Unit NNPC-003

MODULE 2
Pumps
Lesson Four
Positive Displacement Pumps
 Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
Explain the basic operating principle
of a positive displacement pump.
Name the three basic types of
reciprocating pump and name their
components
 Basic Principle
Positive displacement pumps work according to the principle,
no two things can occupy the same space at the same time.
The positive displacement pump operates by means of a
reciprocating (back and forth motion) element (a piston or plunger)
or an equivalent rotating element (vanes, screws or gears) exerting
force on a fluid, thereby displacing the fluid.
Types
 Pump Controls
Depending on the type of pump and its
application, the discharge flow rate /
pressure can be controlled by:
A change of speed of the prime mover
The use of a bypass line
A change of piston stroke length
The Plunger Pump

The plunger
type-reciprocating
pump is the most
basic type of positive
displacement pump.
It can operate either
horizontally or
vertically
On the forward stroke (discharge) the pressure increases on the fluid.
The pressure is now greater inside the cylinder than in the suction
line, which causes the suction check valve to close. As the pressure
increases within the cylinder, it causes the discharge check valve to
open. This is because there is a greater pressure in the cylinder than
in the discharge line. The fluid is then displaced into the discharge
line.
The diameter of the plunger is always smaller than the diameter of the cylinder.
It moves outside the cylinder, as well as inside and only displaces an amount
equal to the volume of the plunger. They are only scaled where the plunger
enters the casing. The volume of the displaced fluid corresponds to the length of
stroke (movement), times the area. The amount is only part of the fluid in the
cylinder.

Plunger pumps are often used on high-pressure work, or when the fluid being
pumped could cause other types of pump to stick. They can, however, work on
low or medium pressures where there is a continuous pressure for a long time
with minimum maintenance.
 The Piston Pump
Piston pumps are the most common types of
reciprocating pumps. The main parts of a Piston Pump
are as follows
A cylinder
A piston
A suction valve (non-return)
A discharge valve (non-return)
Packing Seals
Piston Rings
Pump Casing
Piston Rod
 How They Work

The piston rod moves the piston back and forth inside the cylinder.
Each complete movement of the piston along the cylinder length
is called the stroke.
 Operations
A piston pump operates by the following:
Drawing an exact quantity of fluid into
the cylinder
Raising the pressure of the fluid in the
cylinder
Releasing the fluid at a set pressure.
 Suction or Back Stroke

When the piston moves towards the packing seals, it is called the
suction, or backstroke, when it moves in the other direction, towards
the discharge and suction valves, it is called discharge or forward
stroke
 Details
During the suction stroke, the discharge valve closes and the
suction valve opens. This is due to differences in pressure,
between the discharge and suction lines, and the cylinder. As
the suction valve opens, suction in the cylinder draws fluid in
through the suction valve.

When the piston moves to the discharge stroke, the force of the
fluid closes the suction valve. The piston will then increase the
pressure on the fluid in the cylinder. It increases until it
exceeds the spring pressure holding the discharge valve
closed. At this point, the fluid pressure pushes the discharge
valve open, and the fluid discharges. The piston can be
operated by compressed air, steam or an electric motor.
Pictorial View
Double acting pumps have both suction and discharge valves at
each end of the cylinder. This allows fluid to be pumped on both
sides of the piston. When the pump is on a discharge stroke at
one side of the piston, it will be on the suction stroke at the other
side of the piston.
 Advantages

The action of a double acting

piston pump balances the loading
of the pump, reduces vibration and
strain, and makes the pump run
more smoothly
Piston pumps are scaled both internally and externally against fluid
leakage. Internally, the pistons are fitted with rings, which prevent
fluid leakage between the piston and the cylinder wall. Externally,
packing is used to fill the space where the piston rod comes through
the casing. This part of the casing is called the stuffing box. The
flexible packing material is tightened around the piston rod by
adjusting the nuts on the gland follower. However, some leakage is
allowed for the lubrication of the packing.
 The efficiency of a piston pump depends on several points -
The condition of the piston rings.
The correct seating of the discharge valve.
The correct seating of the suction valve.
The Diaphragm Pump
 Description
The diaphragm is usually made of a flexible, rubber like material. It is
often covered with a thin metal disc where the connecting rod is
attached. This metal disc spreads the force from the connecting rod
over the diaphragm, so those holes will not be punched in by the
action of the connecting rod

The diaphragm covers the widest part of the cylinder. It completely

seals one half of the cylinder from the other. This makes the
diaphragm pump ideal for pumping corrosive or abrasive fluids
The diaphragm is connected to a motor driven eccentric or cam by a
connecting rod. As the wheel rotates, the connecting rod pushes and
pulls on the diaphragm. This causes the diaphragm to move towards
and then away from the suction and discharge valves on each stroke

In operation, when the eccentric rotates and the connecting rod pulls
the diaphragm away from the discharge and suction valves, a suction
is created in the lower half of the pump cylinder.
Operation
 Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
Explain the basic operating principle of
a positive displacement pump.
Name the three basic types of
reciprocating pump and name their
components