The word "wobble pump" is spelled with a silent "b" in the middle, despite the fact that it may be pronounced as "wah-bull pump". This is because of the etymology of the word, where it was derived from the German word "Wobbel" which means to wobble or move unsteadily. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word would be /ˈwɑbəl pʌmp/, with the emphasis on the first syllable and the "o" being pronounced as a schwa sound.
A wobble pump refers to a type of positive displacement pump commonly used in various industries for transferring liquids or gases. It derives its name from the wobbling action of a rotating disc, which creates a pulsating motion that displaces the fluid or gas.
The wobble pump consists of a central shaft connected to a disc-shaped wobble plate, usually made of metal. The plate is not perfectly centered on the shaft but is attached in a slightly off-center position, which causes it to wobble when the shaft rotates. The rotational motion of the shaft is typically driven by an electric motor or an engine.
The wobbling action of the plate generates reciprocating movement in one or more pistons or diaphragms that are in contact with the plate. As the plates rotate, the pistons or diaphragms move back and forth, creating alternate suction and compression stages. This action effectively draws in the fluid or gas through an inlet valve and then pushes it out through an outlet valve.
Wobble pumps are revered for their simplicity and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications such as agriculture, automotive, manufacturing, and chemical industries. They are commonly used in fuel transfer, lubrication, chemical dosing, and pressure washing systems. However, their pulsating flow makes them less suitable for applications requiring a steady and continuous flow rate.