Definition

Noun: 1. A supplementary pump available if needed: A donkey pump is a secondary or auxiliary pump, typically used as a backup or for additional support when the primary pump is insufficient or fails. It is often a direct-acting steam pump.

Usage

The term "donkey pump" is used to describe a reserve or support pump in mechanical and engineering contexts. - It functions as a backup system. - It provides additional capacity when required.

Examples

• The ship's engine room was equipped with a donkey pump in case the main feed pump malfunctioned.
• To increase pressure in the irrigation line, they activated the donkey pump.
• The old factory still uses a steam-driven donkey pump as an auxiliary unit.

Advanced Usage

• In engineering contexts: The term often specifies a direct-acting steam pump used for auxiliary duties like feeding boilers or pumping water.
• As a contingency device: It implies a piece of equipment held in reserve, not for continuous primary use.

Variants and Related Words

• Auxiliary pump (n): A general term for any supplementary pump.
• Standby pump (n): A pump kept ready for use if needed.
• Feed pump (n): A pump that supplies water to a boiler, which a donkey pump often is.

Synonyms

• Backup pump
• Reserve pump
• Supplementary pump

Related Phrases

• Donkey engine (n): A small auxiliary engine, related in function to a donkey pump.
• To serve as a donkey pump: To function in a supplementary or backup role.
  • The smaller unit can serve as a donkey pump during peak demand.

Noun

1. a supplementary pump available if needed