Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of a parabolic deflector on the flow rate of a sonic (resonance) pump. A specially shaped parabolic deflector is designed and manufactured to fit to a1.5#x201D; spring-loaded poppet valve and tested on a solar powered sonic pump at resonance frequency of 5.33 Hz. It was found that the flow rates increased by as much as 51% at 22 Watt and by 5.1% at 38 Watt as compared to the case without a deflector and no air in the pipe system. Whenever air is present in the pipes the deflector enhanced the flow rate by as much as 216% at 22 Watt and by 63% at 38 Watt forcing to remove quickly the air from the system. These results are dependent upon the position of the deflector with respect to the valve body, the power input to the oscillating system and the existence of air in the pipe system. It is concluded that the deflector is a simple and suitable means for increasing the pump flow rate.