A gear pump is a type of displacement pump that runs with gears. The gear pump was invented in 1600 by a man called Johannes Kepler. Gear pumps are one of the most popular types of pump used in industry. Let’s take a look at the gear pump in more detail.
A gear pump uses a network of interlocking gears that are meshed together to move fluid via the displacement method. Therefore it is a type of displacement pump. This means that it works by trapping a certain amount of liquid and then forcing it to travel down the pipe, pumping and therefore ‘displacing’ the fluid.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Gear Pumps?
With a gear pump, there is little leakage due to the tight clearance and the fast rotation which prevents the fluid from backwards leakage. The flow is usually smooth and pulse free when using a gear pump. The gears and gear houses usually have a snug and rigid design. This enables gear pumps to create high pressure and allows them to pump viscous fluids (fluid with more flow resistance). They are very efficient pumps.
The downside is that they do need to be lubricated and should not run dry for long periods of time. Gear pumps should not be run outside of their recommended speed. If they are subjected to a blockage downstream, a gear pump will continue to operate to the point of equipment failure, so the systems do need regular monitoring.
Internal and External Gears Pumps
There are two main types of gear pump - the internal gear pump and the external gear pump. The difference is to do with how the cogs or gears are positioned in the pump. An external gear pump has two interlocking gears - these gears are often identical. With an internal gear pump, there are two gears of different sizes. The smaller gear is positioned within a larger one - one works inside the other.
External gear pumps are good for sustaining high pressures, whereas internal gear pumps create good suction and are great for viscous fluids. Internal gear pumps are also good when hygiene is important (e.g. food products) because they are easy to clean and then reassemble.
Which industries use Gear Pumps?
Gear pumps are found in a variety of industries including agriculture, engineering and the motor industry. They are the most popular type of gears used in situations that require a high pressure or accurate dosing for the output. Here are the most popular businesses where you will find them being used:
- Food production for example transporting corn syrup, peanut butter or vegetable oil
- Agricultural and mobile hydraulic applications
- Chemical installations for mixing and blending or polymer metering
- Automobile and watercraft for example ship engines
- Petrochemical industry to transport oil
If you are looking for the appropriate gear pump for your company then have a look at our recommendations from the best gear pump manufacturers in the industry including Bosch Rexroth and more.
How does Linquip help industrial Pump Service Providers?
In Linquip, you can find all companies and manufacturers which provide all Pump Services like Pump Retrofit & Refurbishment, Pump Repair & Overhaul, Pump Test, Inspection & Analysis & ….
- ۰۱/۰۵/۲۵