Hydraulic Pumps The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

We know that a pump is a device used for raising, transporting, and compressing fluid by applying mechanical energy. Pumps have an important role in many industries like mining, chemicals, automobiles, etc. A wide variety of pumps are available in the market for various applications. They are mainly classified into two, based on the method used to move fluids.

1. Non-positive Displacement Pumps/ Dynamic Pumps
2. Positive Displacement Pumps

        In the case of a positive displacement pump, the fluid flows with a constant speed neglecting the pressure on the inlet. So, a hydraulic pump is a classification of a positive displacement pump. Here, we can learn more about hydraulic pumps.

        A hydraulic pump embedded within a hydraulic system can perform work such as lift, lower, open, close, or rotate components. A variety of hydraulic pumps are available in the market based on their requirements and functionalities such as operating medium, required range of pressure, type of drive, etc. The displacement principle is used to operate hydraulic pumps. Gear pump, Piston pump, and vane pump are the commonly used hydraulic pumps.

        The application of hydraulic pumps is similar to other types of pumps, except it converts mechanical energy to hydraulic energy. How do hydraulic pumps work? A hydraulic pump working involves two steps. At first, a vacuum is created on the pump inlet by using the mechanical action, thus, the atmospheric pressure forces liquid from the reservoir into the inlet line. Second, the mechanical action forces the liquid into the hydraulic system from the pump outlet.

         Cylinders, hydraulic pumps, and motors are the main parts of a hydraulic drive system. The design of the hydraulic pump and motor are similar, but they perform opposite functions. A hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy to hydraulic energy, whereas, a hydraulic motor converts this hydraulic pressure to torque or rotation. Some hydraulic pumps with fixed displacement volumes can be used as hydraulic motors because of their similar design. Hydraulic motors are used in winches, crane drives, self-driven cranes, excavators, mixer and agitator drives, roll mills, etc.

         A hydraulic pump is an important component of the hydraulic system. Any small defect on the pump will inversely affect the precision and accuracy of the entire system. To reduce wear and for providing maximum performance, the fabrication materials are selected depending on the temperature and pressure that the hydraulic system will encounter. Titanium alloys and polymers are used in high-pressure hydraulic systems, whereas other fabrication materials include plastics, synthetic rubbers, alloys, etc. So, always perform a complete evaluation of your needs, before pump purchase.