Analysis of Triplex Plunger Pump

Abstract

Plunger pumps are widely used for applications like cleaning, sewer jetting, firefighting, hydrotesting etc. These pumps need to be efficient at their operating pressure. This project focuses on a High-pressure triplex plunger pump with an operating pressure of 1400 Bar. High pressure pump is less efficient in terms of volumetric efficiency, hence, parameters which are affecting volumetric efficiency are identified through literature review. There were two major parameters which were affecting volumetric efficiency. Methodology was carried out considering these parameters. First parameter was inner design of pump which was optimized and testing of pump was done. Second parameter was valve delay, a test was conducted to prove the same. Helical springs with different stiffness were selected for suction valve and discharge valve and combination were prepared by using Design of experiment, all experiments were carried out and results were analyzed and compared with theoretical values. Through the results it was concluded that after design optimization and spring experiment, volumetric efficiency was improved. These results were compared with theoretical data for justification of spring combination.