Fig. 214 represents the Gould triplex single acting power pump and is one of many designs of this class of power pumps. The frame consists of two standards, which contain the two end cylinders, and the seats to which the outside crosshead guides are bolted. These are held together by two castings, one containing the center crosshead guide, and the other the center cylinder. The crankshaft is a solid steel forging, while the bearings are of phosphor bronze, and the pinion shaft bearings Babbitted.
The gear wheels are machine cut, the pinion and the adjacent teeth of the large gear are covered by suitable guards.
The crossheads are provided with adjustable shoes or gibs, which work in bored guides. The connecting rods are fitted with straps and bronze boxes, which are adjustable for wear by means of wedge and set screws, the wristpin brasses being of the marine type. The cylinders are provided with bronze liners, which are readily removable when necessary for repairs, the plungers being ground to size, present a smooth polished surface to resist the wear.
The valve boxes are separate castings, and each contains a set of suction and discharge valves. These valves are rubber discs, held firmly against the bronze seats by cylindrically wound springs. All of these pumps are furnished with air chambers, and vacuum chambers are provided when the nature of the service demands it. All valves and other working parts of the pump are accessible for inspection, cleaning and repairs, all internal parts being arranged within easy reach through the large handholes.
The pumps here shown are intended for moderately light pressures as for example not to exceed 150 lbs. per square inch, but they are also made in heavier proportions for very high pressures (5,000 lbs. to 15,000 lbs.) such as is necessary to operate hydraulic presses, draw benches for brass and copper tubing and that class of work.
A very simple automatic regulator and by-pass connection (shown in the chapter on accessories) can be attached to these pumps in situations where a constant pressure is to be maintained and allow the pump to run continuously at its maximum speed. This regulator is adjusted to open the by-pass valve whenever the pressure in the compression tank or pipe system exceeds the limit pressure, and so fills the office of a safety valve by allowing the surplus water to return to the tank.
The Riedler belt driven pump is shown in [Fig. 215].
The principal feature of this pump is its valve; there is but one valve for the suction and one for the discharge, which greatly simplifies the pump end. When working against high pressures, the ordinary rubber or leather faced valves are oftentimes pounded to pieces, but in this pump, on account of the mechanical control, the valves work well under all pressures.
