If you’re in the market for a new hydraulic pump, you may be a little overwhelmed by all of the different options in front of you. Between pump types, styles, fluids and all the specifications you need to follow, it can be a difficult task. Different applications have different needs and understanding how the design characteristics of hydraulic pumps influence each other can help you better fit the pump to the job.
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Fortunately, we’ve compiled a guide to get you ready for a hydraulic pump purchase. Keep reading to learn more about different types and how to choose a hydraulic pump.
Hydraulic pumps use the principle of fluid displacement to convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, imparting it onto the gears of the pump. In general, the pump inlet creates a vacuum, using atmospheric pressure to pull the liquid in, out of the reservoir. Then the pump’s mechanical action, which varies by design, pushes the liquid through to the outlet and the rest of the hydraulic system. The pump does not generate pressure but creates flow.
Pumps can use positive displacement or non-positive displacement methods to generate this energy, which affects the rate of flow.
Most hydraulic pumps use positive displacement and include the following.
Gear pumps include internal and external types. In either configuration, two gears mesh together to carry fluid in between the teeth. These gears are usually straight spur, herringbone or helical styles. The drive shaft powers one gear, while the other idles and moves by linking up to the other. Since the chambers between the teeth are sealed, a vacuum forms when they come apart and pulls in the fluid from the inlet.
A gear pump tends to have high-efficiency levels when running at its maximum speed. There are several different design types when it comes to gear pumps.
In a vane pump, small vanes move in and out of a central rotor, usually offset for eccentricity, to create chambers that transfer the liquid through an oval- or crescent-shaped opening. The vanes extend outward past the edge of the central rotor and create the chambers when they push against the housing wall and extend with the natural curve of the space. Liquid is forced through the outlet when the space closes. A vane pump can follow fixed or variable displacement but has a relatively complex design compared to some other pump models.
A piston pump uses rotary power to create flow and is typically available in axial and radial types, which can offer fixed or variable displacement.
Between power, noise, maximum pressure and other factors, choosing a hydraulic pump involves a lot of different considerations. You’ll have to think about your needs and how you’ll operate the pump. Here are some features you should consider when purchasing one:
Fluid viscosity refers to the thickness of the liquid in your pump. The viscosity of your fluid can influence how well a given hydraulic pump will perform and which one you should use. Most pumps will have a maximum kinematic viscosity rating associated with them, and you’ll want to stick to this number. A fluid with too low a viscosity can limit the pump’s efficiency and increase wear. A fluid that is too viscous can also decrease efficiency and cause mechanical problems.
The fluid used in your hydraulic system should also match the pump’s specifications. Most pumps will work well with standard hydraulic fluid, which is usually based in mineral oil. It has inherently good lubrication properties with a higher boiling point than water. Other types of fluid that you may need for specific applications include:
These fluids are not interchangeable with every pump, and finding one that works with your fluid needs is vital to choosing the best industrial hydraulic pump for your operation.
Flow rate is calculated with:
Pumps typically have maximum flow ratings in gallons per minute or liters per minute, which tell you how much they can move and may determine its ability to meet your needs.
When looking at the power of a pump, we combine torque and rotational speed. Torque is a critical component of determining your power needs. The easiest method of choosing needed torque is by comparing a new machine with an existing one that performs a comparable job. Consider how much more work is going to be needed of the new machine and multiply it by the old one’s torque rating. If an old machine is not available, you’ll have to calculate the torque.
Power curves can help you select the right pump by showing you a visual representation of how the power is affected by other specifications. It shows you how much power the pump demands at certain flow rates.
Remember that gasoline engines differ from electric motors because of the internal combustion engine’s torque-speed curve. Hydraulic pumps running on gasoline-powered engines need a higher power capacity than they would with an electric motor.
Operating speed looks at the revolutions per minute that the driveshaft makes. Different designs may offer higher or lower operating speeds.
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Pumps usually have a maximum operating pressure listed in bars or pressure per square inch (PSI). Remember that a pump doesn’t create pressure. Any pressure is created by a load on the fluid. Loads placed on the fluid show up as pressure on the outlet, which is the maximum for the pump. This rating identifies where a pump can effectively withstand pressure without leaking or damaging the parts. Maximum operating pressure can vary widely across different pump designs.
Many types of hydraulic pumps are available in both fixed displacement and variable displacement configurations. These models differ in the amount of fluid that they displace.
Variable displacement pumps are good for a wider variety of tools and projects, but fixed-displacement pumps work well in applications where they will be performing the same task repeatedly.
You’ll also want to factor in the maintenance considerations when purchasing a new hydraulic pump. Some are costlier than others to maintain, and staying on top of maintenance can help you extend your pump’s life and improve its performance.
Variable displacement pumps are generally more expensive to maintain due to their complexity. Some pumps have design properties that make them more adaptable to wear. Vane pumps, for example, are quite reliable since the vanes simply extend out as much as they need to if the casing starts to wear. External gear pumps are also known for being durable, but internal ones can be costly. Axial and bent-axis piston pumps are a little more complex to fix but tend to have long lifespans.
Choosing a hydraulic pump is no easy task. It requires you to know a lot about your system’s demands and how different characteristics will interact with each other. Whether you know exactly what you need or may still need a little help, the experts at RG Group are ready to assist.
We’ve been in the business of hydraulics for over 70 years and take pride in our ability to support your company. Our staff is full of highly trained and certified technicians and engineers to help bring your hydraulics to life. We’ve worked in a wide variety of industries, from agriculture to power generation to transportation. Our line of services includes full assembly, testing and systems integration.
Knowledge is selling power when it comes to meeting the needs of your end-users. Fluid power distributors can take what they learn about customers’ specific pumps, motors, and valves, and put that knowledge to use for their clients.
Hydraulic pumps are one of the most necessary components in a hydraulic system, as they are responsible for converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. This hydraulic energy, in turn, results in more mechanical energy. The resulting mechanical energy powers the motors in a hydraulic system, for instance.
The system is dependent on this conversion of power for it to function.
To begin, you should know that there are three major types of pumps in a hydraulic system.
Initially, it may be helpful to determine the pump type needed for an application, then seek out specific features within that type. Many hydraulic pump brands offer pumps that meet a variety of specifications based on common features.
Knowledge of these “specifics” is a great way to help buyers make a good decision.
Some specific features to learn about – and that we offer more information on in this article – are as follows:
Second, determine what fluid type should be used to match the pump’s specifications. Most pumps will work well with standard hydraulic fluid.
Characteristics of other fluid types can also be considered:Most pump drive manufacturers rate their units by the amount of input torque they are capable of handling, so knowing this will help narrow down a model. The wrong calculated torque could result in reduced service life, or worse, in failure.
Pumps have a maximum operating pressure listed in bars or pressure per square inch (PSI).
To determine the hydraulic power needs for the pump, consider applying the formula: Power = (P x Q) ÷ 600.
Power is in kilowatts [kW], P is the pressure in bars (or PSI imperial), and Q is the flow in liters per minute (metric) / gallons per minute (imperial).
You can find a variety of other helpful fluid power formulas as well as calculators here.Pumps have a maximum operating pressure listed in bars or pressure per square inch (PSI). This rating identifies where a pump can effectively withstand pressure without leaking or damaging the parts.
This makes variable displacement pumps good for a wider variety of tasks, and they are also better for efficiency and energy savings. Fixed displacement pumps work well for performing the same task repeatedly, but are less efficient overall.
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