Reciprocating Pumps — Suitability by Duty State whether the following is correct: “A reciprocating pump is most suitable for services requiring comparatively small discharge at relatively high heads.”

Introduction:
Pumps are selected to match head–capacity requirements. Reciprocating pumps (piston/plunger) behave differently from centrifugal pumps in how head and discharge scale. This statement tests the typical application envelope for reciprocating pumps.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single- or double-acting reciprocating machines.
• Incompressible liquids; steady average operation.
• Consider pulsation control via air vessels where needed.

Concept / Approach:
Reciprocating pumps are positive-displacement devices delivering nearly constant volume per stroke, enabling very high pressures (heads) at modest flow rates. Centrifugal pumps, in contrast, are favored for large discharges at moderate heads. Therefore, the given statement is correct for common engineering practice.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify duty: “less discharge and higher heads.”Map duty to pump families: PD reciprocating suits high head, low-to-moderate flow; centrifugal suits high flow, moderate head.Conclude statement is true for typical water and process duties.

Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturer performance maps show reciprocating pumps achieving hundreds of meters of head at modest flows, while centrifugal selections for the same head often require multistage arrangements.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• False: contradicts standard selection guidelines and the physics of positive displacement.

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking pulsation; in practice, air vessels, dampeners, or accumulators are used to smooth discharge and reduce acceleration head losses.

Final Answer:
True