Reciprocating Pump Operation - Demonstration

This figure demonstrates the basic principles of a reciprocating pump. Press the START button to activate the animation.

Notice the pump cylinder is connected to a pump's body which has an inlet port and an outlet port.

This is what happens:

Piston Suction Stroke (Piston Moving Left)

- Suction valve opens.
- Discharge valve closes.
- Liquid moves into the pump cylinder from the inlet side.

Discharge Stroke (Piston Moving Right)

- Suction valve closes. The liquid is trapped inside the cylinder.

- Discharge valve opens. This allows the liquid to flow out of the pump body.