Saugpumpe

A Saugpumpe, or suction pump, is a pump that moves liquids by creating a partial vacuum in the pump chamber, allowing the liquid to be drawn into the pump and discharged through the outlet. The suction effect is produced by mechanical action, such as a piston, diaphragm, or plunger, which increases the chamber volume and lowers the pressure inside.

Most Saugpumpen are positive-displacement pumps. In operation, the moving element enlarges the inlet chamber, drawing liquid through a check valve. When the chamber is filled, the valve closes, and the liquid is pushed out to the discharge line by the next stroke or by the pressure difference. The design may include multiple valves to regulate flow and prevent backflow.

A key limitation is the lift that atmospheric pressure can sustain; for water at sea level this is about ten meters for a single-stage suction pump. To lift water higher or to handle viscous liquids, multi-stage designs or different pump types are used. Priming is often required to remove air from the suction line, and leaks, air ingress, or running dry can reduce performance or cause damage.

Common applications include drawing water from wells or tanks, draining basements or sumps, irrigation, and various low-pressure liquid transfers in industry and laboratories. In practice, suction pumps are valued for simplicity and reliability, particularly in settings where high pressure is not required.

Construction and materials vary, with options made of brass, stainless steel, or plastics, chosen for compatibility with the liquid and corrosion resistance. Some models are manually operated, while others are powered by electric motors. Submersible pumps that operate while submerged are usually classified separately from suction pumps because they do not rely on atmospheric vacuum to lift liquid.