What component is used in a positive displacement pumping circuit to absorb cyclical flow variations?

In a positive displacement pumping circuit, a pulsation dampener is essential for absorbing cyclical flow variations. This component is designed to smooth out the pulsations that occur when fluid is discharged in bursts due to the nature of positive displacement pumps, which push a fixed amount of fluid with each stroke.

The pulsation dampener achieves this by utilizing a flexible diaphragm or bladder that accommodates the pressure changes within the fluid system. When the pump generates these pulsations, the dampener's design allows it to compress and expand, effectively storing energy and releasing it in a controlled manner. This not only stabilizes the flow but also helps protect downstream components from the harmful effects of pressure spikes that could lead to damage or inefficiencies within the system.

While other components like check valves, relief valves, and priming loops serve different functions—such as preventing backflow, protecting the system from overpressure, and ensuring that the pump remains primed—they do not specifically address the need to smooth out the flow variations caused by the alternating pressure in positive displacement pumping systems. Therefore, the pulsation dampener is the most appropriate choice for this purpose.