A Worthington duplex pump has two direct-acting rows, each with a steam piston and liquid piston on a common rod. One row operates the valve control for the other. Compare the ideal liquid pressure from steam pressure and piston-area ratio.
Worthington Duplex Pump Interactive Calculator
Enter steam pressure and the steam-to-liquid piston-area ratio. Compare ideal liquid pressure, pressure increase and relative piston area.
Equation Used
- Inputs are user-supplied scenario values.
- The displayed equations are evaluated directly.
- Entered efficiencies, shares, limits and factors are not predicted.
- The visual is schematic and not dimensional.
- Strength, fatigue, wear, variation, controls and safety compliance are omitted unless explicitly calculated.
How the Worthington Duplex Pump Works
Each common rod transfers force from a steam piston to a liquid piston. The dashed paths indicate the control connection to the opposite row; the drawing does not calculate valve timing or reproduce dimensioned valve gear.
What This Calculator Represents
The pressure calculation balances ideal piston forces. Backpressure, rod area, friction, valve timing, flow, leakage and dynamic loads are not calculated. The area-ratio output does not indicate a gain in force along the common rod.
Calculation Method
Ideal liquid pressure = steam pressure × steam-piston area / liquid-piston area. Pressure increase = ideal liquid pressure − steam pressure. Liquid area as a percentage of steam area = 100 / entered area ratio.
How to Read the Result
Change one input at a time to compare its effect. Apply the assumptions stated beside the equations when interpreting each result.
Assumptions and Limits
The pressure calculation balances ideal piston forces. Backpressure, rod area, friction, valve timing, flow, leakage and dynamic loads are not calculated. The area-ratio output does not indicate a gain in force along the common rod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the area ratio multiply the force along the rod?
No. In the ideal balance the common rod transmits force between pistons. A smaller liquid-piston area produces higher pressure from that force.
Does the calculator predict flow rate?
No. It compares ideal pressure and piston areas. Stroke, cycle timing, valve behavior and flow losses are not calculated.
Is the drawing suitable for manufacturing?
No. It is a schematic explanation and does not specify manufacturing dimensions, tolerances or materials.
Do these results establish safe operating limits?
No. Assess the complete equipment, loads, materials, controls and applicable requirements separately.
References
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