Which device is typically installed on a double action piston pump to reduce pulsation in the discharge of water?

• A. Air chamber
• B. Pressure gauge
• C. Flow meter
• D. Diaphragm

Answer: (A)

In a double action piston pump, an air chamber is commonly installed to reduce pulsation in the discharge of water. The fundamental principle behind using an air chamber lies in its ability to absorb pressure fluctuations that result from the pump's cyclical operation. As the piston moves, it creates high and low pressure zones due to its dual-action mechanism—pushing fluid out one side while drawing it in from the other.

The air chamber acts like a shock absorber. It contains air that compresses when the pressure increases during the discharge stroke, thereby dampening the effects of pulsation and smoothing the flow of the water out of the pump. This leads to a more consistent and uniform discharge rate, which is crucial in many applications where steady flow is essential.

In contrast, devices such as pressure gauges and flow meters serve monitoring purposes rather than actively mitigating pulsation. A diaphragm, while it can help control fluid movement or seal fluids in certain systems, is not specifically designed to reduce pulsation in a double action piston pump setup. Hence, the installation of an air chamber is the most effective method for addressing the issue of pulsation in this context.