An air vessel in the delivery side of a reciprocating pumpa)maintains ...
Function ofair vessel fitted on delivery side:
(i) Almost constant delivery discharge is obtained.
(ii) Reduction in friction loss and hence saving in power.
View all questions of this test
An air vessel in the delivery side of a reciprocating pumpa)maintains ...
Role of Air Vessel in a Reciprocating Pump
An air vessel is an essential component on the delivery side of a reciprocating pump, serving multiple purposes to enhance pump performance. However, the primary function is to maintain a steady discharge output.
Maintains Steady Discharge Output
- The air vessel acts as a buffer between the pump and the system it supplies, absorbing pressure fluctuations that occur during the pump's operation.
- As the reciprocating pump operates, it generates pulsating flow due to the alternating suction and discharge strokes. The air vessel smooths out these pulsations, providing a more consistent and steady flow of liquid to the delivery pipeline.
- This steady discharge is crucial for applications where uniform flow is vital, such as in irrigation systems, water supply, and industrial processes.
Other Functions of an Air Vessel
- Prevents Cavitation: Although it does help mitigate cavitation, its primary role is not to prevent it directly but rather to stabilize pressure.
- Enables Suction Head to be Increased: The air vessel does not directly influence the suction head; its function is more related to the discharge side.
- Enables the Pump to Run at Higher Speed: While the presence of an air vessel can allow for increased operational efficiency, it does not inherently enable the pump to run at higher speeds.
In summary, the air vessel's main role in a reciprocating pump is to maintain a steady discharge output by smoothing out pressure variations, thus ensuring a reliable and consistent flow of liquid in the system.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Mechanical Engineering study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Mechanical Engineering.