Is the material of the plunger in a Triplex plunger pump important for a high pressure washer?
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-03-25 Origin: Site
Is the material of the plunger in a Triplex plunger pump important for a high pressure washer?
The first, we need to know the plunger in a triplex plunger pump can push the water flow to increase the pressure, and it fits tightly inside the triplex plunger pump body to prevent pressure leakage. So, the plunger plays the role of converting power and sealing and pressurizing in the triplex plunger pump. If the user chooses the wrong material for the plunger, it will shorten the life of the triplex plunger pump and the high pressure washer and increase the maintenance cost.
Comparison between ceramic plunger and spray ceramic plunger: We look at the difference between them from 5 perspectives:
1. Difference in materials:
Ceramic plungers are mainly formed of zirconium oxide or aluminum oxide (engineering ceramics), with high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
The main substrate of the spray ceramic plunger is stainless steel or alloy steel, and then a ceramic coating is sprayed on its surface, which is a combination of coating and substrate.
2. Difference in production process:
Ceramic plunger are made of ceramic powder through dry pressing or injection molding, high temperature combustion, and then grinding.
Spray ceramic plunger are made by forming a high density ceramic layer on the surface of a metal substrate.
3. Service life and maintenance frequency:
The service life of the ceramic plunger can reach more than 8000hours, which is about 2-3 times that of the spray ceramic plunger. But its disadvantage is that it is afraid of bumps and collisions, because it will break if it hits.
The service life of the spray ceramic plunger is about 3000-5000hours. Its metal matrix is not afraid of collisions and has strong impact resistance. But it is afraid of granular objects such as sand in the water source, so the coating of the ceramic plunger is easily peeled off.
4. Impact on triplex plunger pump and high pressure washer performance:
Due to the low density of ceramic plunger, there is less deformation at high temperatures, so the sealing is more stable, so it is used at higher high pressure washer speeds (such as 2500-3000rpm) and can also be used at working pressures above 400bar-5800psi.
The metal matrix of the spray ceramic plunger has a relatively high density, has a large inertia at high speeds, and the spray ceramic and metal will expand and crack at high temperatures. Therefore, it is suitable for use at working pressures of 300bar-4350psi and below.
5. What are the consequences of damage to the two types of plungers:
If the ceramic plunger is broken, the fragments will directly enter the triplex plunger pump body, scratch the cylinder body and seals, and the crankshaft connecting rod will also deform due to uneven force, resulting in a sudden drop in the pressure of the high pressure washer (possibly from 400bar-5800psi to below 100bar-1450psi). In this case, the plunger needs to be replaced as a whole, and the maintenance cost is relatively high.
How to choose the best plunger?
Users can make a decision based on 3 points:
Step 1: Identify the usage scenario
If it is high pressure, the water source is clean, and the plunger needs to be resistant to chemical corrosion: choose a ceramic plunger.
Q: Why?
A: Because ceramic plungers don't contain metal, ceramics are not afraid of acid, alkali, and salt water. They won't be corroded, oxidized, or rusted. So ceramic plunger is suitable for cleaning industrial equipment, cleaning equipment in food processing plants, and cleaning ships containing seawater.
If the water contains mud and sand: choose a sprayed porcelain plunger.
Q: Why?
A: Because the sprayed porcelain plunger contains a metal matrix, which has strong impact resistance and is not easily broken. Even if the coating is worn by mud and sand or small stones, the metal matrix can still work in a short period of time, and the coating can be repaired. Therefore, sprayed porcelain plungers are suitable for engineering machinery cleaning, building exterior wall cleaning, and agricultural equipment cleaning.
Step 2: Frequency of use
If the high pressure washer will be used under long term high load, it is recommended to choose a ceramic plunger.
If the high pressure washer is not used frequently, it is recommended to choose a ceramic spray plunger
Step 3: Brand and after sales support
Choose a supplier that can provide plunger warranty and replacement. Cvoltio can provide high-quality after sales service. Within the one year warranty period, we can provide free repairable accessories, so you don't have to worry about your customer complaints.
Q1: Is the ceramic plunger really easy to break? How to avoid it?
A: Ceramic plunger is super wear resistant, about three times that of metal. But it is afraid of being dropped or hit.
How to avoid it?
· Don't knock the plunger with tools during installation and maintenance, and make sure the water source doesn't contain sand, stones, etc.
· Turn on the water before the high pressure washer starts running, and do not let the triplex plunger pump run dry.
Q2: How to tell if the plunger is broken?
· If the high pressure washer's pressure is lower than 50%, the plunger may be worn because its sealing effect fails.
· If the triplex plunger pump body drips or sprays water, it may be that the plunger is scratched and the sealing ring is damaged.
· If the vibration of the triplex plunger pump body becomes larger, it may be an imbalance caused by uneven wear of the plunger.
· If the triplex plunger pump body is abnormally hot locally, it may be that there is a lack of water lubrication in the triplex plunger pump body, resulting in dry grinding of the plunger.
Choosing the right plunger can double the life of our high pressure washer!
Choose a ceramic plunger: suitable for high pressure, that is, industrial pressure (above 400bar/5800psi), clean water source, and pursuit of long life and low maintenance cost of high pressure washer.
Choose a porcelain sprayed plunger: suitable for commercial pressure (between 100bar/1450psi and 300bar/4350psi), the water source may contain particles or corrosive media, and focus on impact resistance and maintenance economy.
If you want to know more about triplex plunger pumps and the price of high pressure washers, please don't hesitate to contact Cvoltio's sales directly to get the latest wholesale prices!
