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Plunger pumps: how they work, applications and key selection criteria

The plunger pump works on the principle of creating pressure in the chamber due to the translational movement of the plunger (piston). Main stages of operation:

  1. Reverse plunger stroke:
    As the plunger reciprocates, a vacuum is created in the working chamber, which draws the liquid through the inlet valve.
  2. Straight plunger stroke:
    As the plunger moves forward, the fluid is compressed, creating pressure, and is discharged into the outlet pipe through the outlet valve.
  3. Valve system:
    One-way valves allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing reverse flow.

Areas of application

  1. Chemical industry:
    • Transportation of aggressive substances such as acids, alkalis, solvents.
    • Precise dosing of reagents in chemical processes.
  2. Pharmaceutical industry:
    • Highly accurate dosage of active ingredients in the production of medicines.
    • Sterile transport of liquids in laboratory or production environments.
  3. Energy:
    • Supply of fuel, lubricants and coolants.
    • Use in high-temperature or high-pressure systems.
  4. Oil and gas industry:
    • Pumping heavy oil products and liquids with high viscosity.
    • Introduction of chemical additives in the refining process.
  5. Food industry:
    • Precise dosage of syrups, flavours and preservatives.
    • Working with viscous products such as honey or pastes.

Features of plunger pumps

  1. High pressure:
    Plunger pumps can deliver pressures of up to 1000 bar, enabling the transport of liquids even in difficult conditions.
  2. Dosing accuracy:
    They provide precise control of fluid flow, even in small volumes, making them ideal for applications requiring high repeatability.
  3. Resistance to aggressive environments:
    The use of materials that are resistant to chemical attack (stainless steel, titanium, ceramics) allows us to work with aggressive liquids.
  4. Simplicity of design:
    The robust and compact design with a minimum of moving parts ensures durability and reduces maintenance costs.
  5. Wide viscosity range:
    They can transport both watery and highly viscous liquids.
  6. Performance control:
    You can adjust the fluid flow rate manually or automatically.

How do I choose the right plunger pump?

  1. Fluid characteristics:
    • Take into account the viscosity, chemical composition and temperature of the liquid.
    • Check whether the liquid is aggressive or abrasive.
  2. Performance and pressure:
    • Determine the required volume of fluid to be delivered per unit time.
    • Make sure that the pump meets the maximum pressure requirements.
  3. Materials of execution:
    • For aggressive liquids, choose models with a body and plunger made of chemically resistant materials (e.g. PTFE, ceramic).
  4. Operating conditions:
    • Consider the temperature, humidity and the need to work in explosive atmospheres.
  5. Protection systems:
    • Make sure that the pump is equipped with a dry-running or overpressure protection system.
  6. Sanitary requirements:
    • For the food or pharmaceutical industry, check the compliance of the pumps with FDA or EHEDG standards.