How the pump works

Applying the priciple of differential areas
The PowerStar™ 4 pumps develop high output pressures by applying the principle of differential areas. The pump is a large area air piston (air-driven at low 10 to 100 psi pressures). This air piston drives a small area liquid piston that pumps liquids to high pressures.

The liquid output pressure is determined by the ratio between the area of the air drive piston, the area of the liquid drive piston and the applied driving air pressure. The relationship of the area of the air piston to the liquid piston is referred to as the pump ratio which is indicated by the number following the air module number (P4).
.



Example
The P45 pump has a nominal ratio of 5 to 1 or 5 psi liquid pressure for each 1 psi of operating air pressure.

Operation
In operation, the P45 pump using 100 psi of input air pressure could produce a maximum liquid output of 520 psi; 80 psi air - 416 psi output; 60 psi air - 312 psi output; and 40 psi air - 208 psi output. Output pressures will vary and be reduced by 5 to 10% through internal friction depending on the lubricity of the liquid.


By regulating the incoming air supply at the pressure regulator, the liquid output can be infinitely adjusted through the pump's pressure range.

Pump Performance
Solid lines indicate approximate flows at various driving air pressures. Dotted lines indicate air consumption.
Examples:

1. With 100 psi (6.8 bar) driving air, the pump will consume 50 SCFM (1l41 NM3/MIN) at an operating pressure of 1,000 psi (68 bar) and will produce an outlet flow of 358 Cu.In./Min. (5.9 LPM).
2. If the volume of compressed air is reduced to 20 SCFM (.57 NM3/MIN), the flow will be reduced to 225 Cu.In./Min. (15.3 Liters). Shaded area indicated flow reduction.

Notes:
Most air compressors will produce 4 to 5 SCFM of compressed air per horsepower at 100 psi.

All air-driven pumps will operate on low air volumes as long as the supply of air is sufficient to overcome minor internal leakage and operate the air selector valve.

Performance charts are based upon air supply pumping potable water with flooded suction.

For more information, CLICK HERE to check out the on-line catalog. (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

For more information call 440- 838-7690
or email sprague@sprague.curtisswright.com

Questions, comments and suggestions can be directed to webmaster@curtisswright.com