Triplex Plunger vs. Axial Piston High-Pressure Pumps: Why Axial Piston Pumps Are the Better Choice for LEDI Systems
When it comes to high-pressure water pumps, two primary types dominate the market: triplex plunger pumps and axial piston pumps. Each has its strengths, but for applications like LEDI’s water purification and desalination systems, axial piston pumps stand out as the superior choice. In this article, we’ll compare both pump types, their advantages, and why LEDI prioritizes axial piston pumps in our systems.
Triplex plunger pumps are positive displacement pumps that use three plungers to generate high pressure. These pumps are commonly found in industrial settings where extreme pressure and continuous duty cycles are required.
High Pressure Capabilities – Can operate at extremely high pressures, often exceeding 3000 PSI.
Durability in Heavy-Duty Applications – Designed for industrial environments with long duty cycles.
Efficient Pressure Output – Provides consistent pressure and flow rate with minimal pulsation.
Lower Upfront Cost
Complex Maintenance – Requires frequent servicing due to multiple moving parts.
Higher Through Life Cost – High ongoing maintenance costs.
Larger and Heavier – Not ideal for compact, portable applications due to size and weight.
Higher Power Consumption – Typically demands more energy to operate efficiently.
Frequent Oil Changes – Requires an oil change every 500 hours, leading to higher maintenance frequency and costs.
Risk of oil contamination - As these pumps are lubricated using oil there is a risk of leaks into the water source.
While triplex plunger pumps are excellent for certain industrial applications, their complexity and maintenance requirements make them less ideal for portable desalination systems and emergency water purification setups.
Axial piston pumps, such as those used in LEDI systems, use a series of pistons arranged in a circular pattern to generate high pressure. Unlike traditional axial wobble plate pumps, high-efficiency axial piston pumps deliver greater performance, durability, and energy efficiency—making them ideal for LEDI’s water purification systems.
Compact and Lightweight – Perfect for portable and emergency-use systems.
Lower Maintenance Requirements – Fewer moving parts mean reduced wear and servicing needs.
Highly Energy Efficient – Axial piston pumps like the Danfoss DHP 1.0 require significantly less power to operate, making them ideal for solar and battery-powered systems.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials – LEDI’s pumps are made from full duplex stainless steel, ensuring longevity in harsh marine and desalination environments.
Long Service Interval – LEDI’s axial piston pumps have an impressive service interval of 8000 hours, drastically reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Superior Performance for Water Purification – Axial piston pumps deliver a stable pressure flow, optimized for reverse osmosis membranes.
Zero Risk or Oil contamination - These pumps are self lubricating with the water they pump. This means there is absolutely no risk of contamination.
Higher Upfront Cost – More advanced than traditional axial pumps but still more cost-effective long term due to reduced maintenance and greater efficiency.
Requires Clean Water for Optimal Performance – Pre-filtration is necessary to prevent damage from sediment or debris. We use extensive prefiltration in all LEDI systems.
At LEDI, our focus is on designing efficient, reliable, and portable water purification and desalination systems. Here’s why axial piston pumps are the preferred choice for our applications:
Portability – Axial piston pumps are lighter and more compact, making them ideal for emergency water treatment units and portable desalination systems.
Lower Power Demand – Our systems are designed for energy efficiency, and axial piston pumps operate effectively with lower power input, making them compatible with solar or battery-powered solutions.
Minimal Maintenance – In emergency or remote environments, easy maintenance is critical. With an 8000-hour service interval, LEDI’s axial piston pumps dramatically reduce servicing needs compared to triplex pumps.
Cost-Effectiveness – While the upfront cost may be higher than traditional axial pumps, the reduced energy consumption and long lifespan make axial piston pumps the best long-term investment.
Corrosion Resistance – Full duplex stainless steel construction ensures durability in extreme conditions, making these pumps ideal for marine and desalination environments.
Optimized for Reverse Osmosis – Axial piston pumps provide the necessary pressure to drive reverse osmosis membranes efficiently without over-engineering the system.
While triplex plunger pumps have their place in extreme industrial applications, axial piston high-pressure pumps like the Danfoss DHP 1.0 offer the best combination of performance, efficiency, and reliability for LEDI’s water purification systems. Their lightweight, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance design makes them the ideal solution for delivering clean water in disaster relief, remote communities, and emergency preparedness.
By choosing axial piston high-pressure pumps, LEDI ensures our systems remain affordable, portable, and easy to maintain—without compromising on performance.
For more information on our water purification and desalination solutions, visit LEDI.com.au.