The reciprocating pump does not need to be filled with liquid when it starts up. Because the reciprocating pump has the self-priming capability, the suction vacuum height also varies with the atmospheric pressure in the area where the pump is installed, the nature of the liquid and the temperature, so the reciprocating pump installation height is also limited . Reciprocating pump flow can not be discharged with the valve on the pipeline to adjust, but should be used by the bypass pipe or change the reciprocation of the piston to change the piston stroke to achieve. Before starting the reciprocating pump, the valve in the discharge line must be opened. The reciprocating pump's piston is connected to the prime mover by the connecting rod crankshaft. The prime mover motor, steam engine can also be used. Reciprocating pumps for high-pressure head, small flow, high-viscosity liquid delivery, but not for transporting corrosive liquids. Sometimes directly driven by the steam engine, delivering flammable, explosive liquids.