05.08 Why are triplex pumps used and how do they operate?

Triplex pumps are often used where there is a wide variation in flow requirements, so that a single pump is activated initially, a second brought on-line at higher flow rate requirements and the third pump being a reserve backup. Triplex pumps are designed so that 2 pumps will serve the full flow requirements with a third pump as a backup to either of the operating pumps failing.