Pumps and Compressors in Detail

Pump and compressor parts are important for a wide variety of applications. Water heating, air conditioning, gasoline, and many other everyday systems rely on pumps and compressors for their functionality. With pumps and compressors, the movement of fluids is made easy, enabling a multitude of capabilities that have shaped our society and industries. In this blog, we will discuss pumps and compressors, and how they function.

While pumps and compressors are sometimes used synonymously in language, they are indeed two distinct, separate components. In general, a pump is an apparatus that transports a fluid from one location to the other. Meanwhile, a compressor squeezes fluids to decrease volume and typically transports them at the same time. Across types, pumps are used for any type of fluid, while compressors are most often used for gases only.

In regards to pumps, the two major types include reciprocating and rotary pumps. Reciprocating pumps are very common, consisting of a piston that moves backwards and forwards within a cylinder. When the piston moves one direction, a fluid is drawn into the cylinder. When the piston is then pushed back, that fluid is forced into one or more valves of the corresponding component.

Rotary pumps differ from reciprocal pumps in that they utilize a spinning wheel to transfer fluids. Rotary pumps will usually rely on exterior powering as they use energy to transport fluids throughout a system. Because of this, they act opposite to an aircraft turbine engine. Within the category of rotary pumps, different types may use various methods to operate, such as vane, impeller, and auger pumps which each use different components to transport fluids within a system.

In regards to compressor components, the two main types are positive displacement and dynamic compressors. Positive displacement compressors are capable of providing constant flow regardless of the outlet pressure. To begin the compression process, fluids are drawn into a compression chamber and the inlet is closed. The chamber then decreases in volume, compressing the fluids until reaching a specific value. At this point, a valve is then opened so that the now compressed fluid can be transported. The most common types of compressors that utilize positive displacement are piston, tooth, screw, and scroll compressors.

Dynamic compressors are denoted by their axial and radial design, and they perform with a set, constant pressure. For compression, fluid velocity is accelerated using rapid rotating blades. As the gas is transported through a diffuser, the kinetic energy of the fluid is converted into static pressure. Typically, the difference between axial and radial dynamic compressors is based on the direction that fluids move in throughout the system.

Altogether, while pump and compressor parts may serve a similar system and are thought of as the same, both have their own functionality and purpose to benefit an assembly. Pumps may be used for a wide variety of fluids for transportation, while compressors are beneficial for compressing gases and storing them. When it comes time to begin sourcing the pump and compressor parts that you need for your next project or operation, ASAP NSN Parts has you covered with everything you are searching for.

1. john parker
2. Posted on May 5, 2020
aviation parts

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