Reciprocating Pumps & Valves

Reciprocating pumps are a type of positive displacement pump, consisting of a:

Fluid-End (consisting of two chambers, suction and discharge, separated by spring-loaded valves)
Suction Inlet (where fluid flows from piping through a valve into the first chamber, aka suction chamber)
Suction Valve (positioned between the suction inlet and suction chamber; enables the flow of liquids from suction piping into the suction chamber)
Suction Chamber (in which a plunger moves back and forth, or “reciprocates”)
Discharge Valve (positioned between the suction chamber and the second chamber, aka discharge chamber; enables the discharge of liquids from the suction chamber into the discharge chamber)
Discharge Outlet (where liquids discharge from the second chamber)

They are available in two configurations:

Single-acting: In single-acting reciprocating pumps, a plunger moves forward and backward using a connecting rod attached to a crank (powered by an electric motor). As the crank rotates, the “suction stroke” causes the plunger to withdraw from the suction chamber (creating a vacuum which causes the suction valve to open and the liquid to enter the chamber), while the “discharge stroke” causes the plunger to move in to the suction chamber (increasing the pressure of the liquid which causes the suction valve to close and the discharge valve to open). The liquid is then forced into the discharge chamber and outlet.
Double-acting: In double-acting reciprocating pumps, the fluid acts on both sides of the plunger, which means there will be two suction pipes and two delivery pipes required.

Reciprocating pumps provide a steady and constant flow rate under any level of delivery pressure. They are best suited for high-pressure, low-flow applications and industries that require precise mechanical operations. Industries that use reciprocating pumps include oil and gas, food processing, chemical processing, mining, and wastewater treatment.

While centrifugal pumps are more effective for higher discharge volumes, they may have a fluctuating flow rate during operation. Reciprocating pumps rarely require priming (unlike centrifugal pumps) and generally operate at 90% or higher efficiency. However, the efficiency and durability of a reciprocating pump depend heavily on the quality of the suction and delivery valves used.

At Triangle Pump Components Inc., we offer the following four high-quality valve types:

Model V7

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Durabla® Valves

Our Durabla® valves are renowned for their quality and durability, making them ideal for a variety of high-intensity industrial applications. They are suitable for extreme operating conditions, including the pumping of ammonia, gasoline, groundwater, hydraulic fluid, steam, sulfuric acid, or other harsh materials.

The Durabla® valve family consists of four different reciprocating pump valve varieties, each available in a number of sizes, and able to withstand pressures ranging from 50–6500 psi. The valves, seats and seals are composed of several materials (e.g., 316SS, 17-4SS, Buna, Viton, Delrin® (V7FD only), Sustakon®, and others) to suit different pump equipment and applications.

Resista® AR Valves

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Resista® AR Valves

Resista® abrasion resistant (AR) valves are designed to suit the most demanding pumping applications, including pump systems that process materials containing abrasive compounds—such as acid, chlorine, hazardous chemicals, and small solids—under pressures up to 15,000 psi.

They are available in a wide range of sizes and generally feature 316 stainless steel or 17-4 hardened stainless steel construction. However, for specialty applications, we offer additional construction material capabilities. We also provide fluoroelastomer inserts for higher temperature applications.

WG Sphera

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WG Sphera™ Series

The WG Sphera™ Series is our most flexible valve type suitable for a variety of applications ranging from clean to abrasive environments. This series includes stem-guided, single or dual spring-assisted, and caged metal spherical suction and discharge pump valves.

The spherical valve design reduces disruptions to fluid flow and fluid turbulence, while the stem-guided design increases the stability of the valve member during pump operations. These characteristics result in:

Consistent and full opening of the valve with minimal disruption of fluid direction, velocity, or volume
Smoother and consistent flow rates
Reduced pump vibrations and power-end wear on bearings, crankshaft and connecting rods
Lower power consumption costs

PlenaFlow® Plate Valve

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PlenaFlow® Plate Valves

Our PlenaFlow® plate valve model is a double-sprung, stem-guided plate style valve. It operates under pressures up to 15,000 psi and is suitable for severe operating environments, such as pumping abrasive and corrosive materials.

Available in a range of sizes, PlenaFlow® plate valves are made of 316 Stainless Steel or Monel®. Additionally, customers may select a Delrin®, stainless steel, Sustakon®, or titanium disc for their valves.

For more information about the pump valves at Triangle Pump Components,

If you’re looking for plungers, valves, or other pump components, request a quote by completing this online form to provide us with information regarding your pump model and application.