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What are the parts of a hydraulic pump?

Increasingly sophisticated and powerful, modern industrial equipment such as hydraulic pumps are being used more and more to carry out complex tasks in no time at all. But do you have any idea how complex this equipment and all its component parts really are? In this article, before we look at how hydraulic pumps work and their advantages and disadvantages, we're going to explore its various parts in detail.

What is a hydraulic pump ?

A hydraulic pump is a machine that moves liquids such as water or oil using the pressure generated by an energy source. It is a key element in any hydraulic system, as it is the basis for the circulation of fluid that will enable loads to be moved by other components such as cylinders or motors.

Generators of flow in a hydraulic circuit, hydraulic pumps are used in many industrial sectors such as construction, energy production, power transmission systems, marine applications, heavy equipment and many others.

What does a hydraulic pump consist of ?

Principaux types de pompes hydrauliques volumétriques (introduction) - Maxicours

A hydraulic pump is made up of several parts, each with a specific function in the pumping process.

The composition of a hydraulic pump can vary depending on the type of pump. However, it is important to note that most hydraulic pumps consist of the pump body, pump shaft, rotor, stator, non-return valves, filters, etc

- The pump body

This is the pump's main component, containing the cavity that allows the fluid to circulate. It is generally made of metal to resist pressure and corrosion.

- Pump shaft

This is the element that ensures the rotation of the pump. It is connected to the power source (electric motor, combustion engine, etc.) and transmits the force required to rotate the pump.

- The rotor

This is the rotating part of the pump. It is often made up of gears, vanes or pistons, and circulates the fluid.

- The stator

This is the fixed part of the pump that accompanies the rotor as it rotates. It is often made up of an internal wall and a series of cavities that allow the fluid to circulate.

- Seals

These elements ensure a seal between the various parts of the pump, to prevent fluid leaks.

- Non-return valves

These elements regulate the flow of fluid by preventing it from flowing back into the circuit.

- Filters

These elements trap impurities in the fluid to ensure that the pump operates smoothly and to prevent premature wear of the components.

What are the characteristics of a hydraulic pump ?

Pompe hydraulique à engrenage groupe 1 cylindrée 8cc droite

Depending on the type of pump, the characteristics vary according to :

- The Flow

The flow rate of a hydraulic pump is the volume of fluid it can move per unit of time, generally expressed in litres per minute.

- The pressure

The pressure of a hydraulic pump corresponds to the force it can exert on the fluid, generally expressed in bars or psi. Pressure is often linked to flow rate and depends on the type of pump used.

- The power

The power of a hydraulic pump is the amount of energy it can deliver to the hydraulic system, usually expressed in kilowatts or horsepower. Power is often linked to flow rate and pressure.

- Performance

Efficiency is the proportion of energy supplied to the pump that is converted into useful hydraulic energy. The higher the efficiency, the more efficient the pump.

Efficiency is generally expressed as a percentage and can be influenced by a number of factors, such as the design of the pump, the type of fluid used, the level of pressure and flow, temperature and pressure drops.

- Displacement

It corresponds to the volume of fluid displaced by the pump during each complete revolution of the shaft.

Displacement is expressed in cm3, and may be fixed or variable depending on the type of pump.

Fixed displacement pumps have a constant displacement, which means that the flow rate and output pressure are also constant, while variable displacement pumps have a displacement that can be adjusted to vary the flow rate and output pressure according to the needs of the hydraulic system.

Displacement is often chosen according to the size of the system, the pressure level required and the flow rate required.

How does a hydraulic pump work ?

Pompe hydraulique et moteur, principe et fonctionnement !

A hydraulic pump works by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. The operating process of a hydraulic pump may vary depending on the type of pump used, but most hydraulic pumps work on the same basic principle.

In general, a hydraulic pump consists of a set of pistons or vanes that rotate around a central axis, called the shaft. When the pump shaft is actuated, the pistons or vanes move into their respective housings, creating an empty space into which the hydraulic fluid can flow. Atmospheric pressure then pushes the fluid into these empty spaces created by the moving pistons or vanes, creating a flow movement.

The hydraulic fluid is then compressed and pumped out of the pump via an outlet, usually to other hydraulic components such as cylinders or motors.

Fluid pressure is determined by the force exerted on the pistons or vanes, and by the size of the pump outlet. The pump's flow rate depends on the speed at which the shaft is driven and the pump's displacement.

What are the different types of hydraulic pump ?

You'll find a variety of hydraulic pumps on the market. Each with different characteristics and performance.

- Gear pumps

Pompes à engrenages - Pompe volumétrique à engrenage pour fluides

L Gear pumps consist of two gears that rotate in opposite directions. Hydraulic fluid is drawn into the space between the two gears and then pushed out of the pump. Gear pumps are very efficient for low to medium flow rates and are generally less expensive.

- Vane pumps

Pompe à palettes — Wikipédia

Vane pumps consist of a rotor with blades that slide in slots in the pump body. As the rotor rotates, the blades slide along the inner surface of the pump body, creating chambers that suck in and discharge hydraulic fluid. Vane pumps are generally quieter and more compact than other types of pump, but have a shorter service life.

- Piston pumps

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

Piston pumps are made up of several pistons arranged in a star configuration around a central shaft. The pistons move back and forth inside their respective cylinders to suck in and discharge hydraulic fluid. Piston pumps are highly efficient and can deliver a high flow rate at high pressure. However, they are generally expensive and complex to maintain.

- Screw pumps

Pompes à vis : expertise, fonctionnement et avantages

Screw pumps consist of two screws that rotate in opposite directions in a cylindrical cavity. The screws suck in the hydraulic fluid at the pump inlet and transport it to the outlet, compressing it. Screw pumps are very efficient for viscous fluids, but are generally noisier than other types of pump.

What use is a hydraulic pump ?

Hydraulic pumps are used in many fields, including industry, agriculture, construction, marine, aerospace, transport and many others.

In industry, hydraulic pumps are commonly used to power machine tools, presses, production lines, cutting machines and industrial robots.

In agriculture, they are used to power farm machinery such as tractors, combine harvesters and sprayers.

In the construction industry, hydraulic pumps are used to power lifting machines, mechanical shovels, bulldozers, graders and compactors.

In the marine sector, they are used to power lifting equipment and steering systems.

Hydraulic pumps are also used in aircraft to operate control systems and landing gear.

Still on the same theme

- Common applications for hydraulic pumps

- How to maintain hydraulic pumps to maximise their service life

- Find the best hydraulic pump for your budget

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