What Does
Triplex Pump Mean?
A triplex pump is a classification of mud pump commonly used for oil drilling. The primary purpose of a mud pump is to circulate the mud, also called drilling fluid, during drilling operations. It works by forcing drilling fluid down the hollow drill string and back up through the annulus. Triplex pumps get their name because of three horizontal plungers that supply the pressure to the drilling fluid.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Triplex Pump
Mud pumps can be divided into two main sections: the power end, which houses the crankshaft and other parts that produce the power; and the fluid end, which converts the reciprocating action of the power end into suction and discharge power for the drilling fluid. Depending on the application, mud pumps can create up to 7,500 pounds per square inch of pressure.
In addition to triplex pumps there are also duplex pumps with two plungers, quintuplex pumps with five plungers, and hex pumps with six plungers. Triplex pumps are the most widely used because the pressure they provide is suitable for most applications and because of their simplicity and efficiency. Triplex pumps are susceptible to high vibration and noise during operation.