Reciprocating Pump: A Commonly Used Handpump

Reciprocating pumps are the most commonly used types of handpumps for transporting water or other fluids. They are also known as positive displacement pumps because they move fluids by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and then forcing it into the discharge pipe.

Construction of Reciprocating Pump

The reciprocating pump consists of a cylinder, a piston, inlet and outlet valves, and a handle. The cylinder is usually made of cast iron, and the piston is made of brass. The inlet and outlet valves are made of brass or stainless steel.

Working of Reciprocating Pump

The working principle of the reciprocating pump is straightforward. When the handle is moved, the piston moves up and down inside the cylinder. During the downward stroke, the inlet valve opens, and the fluid enters the cylinder. On the upward stroke, the inlet valve closes, and the outlet valve opens, and the fluid is pushed out of the cylinder and into the discharge pipe.

Advantages of Reciprocating Pump

- They are easy to use and require minimum maintenance.
- They are ideal for low flow rate applications.
- They can handle fluids with high viscosity and solids up to a certain size.
- They can be operated manually or with a motor.

Disadvantages of Reciprocating Pump

- They are not suitable for high flow rate applications.
- They require a constant power source for continuous operation.
- They can suffer from cavitation if the inlet pressure is too low.

Conclusion

Overall, the reciprocating pump is a reliable and efficient handpump for transporting water and other fluids. Its simple construction and ease of use make it a popular choice for many applications.