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Working principle and technical characteristics of reciprocating compressor piston pumps. In the industrial sector, reciprocating compressors are one of the common types of equipment, and the piston pump located in the crankcase serves as a key component that plays a vital role. Today, let’s delve together into the working principle, technical features, and key maintenance points of the plunger pump in the crankcase of reciprocating compressors. I. Working Principle: The plunger pump of a reciprocating compressor is mainly composed of a power end and a hydraulic end. The power end includes components such as the crankshaft and connecting rods, while the hydraulic end comprises elements like the pump head, seal housing, plunger, inlet valve, and outlet valve. During operation, the crankshaft rotates at high speed, driving the piston to move back and forth through the connecting rod. As the plunger moves backward, the working volume of the pump increases and the pressure decreases; at this point the inlet valve opens and liquid is drawn into the cylinder ； As the plunger moves forward, the working space decreases, pressure increases, the inlet valve closes, the outlet valve opens, and the liquid is discharged. Through this back-and-forth movement of the plunger, the liquid is drawn in and discharged, completing one working cycle. II. Technical Features 1. Efficient Lubrication: There are generally two methods for lubricating reciprocating compressors: the splash method and the pressure lubrication method. In piston pumps, pressure lubrication is more common; oil is drawn from the tank by a gear oil pump to lubricate rotating parts such as the crankshaft and crosshead. This lubrication method can effectively reduce friction, thereby improving the operational efficiency and service life of the equipment. 2. The structural design of precision structural piston pumps is highly precise. For example, the crankshaft adopts an integral crank and connecting rod design, with each crank pin positioned at 120° from the center to achieve balance. Furthermore, the cross-section of the connecting rod is I-shaped, with the larger end being of a split type and the smaller end bearing using a sleeve design; this structural arrangement enables better transmission of power, thereby enhancing the stability and reliability of the equipment. 3. High-pressure performance plunger pumps are capable of generating high-pressure water streams, thanks to their unique structure and working principle. In some high-pressure applications, such as hydraulic systems, piston pumps can meet the demands for high pressure and high flow rates. For example, in coal mine hydraulic support systems, horizontal piston pumps utilize multiple pistons arranged side by side; a crankshaft drives these pistons to move back and forth, thereby enabling the high-pressure transfer of liquid. 4. Key maintenance points: 1) Regular inspections – Periodically check all the components of the plunger pump, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, plungers, seals, etc., to ensure its proper operation. The inspection includes checking the wear of components, the lubrication condition, and the tightness of fasteners. Identifying and addressing issues promptly can prevent equipment failures and extend its service life. 2) Lubricant management: The quality of the lubricant and its replacement schedule have a significant impact on the performance and lifespan of piston pumps. Appropriate lubricating oil should be selected, and it must be replaced in strict accordance with the requirements specified in the equipment manual. At the same time, pay attention to the cleanliness of the lubricating oil to prevent impurities from entering the lubrication system and affecting its lubrication performance. 3) Valve maintenance: The inlet and outlet valves are key components of piston pumps, and their operating condition directly affects the efficiency and performance of the pump. Regularly check the sealing performance of the valves, and replace any damaged valves promptly to ensure their proper operation. In addition, attention should also be paid to the cleaning and maintenance of valves to prevent impurities from clogging them and affecting their proper opening and closing. The plunger pump in the crankcase of reciprocating compressors is widely used in the industrial sector due to its efficient lubrication, precise design, and high-pressure performance. Understanding its working principle and technical features, as well as mastering the correct maintenance methods, can effectively improve the operational efficiency and service life of the equipment, thereby creating greater value for the enterprise.