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The different types of hydraulic pumps

Have you ever wondered how heavy machinery and industrial equipment are powered by water? Well, they are thanks to hydraulic pumps, these are the essential devices that convert mechanical energy into hydraulic power. However, there are several varieties, each offering unique advantages in terms of power, flow and efficiency. Want to buy a pump for a specific application, but don't know which one to choose? In this extract, discover the varieties of hydraulic pumps so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

How does a hydraulic pump work ?

A hydraulic pump works by using a hydraulic fluid, usually oil, to transfer mechanical energy.

The pump generally consists of a casing, a rotor and a series of vanes or pistons.

Les différentes pompes

When running, the rotor rotates inside the housing, creating a space between the vanes or pistons and the housing. As hydraulic fluid is drawn into the space, it is compressed by the vanes or pistons moving towards the rotor, creating pressure.

This pressure is then used to power various hydraulic circuits, such as cylinders or hydraulic motors, which convert hydraulic energy into mechanical movement.

What types of hydraulic pumps are available on the hydraulic equipment market ?

You'll find a wide range of hydraulic pumps, including gear pumps, vane pumps, axial or radial piston pumps and even screw pumps, in specialist online or physical retail outlets.

The gear pump

Pompes à engrenage [Hydraulique : De la mécanique des fluides à la transmission de Puissance]

As its name suggests, this pump uses two gears to suck in and push out hydraulic fluid. During operation, the fluid is drawn into the inlet port and trapped between the teeth of the gears and the walls of the pump. The gears then rotate, forcing the fluid out of the pump through the discharge port.

The pinions on this pump can be either internal or external.

Internal gear pumps are commonly used for low-flow applications, while external gear pumps are better suited to high-flow applications.

What's more, gear-driven pumping systems are relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.

The vane pump

Pompes à palettes

The vane pump uses planks to suck and force fluid through the hydraulic system. The planks are often crescent-shaped and slide along an impeller, called a rotor, which rotates inside a cylinder.

These boards, attached to the rotor, move outwards as the rotor rotates, creating a suction chamber. Fluid is drawn into this chamber and trapped between the supports and the cylinder. The plates or planks then move inwards, forcing the fluid out of the pump through the discharge port.

Rotary vane pumping machines offer excellent energy efficiency and are also capable of operating at high temperatures.

However, they tend to be noisier and less durable than gear pump systems.

This type of pump is most often used in applications requiring medium pressure and high flow.

The axial piston pump

Pompe à pistons axiaux — Wikipédia

This type of pump uses compressors to push hydraulic fluid through the system. These compressors are aligned in an axial configuration, which means they are parallel to the axis of rotation of the pump.

Axial piston pumps are capable of delivering extremely high pressure levels and are commonly used in high-power applications. However, they are also more expensive than gear pumping equipment.

The radial piston pump

Pompes à pistons radiaux - Beinlich Pumpen GmbH

Unlike the axial piston pump, the compressors of the radial piston pump are arranged radially around a rotating plate inside the pump. The fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet port and is trapped between the compressors and the walls of the pump. The compressors then move inwards, forcing the fluid out of the pump through the discharge port.

These machines are often used for high-pressure, low-flow applications, such as drilling and lifting equipment. They are also known for their ability to maintain constant pressure, even at high rotation speeds.

The screw pump

Pompe à vis série C compacte Mono | AxFlow

The screw pump is the type of hydraulic pump that uses screws to force hydraulic fluid through the system. The screws can be arranged in parallel or in series, depending on the needs of the application.

These machines are known for their high energy efficiency and low noise levels. They are often used in high-pressure applications, such as hydraulic power transmission systems.

The diaphragm pump

TECH-POMPES - Pompe a membrane pneumatique

Diaphragm pumps are sdiaphragms are often used to pump corrosive or hazardous liquids, as the diaphragm acts as a barrier between the liquid and the pump parts. The diaphragm is usually made from chemically resistant materials such as rubber, neoprene or Teflon.

There are two types of diaphragm pump: direct-acting diaphragm pumps and double-acting diaphragm pumps.

Direct-acting diaphragm pumps have a single diaphragm that operates in both directions to draw in and discharge liquid. They are used where a high flow rate is required, but lower pressure is acceptable.

Double-acting diaphragm pumps, on the other hand, have two diaphragms that operate alternately to draw in and discharge the liquid. This equipment is often used in situations where a higher pressure is required, but a lower flow rate is acceptable.

Diaphragm pumps are commonly used in industrial applications such as wastewater treatment, pesticide spraying and other agricultural liquids.

Are there other models of hydraulic pump?

Depending on the operating mode, some hydraulic pumps can be operated manually, while others can be automatic.

Manual hydraulic pump

Pompe hydraulique manuelle 7L alu

La manual hydraulic pump is hand-operated and requires no external power source to operate. In other words, the user must perform a physical action to produce the pressure required to move the hydraulic fluid.

These types of pumps are generally used for light applications or in environments where access to an electrical or pneumatic power source is not available.

Manual hydraulic pumps can include hand pumps, lever pumps or treadle pumps.

Automatic hydraulic pumps

Pompe hydraulique auto-compensée Bi-Sense - Réf. 83871The automatic hydraulic pumps, are powered by an external energy source, such as an electric motor or internal combustion engine. They are often used to move heavy industrial loads, such as cranes, excavators and presses.

Automatic pumping systems are available in a wide variety of sizes and configurations to meet specific needs. Some are designed to provide high oil flow, while others are designed to provide high pressure.

This pump family operates in harsh environments, such as hazardous areas or environments with extreme temperatures.

How do you choose your hydraulic pump ?

Choosing the right hydraulic pump can be crucial to a successful application. It is therefore important to take several factors into account when choosing a pump.

First of all, it is important to determine the flow rate and pressure required for the specific application. The flow rate is the amount of liquid the pump must be able to move in one minute, while the pressure is the force required to move the liquid. It is also important to take into account the characteristics of the fluid to be pumped, including its viscosity and operating temperature.

Next, you need to consider the type of pump best suited to the application. Gear, vane and piston pumps are the most common types of hydraulic pump and have specific characteristics that make them more suitable for certain applications. For example, piston pumps are ideal for applications requiring high pressure, while vane pumps may be more suitable for applications requiring low fluid viscosity.

Another factor to consider when choosing a pump is its size and configuration. This will ensure that it suits the space available and the requirements of the application.

Finally, it's important to choose a high-quality pump from a reputable manufacturer to ensure long life and reliable performance.

Still on the same theme

- How do hydraulic pumps work, and what are their advantages and disadvantages ?

- What is the difference between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor ?

- Common failures of hydraulic pumps

- How do you choose the right hydraulic pump for your specific application ?

- What are the characteristics of a hydraulic pump ?

- The main characteristics of hydraulic pumps and the differences between their products

- How are hydraulic pumps used in vehicle lifting and moving systems ?

- Safety regulations governing the use of hydraulic pumps and how to comply with them

- The environmental benefits of hydraulic pumps compared with other methods of power transmission

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