One of the most important components in any hydraulic system whether it’s industrial application, commercial or residential are hydraulic pumps. They are responsible for powering equipment and machinery by converting mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. Keep on reading to find out the different types of hydraulic pumps and their uses.
5 Types of Hydraulic Pumps
There are five main types of hydraulic pumps, namely:
- Piston pumps
- Clutch pumps
- Gear pumps
- Dump pumps
- Vane pumps
All these have different uses and applications across various industries. Let’s get into the details regarding each of these hydraulic pumps and their applications.
Piston Pumps
Piston pumps are ideal for high pressure operating requirements. When compared to other pumps like the gear pump, piston pumps are more durable and resilient at high pressure displacements.
These types of pumps have additional moving parts, making them more complex, specifically due to their need for closer tolerances and higher requirements for filtration. This also makes the initial cost of the piston pumps much higher.
Technical Information:
- Piston pumps come in both variable and fixed displacement designs
- Two types of piston pumps are: Radial Piston Pump and Axial Piston Pump
- Variable flow rate depending on design
- Can maintain high flow rates of 3 to 60 GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
- Pressure limit is from as low as 100 psi to 20,000 psi
Piston Pumps Are Used In The Following Applications:
- Marine industry for steering naval vessels and on-board water and oil hydraulic systems
- Delivering high levels of pressure in hydraulic pressing operations
- Powering of numerous types of heavy industrial machinery
- Used in mining, petro-chemical and chemical industries for precise dosing, mixing products and transferring fluids
Clutch Pumps
These are small displacement pumps used when low levels of output flows are required. Clutch pumps are almost always belt-driven, offering hydraulic pressure when engaged. It is accompanied by the clutch master cylinder which ensures the smooth running of a vehicle.
Between the main power source and the transmission, the clutch pump ensures a smooth flow of power. It is able to connect and disconnect between the two mechanisms present in most vehicles.
Technical Information:
- A clutch pump converts mechanical movement into hydraulic pressure by using high-pressured fluid
- Maximum flow output is 15 GPM due to being belt driven
- Working temperature should be below 120℃
- Clutch pumps can be are unidirectional and bidirectional
Clutch Pumps Are Used In The Following Applications:
- Installed in heavy industrial machinery for precise power transmission and control
- Employed to control propulsion systems in ships and boats
- Used for engaging smooth gear in cars, motorcycles and trucks
- Installed in armored vehicles and military tanks for maneuverability
- Used in farm machinery and tractors for operational efficiency
Gear Pumps
The most common type of hydraulic pump is the gear pump. They are well known for not only being reliable but also simple in design. Having fewer moving parts, they are more resistant to contamination, making them easier to service as well.
The pump of the hydraulic gear is able to generate flow with the rotation of its two meshing gears. This movement creates a negative pressure that allows the fluid to move into the pump chamber of the hydraulic system.
Technical Information:
- There are two types of gear pumps: Internal Gear and External Gear pumps
- Variable flow rate at: 4 to 1200 LPM
- Depending on the rotational speed of the gears, the pump offers a pulse-free and smooth flow
- Maximum pressure range is up to 200 bar
- Internal gear pumps are used for high temperature high viscosity fluids, also ideal for fluids with solids
Gear Pumps Are Used In The Following Applications:
- Used for transferring fuel in a safe and efficient manner
- Suitable to transfer lubricants to moving mechanical components
- Ideal for open center hydraulic systems
- Used in chemical processes to maintain consistent flow to transfer chemicals
- Utilized in jet engine fuel pumps
Dump Pumps
Other than the most common hydraulic pump, the one that stands out as the most recognizable is the dump pump. This pump has been specifically designed for dump trucks, but can also be used to raise and lower large to heavy industrial equipment, trailers and truck beds.
They have a 3-way multi directional control valve that can go 3-ways with its built in pressure relief assembly. The dump pump can generate a lot of heat during operations, making it unsuitable for non-stop applications. This is due to its internal pathways being narrow. One way to prevent overheating is to select a 3-line installation.
Technical Information:
- Can have both 3-line and 2-line installations (3-line recommended to prevent overheating)
- Able to produce an output of up to 27 GPM
- Three types of dump pumps are: E Series dump pumps, S Series hoist pumps and Standard dump pumps
- 2-line installation can be converted into 3-line
Dump Pumps Are Used In The Following Applications:
- Primarily used in dump trucks
- Generates high fluid flow for its power take-off system
- Offers a long life cycle with its integrated air cylinder
Vane Pumps
Vane pumps are quite similar to the gear pump but instead of having a pair of gears, it has one set of vanes that rotate inside the vane pump’s housing. These types of hydraulic pumps are used on the mobile truck mounted hydraulic systems.
The fluid moves through the vane pump due to the mounted vanes on the rotor inside the cavity. The rotor rotates the vanes, pushing the fluid through the pump.
Vane pumps are ideal for fluids that are light and thin, with a wide range of pressures, temperatures and viscosities. This hydraulic pump offers a quiet and smooth operation, requiring low maintenance.
The vanes are built to be durable and offer a low pulsation with a stable flow rate.
Technical Information:
- Vane pumps consist of vanes inside a cam-shaped housing that are mounted on a spinning rotor
- Can handle a pressure range of up to 150 bar
- Offer good suction capabilities for pumping thin fluids at high pressures
- A wide range of flow rate from 30 to 700 LPM
- Easy maintenance with dry priming characteristics
Vane Pumps Are Used In The Following Applications:
- Ideal for a range of temperatures, pressures and viscosities
- Used in loading fuel in the aviation industry
- Suitable for pumping clean hydrocarbons, such light oils and gas
- Used for hydraulic power steering mechanisms in vehicles
- Also installed in heavy machineries like loaders and excavators
Conclusion
Now that you know the main points regarding the 5 most common hydraulic pumps, which one do you think suits you the most? Depending on your particular industrial or commercial needs, you can get the right hydraulic pump for your particular equipment.
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