Liquid piston compressors perform compression

with the use of a liquid ring acting as a piston.

ADVANTAGE
-operation is not affected by the intake of
liquid
-The liquid-piston type of compressor has
been of particular advantage when
hazardous gases are being handled.
DISADVANTAGE
-low efficiency

 Reciprocating compressors are the most widely

used type of compressor. They are positive
displacement, intermittent compression device
analogous to a typical bicycle pump.*

ADVANTAGES
-especially useful for low to moderate flow rates,
low molecular weight gases, and high required
discharge pressure
-easily multi-staged
DISADVANTAGES
-low capacity
-low reliability due to many wearing parts
-high maintenance required
-little flexibility in material choices
-pulsation and unbalanced forces created by
reciprocating motion

 Pumps exist in a variety of shapes

and sizes, depending on their
intended function.

When selecting pumps for any service, it is necessary

to know:
>the liquid to be handled
>the total dynamic head
>the suction and discharge heads and
>in most cases, the temperature, viscosity, vapor
pressure, and specific gravity.
>range of operation
>Materials of construction
>presence of solids

 Centrifugal pumps use impellers to move fluid.

They can have more than one stage. The
number of stages determines how many
impellers are present in the pump. They add
pressure to a liquid by increasing its kinetic
energy and then converting that energy into
pressure energy.

ADVANTAGES
-steady delivery; uniform flow
-can handle all types of fluids
-can be mounted horizontally or vertically
-relatively low cost
-high clean ability
DISADVANTAGES
-reduced performance when handling viscous fluids
-can only handle small amounts of gases in liquids
-not effective for high pressure applications; single
stage pumps require high velocities but multi stage
configurations are expensive
-priming often needed before start up

 In positive displacement
reciprocating pumps, fluid is pumped
by a plunger traveling back and forth
in a chamber. Valves for intake and
discharge operate in conjunction
with the plunger to transfer the fluid.

ADVANTAGES
-can handle volatile and very viscous liquids
-adjustable capacities for improved metering
-able to produce very high pressures
-diaphragm pumps are leak free and do not expose
packing or seals to the process liquid
-no priming typically needed
DISADVANTAGES
-produces a pulsating flow and operates at low speeds
-limited range of capabilities
-high net positive suction head requirements
-much maintenance required

 Rotary gear pump

In rotary gear pumps, lobes rotate inside the
casing with very little clearance. The fluid enters
the spaces between the lobes as they pass the
inlet and then it is carried around and forced out
of the outlet.
Screw rotor pump
A helical rotor rotates inside a double helix stator
without any clearance. As it rotates, cavities form
that channel the flow to the outlet

ADVANTAGES
-handles highly viscous fluids well
-able to handle fluids that are corrosive, edible or
contain entrained gases
-quick and easy cleaning
-works well for liquids with low vapor pressures
-compatible with many materials
DISADVANTAGES
-does not produce high pressures as well as
reciprocating pumps
-practical sizes are more restricted than in
centrifugal pumps

ADVANTAGES
-transport high volumes in short time
-only one moving part
-quiet
DISADVANTAGES
-power intake increases rapidly with
decreasing flowrate
-sensitive to dirt