Booster pump
A booster pump is a device that increases the pressure of a fluid, which can be a liquid or a gas. Gas boosters act like small gas compressors and are often a single stage, though some have two stages. They are used to raise gas pressure, move high‑pressure gas, fill gas cylinders, or supply gas at higher pressure for processes. Water pressure boosters are common in tall buildings to ensure strong pressure on upper floors. They may be needed after installing backflow prevention devices, which can lower pressure, or after pipes build up scale over time.
For homes, a typical water booster is a simple electric centrifugal pump with a check valve. It can be constant‑speed, turning on when pressure drops and turning off when it rises, or variable‑speed, which adjusts to keep output pressure steady. An accumulator (a small tank) helps reduce how often the pump starts and stops.
In tall buildings, boosters may be placed at several levels to keep pressure even on all floors, or one booster can raise pressure and regulators on each level can reduce it. Large booster pumps powered by diesel are used for fire sprinkler systems to deliver enough water at high pressure. A smaller electric “jockey” pump may be used to keep pipes pressurized so the big pump doesn’t have to start as often.
Gas boosting also helps fill storage cylinders or provide gas at higher pressure than the main supply. Gas boosters are usually piston or plunger compressors. A simple single‑stage booster has a cylinder and piston with inlet and outlet valves. Gas flows in, gets trapped, and is pushed out at higher pressure. Some gas remains in the space at the top of the stroke, which affects efficiency. Heat is generated during compression, so some boosters are cooled.
Oxygen boosters must use materials and lubricants that won’t ignite with oxygen, and drive gas must not leak into the oxygen side. Some boosters use the same gas to power the booster and to be boosted, known as a bootstrap booster.
Boosters can be powered by electric motors, hydraulics, compressed air, or manual levers. Electric boosters may use a gearbox to convert fast motor speed into slower piston motion, and some designs allow manual operation in an emergency.
Manufacturers include Haskel, Dräger, Atlas Copco and others. Some older Soviet models were built for the military and are still used by divers today.
Regular testing and maintenance are essential for safety, especially in fire protection and oxygen-related applications.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 15:59 (CET).