High Pressure Pumps Key Terms

Get acquainted with the terminology of high pressure pumps
By Howard Robertson Today, high pressure pumps find applications in various industries, including chemical, paint, food processing, automobile, electronics and construction industries. These pumps are useful for operating boilers and even as bilge pumps on boats.

While interacting with pump manufacturers or suppliers, you will need to be conversant with the technical terms that state the specifications and types of high pressure pumps. This guide intends to familiarize you with the key terms of high pressure pumps, such as viscosity, pump head, NPSH, pH, pump actuators, BEP flow and PSI.

Viscosity

Viscosity of the fluid is an important parameter for the design and performance of a high pressure pump. Viscosity indicates the resistance of the fluid to flow. The more viscous the liquid, the lower its flowing rate will be.
Try:  To understand the meaning of viscosity and its units, read through information at STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Additionally, Eaton Corporation offers a hydraulics glossary explaining various terms, including viscosity.

Pump head

When a high pressure pump operates, the liquid moves rapidly inside the pump. The force of this moving liquid exerts tremendous pressure. This pressure, measured in feet, is pump head.
Try:  You can read through basic information on pump head at impeller.net. PlumberSurplus.com, a supplier of valves, water heaters and pumps, also provides detailed information about pump head and its various types.

NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head)

NPSH is defined as the absolute pressure of a fluid at the pump inlet minus the vapor pressure of the liquid.
Try:  The Engineering ToolBox, an informative website, provides detailed information about NPSH.

pH

pH of the system fluid is an important consideration in the selection of materials for a high pressure pump. pH is the measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.
Try:  To learn more about pH, you can refer to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension, an informative website by the Utah State University.

Pump actuators

Pump actuators are the mechanical devices that activate the movement of a pump powered by electric signals. The actuators control the flow of fuel into the engine by controlling the movement of the valve to let the fuel in.
Try:  You can find information about the working of an actuator and its applications at Network Liquidators, a supplier of industrial products.

PSI (Pound per Square Inch)

PSI is the unit of pressure resulting from a force of one pound to an area of one square-inch.
Try:  SensorsONE Ltd, a knowledgeable resource for pressure monitoring instrumentation, provides the explanation for the term PSI.

High pressure centrifugal pumps

A centrifugal pump is a pumping device that works on the simple principle of centrifugal force. A high pressure centrifugal pump is used for applications that require high discharge pressure.
Try:  You can read through basic information on centrifugal pumps and high pressure centrifugal pumps at Pump World and Pumps-in-Stock.

High pressure screw pump

A screw pump has an internal mechanism shaped like a screw that is used to create the vacuum action. High pressure screw pumps are designed to be fully immersed in a fluid during operation. It's important to never run a high pressure pump without liquid.
Try:  GlobalSpec provides detailed information about screw pumps. You can also refer to Pumps & Systems, a magazine for the pump and rotating equipment industry.