is now recognized as one of the leading private sector companies in the field of safety and fire fighting industry. This company is always trying to continuously and dynamically play a role in expanding the safety and fire fighting infrastructure of our beloved country of Iran and take great steps towards achieving goals such as the development and industrialization of new technologies.