Piston Pumps - Precise High-Pressure Delivery for Process, Dosing, and Transfer
Piston pumps are used wherever defined flow rates must be reliably delivered under high or fluctuating back pressure. As reciprocating positive-displacement pumps, they operate with an oscillating piston and a flow rate controlled by suction and discharge valves. This makes them suitable for applications requiring a nearly constant flow rate, high pressure stability, and precise metering.
At Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH, we consistently design piston pumps based on the medium, pressure level, viscosity, suction conditions, and pulsation requirements. This results in robust solutions for high-pressure transfer, process feeding, injection, metering, and demanding cleaning or waterjet processes.
At Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH, we consistently design piston pumps based on the medium, pressure level, viscosity, suction conditions, and pulsation requirements. This results in robust solutions for high-pressure transfer, process feeding, injection, metering, and demanding cleaning or waterjet processes.
Why Choose Piston Pumps from Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH?
Piston pumps operate on a volumetric principle and therefore maintain process stability even when pressure levels fluctuate. Unlike centrifugal pumps, the primary focus is not on the head, but on the controlled displacement per stroke.
Our design takes into account not only flow rate and final pressure, but also valve dynamics, suction-side design, pulsation behavior, and the mechanical stress on piping, foundations, and peripheral equipment.
Depending on the load condition, piston pumps are used as:
. Multi-plunger designs reduce the fundamental pulsation and improve flow consistency.
- single-piston pumps
- Duplex or triplex piston pumps
- High-pressure piston pump
- Metering piston pump
- Process pump with pulsation damping
- Skid system with peripherals
. Multi-plunger designs reduce the fundamental pulsation and improve flow consistency.
Piston pumps are used in processes that require high pressures, precise flow rates, and defined operating conditions.
Typical applications:
- High-Pressure Transfer
- Process Feeding
- Injection and Dosing
- Waterjet and Cleaning Processes
- OEM skids and custom supply units
Typical industries:
- Chemistry
- Oil & Gas
- Energy Technology
- High-Pressure Water Technology
- Industrial Process Plants
Our teams take into account at an early stage whether the medium is water-based, oil-based, solvent-based, viscous, or pressurized with gas. Especially with piston pumps, these factors determine the sealing design, valve configuration, pulsation damping, and maintenance strategy.
Piston pumps are designed based on the actual operating point and the required pressure reserve. The following values serve as a technical guideline:
Volume flow rate Q:
0,05 - 200 m³/h
Final Pressure / Differential Pressure Δp:
5-15 bar
Media temperature:
-20 °C to +250 °C
Ambient temperature:
-20 °C to +60 °C
Viscosity:
0,5 - 180.000 mPa·s
Speed range:
50 - 600 1/min
Gas content in the medium:
0 - 5 Vol.-%
Solid content:
0-0.05% by weight
Particle size:
up to 95 mm
NPSH/Suction Head Reserve:
0,5 - 5 m
Sound level:
typically 70-100 dB(A)
It is important to note that piston pumps can be susceptible to cavitation on the suction side. For this reason, inlet conditions, NPSHa, suction pressure, and piping layout are examined with particular care. In addition, pulsation and pressure surges in the piping must be systematically taken into account.
The suitability of piston pumps depends heavily on the fluid, lubrication properties, gas content, and solids content.
Rated fluid classes:
Water-based media are evaluated for corrosion, lubricity, and cavitation susceptibility. Oil-containing media are restricted based on viscosity, additive package, and seal compatibility. Chemically aggressive or solvent-containing media require explicit material and seal testing, as well as a defined leakage and ATEX concept where applicable.
Media containing solids and abrasive media are only suitable to a limited extent, as valve seats, packings, and plunger surfaces are subject to wear. Gas content also affects valve function, flow consistency, and volumetric efficiency.
Rated fluid classes:
- Water-based media
- oil-containing media
- chemically aggressive media
- Media containing solvents and VOCs
- Shear-sensitive media
- Media with low solids content
- Gas-carrying media with defined limits
Water-based media are evaluated for corrosion, lubricity, and cavitation susceptibility. Oil-containing media are restricted based on viscosity, additive package, and seal compatibility. Chemically aggressive or solvent-containing media require explicit material and seal testing, as well as a defined leakage and ATEX concept where applicable.
Media containing solids and abrasive media are only suitable to a limited extent, as valve seats, packings, and plunger surfaces are subject to wear. Gas content also affects valve function, flow consistency, and volumetric efficiency.
The choice of material is based on the pressure level, corrosion risk, temperature, and mechanical stress.
Typical materials for pressure-bearing components:
Components subject to wear:
For abrasive or critical processes, we define a wear management concept with clearly defined replacement parts, coordinated maintenance intervals, and a project-specific spare parts strategy. For hygienic applications, minimal dead space and surface roughness are considered separately.
Typical materials for pressure-bearing components:
- 1.4404
- 1.4571
- Duplex 1.4462
- Special materials depending on the medium and operating standards
Components subject to wear:
- Plunger or piston surfaces, hardened or coated
- Valve seats and valve bodies made of stainless steel, cemented carbide, or ceramic
- Seal and packing materials made of PTFE, PTFE compounds, FKM, EPDM, or FFKM
For abrasive or critical processes, we define a wear management concept with clearly defined replacement parts, coordinated maintenance intervals, and a project-specific spare parts strategy. For hygienic applications, minimal dead space and surface roughness are considered separately.
Seals, Interfaces, and Safety
The sealing concept is determined based on the medium, pressure, and permissible leakage target. Depending on the design, the following are used:
Packing systems are robust but require regular maintenance and adjustment. For toxic, crystallizing, or polymerizing media, barrier or flushing systems may be required.
Since piston pumps, as positive-displacement pumps, can generate impermissible pressures when the discharge side is shut off, overpressure protection is absolutely essential as part of the system. In addition, the following points are defined:
- Stuffing box packing
- Mechanical seal
- Encapsulated custom solution
Packing systems are robust but require regular maintenance and adjustment. For toxic, crystallizing, or polymerizing media, barrier or flushing systems may be required.
Since piston pumps, as positive-displacement pumps, can generate impermissible pressures when the discharge side is shut off, overpressure protection is absolutely essential as part of the system. In addition, the following points are defined:
- Flanges and pressure stages
- Ventilation and drainage options
- Measurement and flushing connections
- Protection against accidental contact
- Safe Shutdown
- Leakage containment for hazardous media
- ATEX requirements for hazardous areas
Drives, Control, and Energy
Piston pumps are typically driven by an electric motor with a crankshaft/gearbox or by a hydraulic drive. They are designed with sufficient torque reserve to accommodate high pressure, viscosity fluctuations, and cold-start conditions.
Possible control concepts:
In this process, energy input, pulsation behavior, and mechanical stress are evaluated together. Sensor options such as pressure, temperature, stroke counting, or vibration monitoring further enhance process reliability. Interfaces such as 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, or fieldbus are integrated on a project-specific basis.
Possible control concepts:
- Speed control
- Stroke adjustment, if possible based on the design
- Bypass control
In this process, energy input, pulsation behavior, and mechanical stress are evaluated together. Sensor options such as pressure, temperature, stroke counting, or vibration monitoring further enhance process reliability. Interfaces such as 0-10 V, 4-20 mA, or fieldbus are integrated on a project-specific basis.
Connections, Installation, and Peripherals
The components of a piston pump are critical to its service life and stable operation. The following are particularly important:
Our design also takes into account maintenance access, space constraints, and vibration transmission to the installation structure.
- appropriate flange standards and pressure ratings
- correctly sized nominal suction and discharge diameters
- piping layout designed to accommodate pulsations and pressure surges
- Pipe supports and damping elements
- Pulsation dampers for sensitive processes
- Safety valve or bypass as required peripheral equipment
- A sufficiently rigid foundation or skid
- Optional heating or temperature control concept for viscosity-dependent media
Our design also takes into account maintenance access, space constraints, and vibration transmission to the installation structure.
Monitoring, Protective Functions, and Operational Safety
To increase availability, piston pumps are equipped with appropriate monitoring and protection functions.
Typical monitoring parameters:
This allows for the early detection of blockages, impermissible pressure spikes, valve wear, seal stress, or cavitation. Alarm and shutdown logic are tailored to the respective system standard. Dry running and cavitation must be avoided at all costs and are limited through suction-side design, sensor technology, and process logic.
Typical monitoring parameters:
- Pressure
- Temperature
- Vibration
- Leakage
- Stroke Count
- Motor and load data
This allows for the early detection of blockages, impermissible pressure spikes, valve wear, seal stress, or cavitation. Alarm and shutdown logic are tailored to the respective system standard. Dry running and cavitation must be avoided at all costs and are limited through suction-side design, sensor technology, and process logic.
Quality, Testing, and Documentation
The scope of the audit is determined based on the project's criticality and the operator's requirements. Typical topics include:
For Ex applications, certificates of conformity and markings are included in the project documentation.
- Functional Run
- Performance test for Q/Δp
- Pressure test
- Leak test
- FAT or SAT
- Material certificates in accordance with EN 10204 2.2 or 3.1
- Serial number and batch traceability
- Data sheet
- General Arrangement Drawing
- Spare Parts List
- Operating instructions
- Conformity Documents
- Acceptance Reports
For Ex applications, certificates of conformity and markings are included in the project documentation.
Service, Maintenance, and Operating Costs (TCO)
The operating costs of a piston pump are primarily determined by energy consumption, wear parts, downtime, and service access.
Typical wear parts:
A clearly defined operating window for pressure, speed, temperature, viscosity, and suction conditions significantly reduces unplanned downtime. For critical processes, redundancy concepts such as standby, 1+1, or quick-change solutions may be appropriate. Training on operation, packing replacement, valve maintenance, and troubleshooting can be integrated on a project-specific basis.
Typical wear parts:
- Packing
- Valves and seats
- Plunger or piston components
- Bearings
A clearly defined operating window for pressure, speed, temperature, viscosity, and suction conditions significantly reduces unplanned downtime. For critical processes, redundancy concepts such as standby, 1+1, or quick-change solutions may be appropriate. Training on operation, packing replacement, valve maintenance, and troubleshooting can be integrated on a project-specific basis.
Advantages of Harton Piston Pumps
- Defined flow rate at high back pressure
- Suitable for high-pressure transfer and metering applications
- Application-specific design as a single, duplex, or triplex system
- Customizable sealing and material concept
- Process-specific pulsation damping and peripheral system design
- Documentable acceptance criteria and test protocols
- Technical design by experienced in-house specialists
Types and Variants of Our Piston Pumps
Our product range includes piston pumps for a wide variety of pumping and metering tasks—from precise standard applications to demanding processes involving high pressures, abrasive, or highly viscous fluids. Depending on the application, various designs are available, such as single- and multi-cylinder, double-acting, or hydraulic piston pumps, as well as specialized versions for specific media and adjustable flow rates. This means you can find the right piston pump for virtually any industrial application, offering optimal performance, accuracy, and operational reliability.
Double-acting piston pumps deliver the fluid during each piston stroke in both the forward and reverse directions, which enables higher flow rates at a constant speed. These pumps are particularly well-suited for applications that require high flow rates at medium to high pressures. Double-acting piston pumps are frequently used in the oil and gas industry as well as in the chemical and petrochemical industries.
| Pressure | up to 250 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,5 - 2 % |
| Media | Viscosity, Oils, Chemicals |
| Viscosity | 20 - 200.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +200 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, FKM |
| ATEX | optional |
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 5.000 l/h |
Single-cylinder piston pumps operate with a single piston that moves back and forth inside a cylinder to deliver the fluid. These pumps offer precise metering and are particularly well-suited for applications that require a constant flow rate and high accuracy. They feature a simple design and are suitable for a wide range of liquids.
| ATEX | optional |
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 1.500 l/h |
| Pressure | up to 100 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,2 - 1 % |
| Media | Viscous liquids, suspensions, chemicals |
| Viscosity | 10 - 100.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +200 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE |
Hydraulic piston pumps use hydraulic fluid to drive the piston mechanism and deliver the fluid. These pumps deliver particularly high pressures and are suitable for applications that require high flow rates and precise control. They are widely used, particularly in the mechanical engineering, plastics, and food industries.
| Pressure | up to 700 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,1 - 2 % |
| Media | Hydraulic oils, chemical fluids |
| Viscosity | 10 - 500.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +150 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, aluminum |
| ATEX | optional |
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 5.000 l/h |
Piston pumps for abrasive media are equipped with reinforced components to minimize wear caused by solids in the medium. These pumps are ideal for handling slurries, cement, or other abrasive liquids, as they are particularly resistant to mechanical stress. Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH offers these pumps with specialized hydraulics and reinforced seals for particularly challenging media.
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 1.000 l/h |
| Pressure | up to 150 bar |
| Accuracy | ±1 - 3 % |
| Media | abrasive liquids, slurries |
| Viscosity | 20 - 500.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 bis +150 °C |
| Materials | Duplex steel, Hardox |
| ATEX | optional |
Piston pumps for high-viscosity fluids are specifically designed to handle highly viscous fluids such as lubricants, resins, or bitumen. These pumps offer high pressure capacity and precise metering, even at very high viscosities. Typical applications can be found in the chemical industry as well as in food and cosmetics production.
| ATEX | optional |
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 100 l/h |
| Pressure | up to 400 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,5 - 2 % |
| Media | Lubricants, resins, asphalt |
| Viscosity | 10.000 - 1.000.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -10 to +80 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, FKM |
Variable-speed piston pumps (inverter-controlled) offer the advantage of allowing the flow rate and pressure to be precisely regulated as needed. This type of pump is particularly well-suited for applications where operating conditions change frequently, such as in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
| Viscosity | 10 - 100.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +150 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, FKM |
| ATEX | optional |
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 1.500 l/h |
| Pressure | up to 200 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,1 - 1 % |
| Media | Chemicals, pharmaceutical liquids |
Multi-cylinder piston pumps consist of several pistons that operate either synchronously or alternately. These pumps offer high flow rates and are capable of ensuring precise metering even at higher pressures and high flow rates. Multi-cylinder piston pumps are frequently used in the oil and gas industry as well as in the chemical industry.
| Dosing capacity | 0,1 - 10.000 l/h |
| Pressure | up to 400 bar |
| Accuracy | ±0,2 - 1 % |
| Media | Viscous, abrasive liquids |
| Viscosity | 20 - 300.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -40 to +250 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, Hastelloy, PTFE |
| ATEX | optional |
Relevance for Engineers and Technical Buyers
The design is based on flow rate, operating and peak pressure, NPSH ratios, pulsation characteristics, fluid properties, and the requirements for the sealing system, materials, and service life of the components subject to wear.
For technical procurement, the following must be specified on a project-by-project basis: flow rate, maximum operating pressure, material of construction, sealing system, drive power, connection standards, permissible media properties, as well as documentation, spare parts, and maintenance requirements.
Depending on the application, the following must be taken into account: the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), ATEX, the Machinery Directive or Machinery Regulation, operator standards, as well as material, pressure, and function-related tests, including pressure, leak, and acceptance tests.
FAQs by Industry
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Mechanical Engineering: Waterjet Cutting Technology and Cleaning
Energy Technology: Condensate Pumping and Boiler Feedwater Supply
Oil and Gas Industry: Injection and Pipeline Services
Pharmaceutical and Food Industries: Homogenization
Agricultural Industry: Crop Protection and Fertilization
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