Pressure Pumps – Why We Need Them and How They Work

Propelling water or any other liquid along a pipe requires external force. For downward travel, gravity alone will be sufficient to maintain a constant flow of liquid. However, to drive a fluid uphill or even for long distances over level terrain, the necessary motive force must come from some mechanical source. More specifically, the increased flow rate and pressure generated by pumps are essential in such cases.

Some Common Applications

For example, a typical municipal water treatment plant requires several pumping stations to maintain the flow in the many kilometres of underground pipeline necessary to circulate potable supplies to the many homes and businesses in its catchment area. Even so, many consumers in the more distant areas often find that the flow of water from their taps is low. Fortunately, the problem is easily solved. It only requires an extra boost from one of the pressure pumps designed for this purpose. An inline unit on the incoming pipeline will activate each time a user draws water, providing the desired boost. At all other times, the device remains idle, conserving electricity and minimising running costs.

In high-rise buildings, supply problems for those living on the upper floors are unavoidable. Nevertheless, installing several units at intervals can boost the flow of water to every level and even fill a rooftop storage tank to supply a sprinkler system.

At home and in many industries, pressure pumps are now widely used to power jet washers. These powerful devices can strip the most deeply-ingrained dirt from a driveway or the baked-on mud from a tractor or backhoe in a fraction of the time required by conventional cleaning methods. Furthermore, they can achieve this feat using only a quarter of the water. Ramping up the pressure can turn a cleaning tool into a precision cutting tool suitable for carving shapes from a steel sheet. These are just a few examples of tasks that are possible with the assistance of pressure pumps.

How They Work

As the flow rate of a confined liquid reduces, its pressure will increase. This relationship is the principle behind the operation of those jet washers and boosters. A reciprocating plunger draws in water through an inlet valve. The latter closes and the plunger then accelerates the water towards the outlet, where the hosing narrows, restricting the flow and generating the required pressure boost. Whether powered by an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, altering its speed or adjusting the outlet nozzle adjusts the flow rate or pressure as required.

If you have applications for pressure pumps and demand quality products and services, look no further than Bestline Manufacturing.

Contact an expert today.