How Pressure Pumps Work and Some Common Uses

The simple act of squeezing the end of a garden hose between your fingers simulates the effect, although not the mechanical operation, of a pressure pump, albeit to a relatively modest degree. While the water in the hosepipe usually flows at the same speed as when it left the tap, the constriction at the outlet slows it and increases the output pressure. In this simulated situation, however, the head of water in a storage tank is probably responsible for maintaining the flow of water and not the action of an electric motor or internal combustion engine.

While in the hosepipe, the constriction serves to slow the flow rate, pressure pumps employ the reverse principle. The rotary action of one or more impellers acts to speed up the flow of water through the casing, creating a corresponding increase in the pressure at the outlet. Consequently, increasing or decreasing the speed of the motor or varying the internal diameter of the outlet using an adjustable nozzle are alternative ways to control the performance of these devices whilst in use.

Although there are numerous possible applications for these devices, they tend to be of two main types. Often, pressure pumps must form part of a building’s plumbing system. Either because the incoming supply pressure is low or because the water requires pumping to ensure that it will be available to the occupants on every floor of a multi-storey building such as an apartment block or hotel. Depending on the total height of the building, it may be necessary to fit several inline units installed at intervals to serve every floor or perhaps to fill the storage tank of an automatic sprinkler system.

In other instances, the pressure pumps serve a slightly different purpose. Instead of forming part of a pipeline system, these devices must sometimes operate as standalone units and must also be self-priming so they can draw water even when empty. One frequent standalone use is to remove the water from flooded areas such as basement floors located below the water table and underground mine works. Standalone units are also suitable for aesthetic purposes like powering a water feature in a private garden or, on a somewhat grander scale, the magnificent, world-famous Baroque Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Whatever their intended purpose, when buying pressure pumps, there are several factors to consider. Among the most important is the distance over which the water must be moved; the diameter of any pipe it must pass through, and whether its source will be above or below the pump. Bestline Manufacturing can help with your selection and supply the most suitable high-quality product to meet your particular need.