Hydraulic pumps are an essential component of industrial and commercial equipment. They are used for converting mechanical energy into fluid power. There are different types of hydraulic pumps with various applications.
In this blog, we’ll explore hydraulic pump designs and classifications.
Primary Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Among the different types of pumps used in hydraulic systems, three main categories dominate the industry:
- Gear Hydraulic Pump
Hydraulic pumps are most frequently used in truck-mounted systems and industry applications. These pumps offer several advantages:
- Compactness with less number of internal components
- Easy to maintain and service
- Larger tolerance to contaminant
- Cost-effective solution
- Fixed displacement capability
Gear pumps work by drawing and metering a volume of fluid between the external contours of the teeth and the block of the pump housing. Their construction is rather firm, making them perfect for use in different platforms where dependability is valued.
- Piston Pumps
They are used in applications that require higher operating pressures. These sophisticated piston pumps come in two variants-
- Fixed Displacement Piston Pumps– It offers uninterrupted output flow relative to the input shaft speed and is applicable to center hydraulic systems. It also has a fixed type of swash plate arrangement.
- Variable Displacement Piston Pumps– It has an adjustable flow output and is suitable for applications where there is a need for varying flow rates. These piston pumps are used where high levels of accuracy are required.
3. Vane Pumps
As compared to the current portable applications, vane pumps have been significant in hydraulics pump technology. These pumps feature:
- Revolver blades that make fluid cavities
- Low pulsation and hence, high operational efficiency
- Good efficiency at medium pressures
- Small form factor for the areas of limited size
Specialized Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Beyond the three main types of hydraulic pumps, several specialized designs serve specific applications:
- Clutch Pumps
- Electromagnetic clutch belt-driven design
- For applications without PTO access
- Used in aerial bucket trucks and wreckers
- Only for applications requiring less than 15 GPM
- Dump Pumps
- Specifically designed for dumping applications
- Integrated pressure relief assembly
- Built-in directional control valve
- Available in two-line and three-line models
- Refuse Pumps
Refuse pumps have two variants- dry valve and live pakTM pumps. Both of these pumps conserve fuel in the OFF mode and have special valves.
Dry valve pumps have large displacement and include a plunger-type valve in the pump inlet port. This plunger-type valve restricts flow in the OFF mode and allows full flow in the ON mode. Live pakTM pumps have a flow-limiting valve. It acts as an unloading valve in the OFF mode and a flow limiting valve in the ON mode.
Choosing the right hydraulic pump
When choosing among different hydraulic pumps, consider these factors:
- Requirements on operating pressure
- Flow rate needs
- System efficiency demands
- Contamination resistance requirements
- Cost considerations
- Maintenance capabilities
- Space constraints
Conclusion
Hydraulic pumps are of many types, each suited to a specific application requirement. From simple gear pumps to sophisticated variable displacement piston designs, understanding the classification and characteristics of various hydraulic pumps is extremely important for the system designer and the maintenance professional. Along with the technological advances, hydraulic pump manufacturers continue to improve their designs, which provide much better efficiency and reliability in systems for increasingly demanding applications.
If you are also looking to procure top-quality hydraulic pumps, get in touch with our team at Machine Maze. We have a wide certified supplier network in India, that can make this procurement process simple and faster.
Whether you are selecting a new hydraulic pump or maintaining the existing systems, matching the application requirements with the correct type of pump is vital for the best system performance. Today, hydraulic pumps can serve dependably in many industrial and mobile applications, provided correct selection, installation, and maintenance have been ensured.
