Reciprocating pumps have many disadvantages like high cost of installation, bulky size, high maintenance cost, non uniform torque, etc. but they are still being used in industries. Could anybody please tell me why is it so?
Also, are there any specific applications where only reciprocating pumps can be used?
Please see the following image where there is comparison between positive displacement pumps (Reciprocating pumps are type of PDP) and Dynamic pumps (Centrifugal pumps). It is clear that PDP are used when we need high outlet pressure and dynamic pumps are used when we need high discharge. Based on this, and many other issues, there are specific applications where reciprocating pumps can be used.
Reference: Frank M. White "Fluid Mechanics" 4th ed, McGraw-hill
Please see the following image where there is comparison between positive displacement pumps (Reciprocating pumps are type of PDP) and Dynamic pumps (Centrifugal pumps). It is clear that PDP are used when we need high outlet pressure and dynamic pumps are used when we need high discharge. Based on this, and many other issues, there are specific applications where reciprocating pumps can be used.
Reference: Frank M. White "Fluid Mechanics" 4th ed, McGraw-hill
i think Mr.ABID Khan has given the simplest and relevant explanation........
Simple reason is that, it is a positive displacement pump. It will give constant amount of delivery in every cycle of operation.
I am not fully agreed with Mr. Abid, In deed PDP means not only reciprocating, gear pumps,lobs, screw pumps are also PDP. there characteristic should also be considered. Of course volume may be less but constant.
To say about the specific applications we can use reciprocating pumps where NPSH required is more like for extraction of oil from the bottom of the earth. But the underlying problem is with the dirt or other unwanted material that clogs the pipes and reduces the resultant developed pressure
Abid Khan's answer is a pretty good summation. Generally speaking the various types of pumps have uses that suit their operating characteristics. Sometimes the application may have more than one technology that fits but generally lower flows with large pressure differentials and/or precise volume delivery (metering pumps) are the realm of reciprocating and other positive displacement technologies. Another realm for those technologies are high viscosity fluids.
due to pulsating discharge reciprocating pump are used for servicing purposes. Secondly we can take the continuous discharge by attaching air-vessels or making the pump two-way.
Peristaltic pums are used for dosification, screw pumps are veri popular because the fluid pulsation is very low, the flow control for piston or blades pumps is very easy if you can change the rotational speed using a frequency variator.
Yes Reciprocating pump is positive displacement pump, in every cycle certain volume of fluid is displaced
Just check the pumps handbook and you will get all the answers you require, google the handbook
One of the application of reciprocating pumps is in the power plants where they are used for the precise addition of to lime to deaerators
http://zmdm.teset.sumdu.edu.ua
A valuable advantage reciprocating pumps is their independence from the pressure of productivity, the ability to supply small amounts of liquid under high pressure. Some of the advantages of these pumps is also the realization of their setting in motion without filling the suction pipe and the working cylinder with liquid.
Another application for recips is for dosing of chemicals (very small quantities) such as for water treatment, as given by Adel. Other types of positive displacemtn pumps are used for high viscous (e.g honey) and non-Newtonian fluids (eg toothpaste)
It is suitable for discharging fluid to high head. There is no other option instead of that. So that industries using that pump
They can produce high head, operate under high viscous, slurry flows, pulsating, noisy, efficient. One of the main applications is in pumping sea minerals from high depths..
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