Pulsometer pump

[moreshk]

Hi

I am trying to understand working of old Pulsometer pumps. I think I understand most of it, but can't understand the purpose of the chamber in the center. The one which is supposed to help in maintain suction.
Would love if someone can help me understand.

Also what exact kind of valves are being used in the pump. I am trying to build one myself for experimental purposes and wanted to know which valves can I buy off the shelf to use in this. The ball mechanism at the top of the neck, can I get something like that off the shelf?

Better still are there any old Pulsometer pumps I can get somewhere?

All help would really be appreciated.

Regards
Moresh

 

[micalbrch]

Did you check Wikipedia? It answers at least your question about the valves.

 

[Artisi]

It would be nice to know what Pulsometer pump you are actually talking about.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[moreshk]

@micalbrch : I tried researching all available information on the net. Wiki and others do not provide exact details. I can understand these are Non return check valves but nothing beyond that.

I am trying to build one myself. In developing countries (India, Africa) we do not have access to grid electricity all the time. A solar generated steam fired Pulsometer would help a lot in irrigation.

Now if only I am able to understand how everything goes together and what can I get off the shelf to build one.


@artisi I am referring to the water pumps

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulsometer_steam_pump

 

[Artisi]

Just off the top of my head - I would think that if you can collect sufficient solar energy to generate enough steam to power a unit like this, there must be a better way to use the solar energy - ie, generate electricity and run a conventional pump.

There are already solar powered pumps available.


It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[moreshk]

Solar panels are too expensive, then you need a battery, MPPT chargers, invertors (if AC) else DC pumps. All of this shoots up the price, I have researched this for a while. In fact we even developed a Solar powered DC pump but the price does not make it viable.

A pulsometer has no moving parts, is simple in construction and can run off steam. It would be cheaper and easier to maintain. Less energy conversion losses would mean it would be more efficient too.

 

[Artisi]

How about a wind-mill, no need for the sun to shine.

It is a capital mistake to theorise before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts. (Sherlock Holmes - A Scandal in Bohemia.)

 

[hydtools]

This Scientific American article describes the center cavity as a vacuum chamber connected to the induction passage. Not clear as to its function.

http://www.scientificamericanpast.com/Scientific American 1870 to 1879/6/imgOrig/8_30_1873.jpg

Ted

 

[moreshk]

Thanks, I think it is probably used to fill up with water in order to fill both chambers with water at onset. It has a plug to fill it with water, so if it is connected to the induction passage, water can be poured into it till it fills up. If that chamber is filled, it will cause water to rise in the 2 side chambers as water will try to equalize its levels. This will allow someone to start the pump once the chambers are filled. Seems logical ?

 

[hydtools]

Further search and reading, the chamber provides a cushion to prevent water hammer in the suction passages.

This ref gives a detailed description of the pump operation:

http://books.google.com/books?id=Bx...snum=10&ved=0CHUQ6AEwCTgK#v=onepage&q&f=false

Ted