A reciprocating pump uses a piston or plunger moving back and forth to push a fixed volume of liquid through check valves on every stroke. Power Energy supplies reciprocating pumps in Saudi Arabia and the GCC for high-pressure and accurate-flow industrial duties. Tell us the fluid, flow rate and discharge pressure and we will recommend a suitable pump and the pulsation control that goes with it.
How a Reciprocating Pump Works
On the suction stroke the piston or plunger draws liquid in through the suction check valve. On the discharge stroke it pushes the liquid out through the discharge check valve. Because each stroke moves a fixed volume, flow follows pump speed and the pump can build very high pressure.
Piston and Plunger Pumps
- Piston pumps — suited to moderate pressures and a wide range of liquids.
- Plunger pumps — suited to the highest pressures, with packing or seals around a smooth plunger.
- Simplex, duplex and triplex — the number of plungers sets how smooth the flow is. More plungers give less pulsation.
Where Reciprocating Pumps Are Used
- High-pressure cleaning and descaling
- Pressure testing and injection
- Chemical and process injection
- Boiler feed and other high-head services
Pulsation Control
Reciprocating pumps deliver flow in pulses, which can cause pipe vibration and pressure spikes. A pulsation dampener on the discharge, and sometimes on the suction, smooths the flow and protects the pipework and instruments.
Standards
Industrial reciprocating pumps in refinery and petrochemical service are often specified to API 674. Tell us your project specification and we will work to it.
Related Pump Types
See also positive displacement pumps, chemical dosing pumps and AODD pumps.
What We Need to Recommend a Pump
- The fluid, its viscosity and temperature
- Flow rate and discharge pressure
- Solids content and abrasiveness
- Suction conditions and installation (indoor, outdoor, hazardous area)
- Duty cycle and any project or client specification
Read our guide to piston, plunger and reciprocating pumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a reciprocating pump?
A reciprocating pump is a positive displacement pump that uses a piston or plunger moving back and forth, with check valves, to push a fixed volume of liquid on each stroke.
What is the difference between a piston pump and a plunger pump?
A piston pump seals against the cylinder wall and suits moderate pressures. A plunger pump uses a smooth plunger through a stationary seal and suits the highest pressures.
Why do reciprocating pumps need pulsation dampeners?
The flow comes in pulses, which cause vibration and pressure spikes. A pulsation dampener absorbs them and protects pipes, gauges and the pump.
What are reciprocating pumps used for?
They are used where high pressure or accurate flow is needed, such as high-pressure cleaning, pressure testing, chemical injection and high-head process duties.
How do I choose a reciprocating pump in Saudi Arabia?
Send us the fluid, flow rate, discharge pressure, temperature and any specification. We recommend a suitable pump and the pulsation control, and support installation and troubleshooting.
Get a Response Within 24 Hours
Send us the fluid, flow rate, pressure and site for your reciprocating pump. Call or WhatsApp +966 56 278 9535 or email sales@powerenergy.com.co. Power Energy is based in Jubail Industrial City and supplies industrial customers across Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

