Whether you’re looking to move fuel from one container to another or to pump it into your vehicle, diesel pumps come in handy for a variety of applications. But how do they work? And what are the differences between them and electric pumps? In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of diesel pumps and help you choose the right model for your needs.
A diesel fuel pump is a piece of equipment that moves fuel through a series of valves and filters to ensure the fuel has been properly cleaned and is safe for use. It also has an electrical motor that creates suction to draw fuel from the tanks into storage and then back again as necessary. Valves control the flow of fuel and are used to prevent air from entering into the system when a certain amount of fuel is drawn in too quickly, which can damage internal components.
Earlier diesel pumps had an inline layout with cam-operated injection cylinders in a line, like a miniature engine, that varied the injection volume as they rotated. More modern diesel pumps have a compact design with a rotary or reciprocating diesel-engine that produces power to drive the pump via a chain and gear.
In general, diesel-powered pumps are ideal for a range of applications where continuous operation is required on site and they can remain connected to a stable power source. However, electric pumps are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower energy consumption and ability to operate even during cloudy or nighttime conditions without requiring batteries or sunlight availability.