Pulse damped flow conduit pumping (PDFP) pumps are designed to provide a steady and consistent flow rate over a wide range of head pressures. The pump is based on a sealed and pressurized fluid conduit in which impulses of fluid are created and damped out at different pressure points. The conduit is routinely filled with a lubricant, allowing any pulsations to dampen out. The balance of pressure within the conduit allows for a steady flow rate and pressure output, free from pulsations.
PDFP pumps are typically used for low pressure applications, such as drinking water supply, industrial process supply and general purpose fluid handling. In some applications they are also used in higher pressure applications, such as firefighting systems or compressed air systems.
The pump consists of a center cylinder with an inlet and outlet port. The pressure of the pumping medium is regulated in the center cylinder, using a pressure regulator and needle valve. This regulates the maximum pressure in the center cylinder and regulates the flow of the medium throughout the conduit.
A piston is then driven up and down the inside of the center cylinder in a reciprocating motion and a pressurized, liquid-filled conduit is then pressurized at the beginning of the piston stroke and released at the end of the stroke. A check valve at the outlet of the conduit prevents any of the medium from being able to flow back into the cylinder. The pressure and flow of the medium is regulated by the piston stroke size and frequency.
The outlet of the center cylinder is connected to a delivery system via a diaphragm valve. The diaphragm valve provides an almost linear adjustment of the outlet pressure and flow, ensuring that the desired pressure and flow of the pumping medium is predictable over the range of pressures and flows.
The pressure and flow of the medium is also regulated by an accumulator tank. The accumulation tank is a sealed container filled with the same medium being pumped and its primary purpose is to absorb and store any pressure variations created by the pistons reciprocating motion. This helps to dampen out any pulsations or pressure variations and ensures a steady and consistent flow rate.
PDFP pumps have a number of advantages over traditional types of pumps. They are able to provide a steady flow rate over a wide range of head pressures and they have less maintenance requirements due to minimal wear components. They are usually more reliable than other types of pumps and can be used in higher pressure applications. They are also relatively quiet, making them ideal for residential and commercial applications.
