Pulsation
Dampeners
and Suction Stabilizers

Pulsation
Dampeners
and Suction Stabilizers
Pulsation Dampeners
Positive
displacement pumps create pulsation and hydraulic shock purely by
the reciprocating nature of the pump's stroking action. During the
discharge stroke of a pump, fluid pressure takes the line of least
resistance, displacing the bladder in the dampener, thus compressing
the trapped gas. As the pump begins its next cycle, fluid flow stops
momentarily allowing the compressed gas to expand, forcing the bladder
to push the accumulated fluid back into the discharge line filling
the void created by the pump's cycle shift. Whether a piston, plunger,
air diaphragm, peristaltic, gear, or diaphragm metering pump, SENTRY
Pulsation Dampeners placed at the pump's discharge will produce a
steady fluid flow up to 99% pulsation free; protecting the entire
pumping system from the damaging effects of shock.
Suction Stabilizers
Without
a sufficient supply of fluid a pump will not perform efficiently.
Fluid "starvation" is caused by unbalanced hydraulics from friction,
acceleration, and head. A reciprocating pump further complicates the
issue by emitting high-frequency pressure waves created by the inlet
valves opening and closing. For example, in high inlet pressure situations,
a pump's inlet valves create "water hammer" by their opening and closing
action; increasing pipe and pump damage, and draining system efficiency.
In suction
lift and horizontal suction applications, the inlet valve action actually
decreases inlet fluid pressure. A "starved" or cavitating pump will
be unable to produce specified flow rates due to the incomplete filling
of cylinders and liquid chambers; in addition, cavitation will result
in premature failure of pump parts. SENTRY Suction Stabilizers at
the pump's inlet will act as an accumulator, reducing pressure fluctuations
and aid in filling the pump head with fluid during each inlet stroke.
In high suction lift applications it is also important not to lose
the acceleration of the fluid created with each suction stroke of
the pump. Suction Stabilizers will momentarily maintain the flow of
the accelerated fluid. The fluid flows into the stabilizer as the
pump shifts, then out as the inlet valve re-opens--maintaining even
pressure and steady flow--eliminating cavitation.
For More Information
on our SENTRY line of Pulsation Dampeners and Suction Stabilizers: