{{recommendedRegLangFull}}
{{title}}
{{currentRegion}} {{countryFromLanguage}} {{languageshort}}
Piston Pumping Fundamentals
The versatility of piston pumps is unmatched as they are used in a seemingly endless array of applications and pumping solutions. With this in mind, it is important to remember these basic pumping fundamentals to help ensure the right product is selected for your unique application.
{{title}}
Piston Pump Applications
Piston pumps are used in a wide variety of fluid handling applications. The majority of these can be broken down into four different categories:
Transfer
Moving a low-to-medium viscosity fluid from one location to another. 2-ball and 4-ball style pumps are the most frequently used in transfer applications.
Extrusion
Involves using a piston pump to apply medium-to-high viscosity materials. Typical extrusion applications require accessories like rams and fluid regulators to meet customer requirements. Chop-check and 2-ball pumps are used in extrusion applications.
Coating
This involves application of material by either spray or dipping. Coating applications use 2-ball and 4-ball pumps.
Dispensing
Moving a low-to-medium viscosity fluid from one location to another. 2-ball and 4-ball style pumps are the most frequently used in transfer applications.
Ratio
Ratio is the effective area differential between the air motor piston and the lower end plunger rod. An 11:1 ratio indicates the pump air motor piston has 11 times the effective area of the fluid handling piston.
Higher ratio pumps produce higher fluid pressures which allows them to either move higher viscosity fluids or transfer fluids longer distances.
- At 100 psi of inlet pressure, an 11:1 pump produces 1,100 psi of fluid outlet pressure.
- A 23:1 pump would produce 2,300 psi of fluid outlet pressure, given the same air inlet.
Materials of Construction
Lower Pump End Component Options
Packing Seal Options
Packing seals are used to seal movement of the plunger rod, both in the throat seal and piston seal areas of the pump. They are made of different materials to ensure chemical and material compatibility to maximize service life.
UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) – An all-purpose packing material that provides excellent abrasion resistance. Commonly used with inks, acids, and some solvents.
PTFE Compatible with all fluids. Provides excellent corrosion resistance but minimal abrasion resistance. Commonly used with corrosive chemicals, ketone, acids, and room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) materials.
Leather Commonly used in combination with UHMW-PE packings for excellent sealing and abrasion resistance. UHMW-PE and leather are most often used when pumping inks.
Staggered Combining packing seals made of different material combinations can often maximize service life by utilizing the strengths of both materials.
