What are Plunger Pumps?

A plunger-pump is more commonly a reciprocating positive displacement pump designed to move fluids and generate high pressures. They have many features in common with other reciprocating pumps such as diaphragm pumps and piston pumps, and can often be used in many of the same applications. They are recognised for being high-powered – capable of creating high pressure. However, due to their nature they also produce pressure pulsations due to the reciprocating plunger.

Where are they used?

Because these are capable of generating high levels of pressure, and because many are sturdily built, they’re useful for moving highly viscous or heavy substances such oil smaller, lighter duty versions are used as pressure washers, which would generally require the use of a triplex pump.

Plunger pumps component materials are chosen for wear and contact with the media type. Component materials include bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, iron, nickel alloy, or other material. For example, plunger pumps that function in general service or oil service applications often have an iron cylinder and plunger. The plunger, discharge valves, and suction valves come in contact with the media type transferred, and material choices are based on the fluid transferred. In power applications where continuous duty plunger pumps are needed, solid ceramic plungers may be used when in contact with water and oil, but may not be compatible for use with highly acidic media types.

 

Plunger and piston pumps