DIY plunger pump repair

In detail: do-it-yourself plunger pump repair from a real master for the site my.housecope.com.

Almost all high pressure hydraulic systems are equipped with plunger pumps. High pressure plunger pumps have all the qualities that are taken into account when choosing pumps for such systems, such as: reliability, ease of implementation of the product and efficiency.

The high pressure plunger pump serves as a mechanism or drive for other mechanisms in special machines. Hydraulic pumps are widespread and are responsible for the normal and harmonious operation of the vehicle. The plunger pump is used in a wide variety of fields of activity.

The plunger, translated from English, means to dive or submerge, therefore, these devices are used for hydraulic machines.

P80 bentonite plunger pump

A plunger pump is a simple-acting positive displacement pump, which is equipped with a plunger-shaped working body.

In turn, the plunger is a part of various types of pumps associated with hydraulics and multistage compressors for gas.

In terms of design, specifics of operation and structure, a plunger-type pump is similar to a piston unit. The presence of a special piston, in the form of a plunger, is the main distinguishing feature of plunger pistons from piston ones. Due to the creation of high pressure in the system plunger-type pumps are not used in everyday life.

The pressure units have found their main application in the chemical and oil refining industries. The use of such devices allows mixing with high precision the components of solutions in the proportions required for the process, which is very convenient in production processes. Differences are inherent in the design features of these pumps, and therefore the plunger devices are divided into:

Video (click to play).

Due to the specific nature of the work, the plunger pump unit is manufactured as a wear-resistant, sealed, durable plunger that ensures continuous and reliable operation.

These units are high-performance devices with high efficiency, which is up to 90%. According to the properties of design features, plunger devices are classified into types:

  • vertical;
  • horizontal;
  • manual;
  • auto;
  • multi-plunger;
  • multi-cylinder;
  • with sealed cylinders.

Plunger pump HAWK 610003

Plunger pumps have a number of advantages over analogues that clearly stand out:

  • the lubrication system is thoroughly worked out and has good access for the consumer;
  • due to the design, it is possible to change the parameters and characteristics for the customer;
  • have clear and simple control of the device, as well as easy to install;
  • it is possible to increase or decrease the working pressure in the hydraulic system by changing the number of piston groups.
  1. In the chemical industry, for the manufacture of chemicals that do not chemically react with metals.
  2. In the chemical industry for well drilling and transportation and subsequent processing of petroleum products.
  3. In power engineering for the manufacture of electric drives for steam generators.
  4. For hydraulically driven equipment in mechanical engineering.
  5. In public utilities to carry out repair work related to hydraulic communications.
  6. In reverse osmosis machines for the food industry.
  7. High pressure plunger pump for water is applicable for car washes.

The design of a plunger pump is simple and consists of valves and a piping system.The spring assists in the work of the plunger valve by creating a systematic discharge. There is a chance of skipping when working with high pressure. In order to avoid such nuances, the high pressure plunger pump for water has a complete tightness of the unit components.

High pressure plunger water pumps and devices in this category are designed on the principle of a reciprocating nature, provided by a camshaft.

During this movement, the plunger (aka piston) is set in motion by a roller pusher. By its design, the plunger moves to the right side, which causes a decrease in the working pressure, which gradually becomes less than the liquid pressure in the suction pipe.

Internal structure of the plunger metering pump

The suction valve opens due to the pressure difference, after which the working chamber is filled with liquid. At the next revolution of the shaft, the plunger moves to the left and the pressure in the chamber becomes greater than in the discharge line. In this regard, the discharge valve opens and the liquid is squeezed out of the chamber into the pressure pipeline. This entire cycle is repeated constantly during the entire operation time of the unit.

Some plunger pumps may differ in design from each other, but their principle of operation will remain unchanged.

For example, a boost pump in a diesel engine does not have pressure valves. This important role for pumping and the pressure is generated by the nozzle valves.

In axial radial pumps, these functions are performed by rotating units in the working chambers. Axial-radial installations are designed so that liquid is pumped when these blocks rotate. The absence of valves increases the cost of such installations, but this allows them to increase their reliability and use in aviation.
to the menu ↑


to the menu ↑

Science and industry are developing and based on practice, scientific research, analysis of the design features of pumps, etc., small-sized unified three-plunger pumps have been designed and introduced into production.

The triple plunger pump is a fourth generation NPG type pump. These devices differ from previous generations in the diameter of the main element (plunger), the hydraulic box and the properties of the valve assemblies of the system. Such systems for increased pressure usually have a basic configuration:

  • pressure sensors, alarms and pressure gauges;
  • safety valve;
  • shut-off or stop valves;
  • filter for water purification;
  • gear oil pump;
  • liquid cooling system;
  • safety valve.

If the place where will be installed the plunger assembly will be stationary, it will be advisable to choose a flat surface for it. This solution allows for routine inspections, emergency repairs and equipment maintenance. Surfaces must be rigid and prepared for high vibrations from the installation.

High pressure plunger pump

In order to ensure a continuous and normal supply to the pump for water, it is necessary to use high-quality flexible hoses, which avoids unnecessary stress on all the nodal parts of the equipment. It is not recommended to connect rigid piping to the drain outlet.

The drive shaft and the crankshaft must be one after the other in a straight line, without making sure of this, do not start the hydraulic system into operation. If this condition is not met, the transfer belt will not perform all its functionality and the entire mechanism may fail. The pump shaft should rotate freely, easily by hand. It is also necessary to correctly select the rotation of the pump electric drive in order to avoid back pressure.
to the menu ↑

Most often, they undertake to make a do-it-yourself high-pressure manual pump for car washes. For this, plunger pumps are used, for which the drive is used from an electric motor (electric pump). The engine power must meet the required parameters and the rated power must be at least 75% of the desired value. Often used as a pump pump.

If the permeability of cars at the car wash is not high, you can use an electric motor designed for a voltage of 220V. For safe operation and to reduce the discrepancy in the coincidence of the motor and pump shafts when connecting them, it is recommended to choose soft couplings. The container for the liquid is selected on the basis of a sufficient volume of water.

It must be connected to a water make-up source and equipped with a filter element to prevent unwanted foreign matter from entering the pump system.

The filter element can be made of fine mesh stainless steel. An important piece of equipment is a capacity regulator or a non-return valve. It prevents overloading the system and prevents back pressure from building back into the water supply.

Homemade high pressure pump

All this equipment will require a sturdy frame to install. For its convenient movement, wheels of the desired diameter are installed, a solid stop for stability and a handle for easy fixation. For reliability and high performance, it is necessary to use reinforced rubber hoses that are designed for high pressure.

The main element of such equipment is the nozzle gun. It is not advisable to make it with your own hands due to technical difficulties. It is better to purchase this part in the store. It must be remembered that all work carried out on high pressure pumps must be carried out using clean liquid. Foreign bodies entering the system will damage most of the equipment.

Hydraulic systems have found applications in many industries. Hydraulic pumps are important in performing their functions, ensuring the efficient operation of the system. They are of different types and purposes, which explains the differences in the principles of the mechanisms.

In addition to the main function of supplying the required fluid under a certain pressure, the hydraulic pump can serve as a drive for other devices. One of the most common is the so-called plunger pump. It is a single-action device that increases the efficiency of work, the main part of which is designed as a plunger.

Plunger refers to a reciprocating piston in a hydraulic system. Its appearance is distinguished by its cylindrical shape, characterized by a length that significantly exceeds the diameter.

Plungers are used in hydraulic machines, pumps and diesel engines. The seal, an integral part of the displacer, is located on the cylinder itself, as a result of which, when the latter moves, it moves along the surface of the plunger. This detail distinguishes the plunger from a conventional piston and explains the superiority of the former in high pressure applications. The main indicator of the efficiency of the plunger is the volume of liquid displaced by it, it depends on the length of its stroke. The displacer is regulated by the latter factor. Such mechanisms are usually used for pumping large volumes of liquid media.
to the menu ↑

In order to understand the principle of operation of this device, first you need to explain what a plunger pump is. This is a unit, the use of which is due to the need to supply a certain liquid (mixture) under the influence of high pressure.The reciprocating movement of the plunger, directed to the right, causes a decrease in pressure in the chamber where the displacer is located, which leads to the opening of the suction valve and further filling of the chamber with the required liquid.

The chamber in which the plunger is located is a closed space, if necessary, connected to the pipeline by means of valves. There are only three types of them: suction, discharge and safety.

The next step in the operation of the plunger is to move it to the left, as a result of which the pressure in the special chamber rises, thereby opening the discharge valve through which water or other mixtures enter the pipeline. The principle of operation lies in the fact that in both the first and second cases there is a difference in pressure, due to which the system works smoothly and without disturbances. During operation, energy is transferred to the fluid to overcome inertia, resistance and static height in the pipeline. The most popular are triple plunger pumps. The increased interest in them is due to their advantages and the almost complete absence of disadvantages.

The scheme of the plunger pair

You can make a piston pump for pumping water in your own garden with your own hands. To do this, you will need two valves that will not allow liquid to spontaneously flow out, the projectile, which is the main part of the mechanism, and the body. The body can be made from a pipe. Pipe length not less than 60 cm, pipe diameter not less than 8 mm. Your own piston pump will not be expensive, but in terms of technical characteristics it will be inferior to industrial models.
to the menu ↑

Axial plunger pumps can be classified according to three main criteria:

  • manual;
  • mechanical, more efficient to use than a manual water pump.
  • single;
  • double, characterized by the presence of several working chambers;
  • differential, related to double-acting pumps and having two chambers. As a result, it pumps liquid more evenly.

By type of pumped liquid:

High pressure plunger pumps have found their way into many applications. These include:

Axial-plunger pump device

  1. Building;
  2. Metallurgy;
  3. Oil industry;
  4. Chemical industry;
  5. Water purification;
  6. Food industry;
  7. Water supply (water pump);
  8. Energy;
  9. Mechanical engineering (internal combustion engines);
  10. Car wash.

It should be noted that, depending on the application, various configuration options for the plunger pump are possible. For example, those models used in the oil industry do not include discharge valves. Their functions are performed by valves in the injectors. This circumstance improves the reliability of the plunger.
to the menu ↑

The high pressure axial plunger pump has many advantages. These include:

  1. Rhythmic operation of the mechanism, which is ensured by pressure and discharge valves on both sides of the special chamber;
  2. Simplicity, as a result of which it is not difficult to make a high-pressure plunger pump with your own hands and carry out its installation;
  3. Power;
  4. Long-term operation;
  5. Modular design, thanks to which, if necessary, you can order the manufacture of a plunger pump with individual characteristics, for example, for a car wash;
  6. Compliance with international standards;
  7. A wide range of pumped products, with different temperatures and consistencies.
  8. The compactness of the axial plunger units saves the working surface;
  9. The ability to adjust the speed, this keeps the situation under control;
  10. The ability to change the working volume of the device;
  11. High performance.

In addition to the advantages, the use of axial plunger structures also has disadvantages.They arise during intensive work and are expressed in the appearance of pulsations and vibrations. Their negative effect can be prevented by attaching additional devices to the high-pressure pump with your own hands. They can be working plungers. For example, a triple plunger pump is vibration-free.

Plunger pump HAWK 610003

Incorrect operation of the device threatens with frequent breakdowns, which will be difficult to fix. Therefore, if you do not have such experience, you should not install or repair plunger pumps yourself. Time will be wasted and quality may suffer.
to the menu ↑

The service life of the device depends on the correct use of the device, therefore it is necessary to know all the nuances of installation and use of axial plunger pumps.

  1. Do not operate the unit without lubrication, as this will impair its performance.
  2. The device can only rotate forward, otherwise observe the oil level prescribed by the instructions in this regard.
  3. The unit must be installed on a horizontal surface, without slopes and unevenness.
  4. In humid hot climates, the pump must not be used without ventilation. Otherwise, it will fail ahead of time.
  5. Freezing or damage to the pump during cold seasons must be prevented. It is strictly forbidden to start the device with frozen water inside.

In any case, before starting work with the plunger pump, it is imperative to study the instructions and it is not recommended to neglect this rule.
to the menu ↑