booster pump

booster pump

[′büs·tər ‚pəmp]

(mechanical engineering)

A machine used to increase pressure in a water or compressed-air pipe.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

booster pump

simplified diagram of a water distributor system employing a booster pump

An auxiliary pump which is used in a piping system to increase or maintain the pressure in the system.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

booster pump

Normally a pump, in the aircraft fuel system, meant to prevent vapor locks and cavitation of fuel as well as to maintain a satisfactory supply of low-pressure fuel to the engine-driven pump. This is located in the main fuel tank, to which the fuel from other tanks is transferred for supply to the engine. Also called an LP pump. Booster pumps may also be provided in the oil system, or the like, used to provide additional or auxiliary pressure when needed or to provide an initial pressure differential before entering a main pump. Normal usage is, however, in respect to aircraft fuel system. See fuel boost pump.

An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation Copyright © 2005 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved