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Why is an air vessel used in a reciprocating pump? 
  • a)
    To obtain a continuous supply of water at uniform rate
  • b)
    To reduce suction head
  • c)
    To increase the delivery head
  • d)
    To reduce cavitation
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Why is an air vessel used in a reciprocating pump?a)To obtain a contin...
Ans. (a) An air vessel is a closed chamber containing compressed air in the upper
part and liquid being pumped in the lower part. The air vessels are used:
(i) To get continuous supply of liquid at a uniform rate,
(ii) To save the power required to drive the pump and
(iii) To run the pump at a much higher speed without any danger of separation.
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Most Upvoted Answer
Why is an air vessel used in a reciprocating pump?a)To obtain a contin...
Air vessels are used in reciprocating pumps to obtain a continuous supply of water at a uniform rate. The following are the reasons why air vessels are used in reciprocating pumps:

1. Reduce Pulsations: Reciprocating pumps produce pulsating flows, which result in pressure fluctuations in the discharge pipe. These fluctuations can cause damage to the pipe system and the pump. Air vessels act as a cushion and dampen the pressure fluctuations, resulting in a smoother flow of water.

2. Reduce Energy Consumption: Air vessels can reduce the energy consumption of the pump by storing the excess energy produced during the discharge stroke and releasing it during the suction stroke. This reduces the amount of energy required to lift the water from the source to the pump.

3. Increase Pump Efficiency: Air vessels can increase the efficiency of the pump by reducing the number of starts and stops. This is because the air vessel can maintain a constant flow rate, even if the demand for water fluctuates.

4. Prevent Cavitation: Cavitation occurs when the pressure in the pump drops below the vapor pressure of the water, causing the formation of bubbles. These bubbles can cause damage to the impeller and reduce the efficiency of the pump. Air vessels can prevent cavitation by maintaining a constant pressure in the pump.

In conclusion, air vessels are used in reciprocating pumps to obtain a continuous supply of water at a uniform rate by reducing pulsations, reducing energy consumption, increasing pump efficiency, and preventing cavitation.
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Why is an air vessel used in a reciprocating pump?a)To obtain a continuous supply of water at uniform rateb)To reduce suction headc)To increase the delivery headd)To reduce cavitationCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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