Gear Pump
A gear pump is a type of axial piston pump. The main components of a gear pump are two meshing helical gears, one driven and one driving. The fluid is contained in a chamber between the inner and outer casing. As the gears rotate, they drive the fluid through the pump, resulting in a volumetric flow. Generally, they are used to pump liquids with low viscosity.
Gear pumps are able to generate higher pressures than other types of pumps, such as centrifugal pumps. They are also capable of creating a constant volumetric output, regardless of pressure and flow fluctuations. This makes them ideal for applications where precise flow control is required.
Gear pumps are widely used in a variety of applications, including automotive, heating and cooling systems, printing presses, food and beverage processing, and industrial machinery. They are commonly used as hydraulic pumps, powering machines such as excavators, cranes, and bulldozers.
Gear pumps are often referred to as ‘positive displacement’ pumps, because they displace a constant volume of fluid for every rotation of the gears. This is unlike other types of pumps, which rely on centrifugal force to push the fluid through the system.
Advantages of gear pumps include the following:
• High pressure and flow capabilities
• Easy to maintain and service
• Robust design, capable of withstanding harsh environments
• Low noise level
• Compact size and light weight
• Low cost compared to alternative technologies
The biggest disadvantage of gear pumps is their limited ability to handle high-viscosity liquids. Additionally, the bearings inside the pump must be kept clean and in good working condition, as failure of any internal components can cause the pump to fail.
Overall, gear pumps are a highly reliable and versatile type of pump, which have a wide range of applications. They are often used whenever precise flow control is required, or where higher pressures and flows rates are needed. However, it is important to recognize their limitations, and consult with an expert if necessary to ensure that the correct model and type of pump is selected for the intended application.
