What is the Difference Between a Plunger Pump and a Piston Pump?

Find out more about the differences between piston and plunger pumps, including their pressure capabilities, materials, durability, maintenance and costs!

17-04-2023

Comparison of Piston and Plunger Pumps

Plunger and piston pumps are both positive displacement pumps, a type of pump that moves a fixed volume of fluid through the pump with each cycle or rotation. These types of pumps work by taking in a certain amount of fluid and then forcing it through the pump's discharge outlet.

They are particularly suitable for pumping viscous or abrasive fluids, as they can handle these materials without damaging the pump. In fact, positive displacement pumps, such as piston and plunger pumps, are used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

However, piston pumps and plunger pumps differ in subtle ways that affect applications, price, and pump life, all of which are important factors in the choice of application. Let's examine these aspects in detail.

Piston Pump: All Features

Piston pumps have unique characteristics that affect their pressure capabilities, materials, durability, maintenance, and pump costs.

• Pressure capabilities of piston pumps
  They have a lower pressure output than plunger pumps due to the friction that occurs between the piston and its seal. As the piston moves forward, the friction pushes back against the seal, making it harder to achieve high pressure.
• Materials and durability
  The material composition of a piston pump's cylinder, piston, and seal will affect its durability. Piston pumps typically have a shorter life than plunger pumps due to the constant sliding action between the piston and its seal, resulting in increased wear and tear.
• Maintenance of piston pumps
  Piston pumps require more maintenance than plunger pumps due to the added complexity of their design. Many piston pumps require an oil bath that needs to be refilled and maintained regularly.
• Pump costs
  Piston pumps tend to be more expensive than plunger pumps due to their more complex design and higher maintenance requirements.

Plunger Pump: Applications and Features

Because of their high pressure capabilities and durability, plunger pumps are commonly used for high-pressure water jetting, well stimulation in oil and gas production, agricultural applications, food and beverage cleaning and sanitizing, and car wash systems. They are a versatile and reliable pumping technology used in various industries.

• Pressure capabilities of the plunger pump
  Plunger pumps have higher pressure capabilities than piston pumps due to the stationary nature of their seals.
• Materials and durability of the plunger pump
  Plunger pumps tend to be more durable than piston pumps due to their simpler design and fewer moving parts.
• Maintenance of the plunger pump
  Plunger pumps require less maintenance than piston pumps.
• Costs of the plunger pump
  Plunger pumps tend to be less expensive than piston pumps due to their simpler design and lower maintenance requirements.

Piston Pump or Plunger Pump? Which is the Best?

Plunger pumps have higher pressure capabilities, lower maintenance requirements, and lower costs than piston pumps. They are also more durable due to their simpler design and use of durable materials. It's important to consider these factors when selecting a pump for your specific application.

At Emiletec, we offer a range of high-quality and high-pressure plunger pumps designed to meet the needs of various industries. Our plunger pumps are renowned for their durability, high pressure capabilities, and low maintenance requirements.

At Emiltec, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service and support. Contact us! We are always available to answer any questions you may have and to provide ongoing support for your pumps.