People use hydraulic pumps for everything from construction equipment to car brakes, but with such a variety how do you know which hydraulic pump is right for you? You don’t want a pump that too strong or too weak for your needs.
It’s not only the strength of the of the pump you need to worry about either. There are different types of pumps.
In fact, they come in every shape and size imaginable. It can be confusing, and many people end up with something different than what they need.
Hydraulic pumps can be a big investment, so don’t get stuck with one that isn’t the right fit. Learn all about these amazing machines and make an educated decision.
How Does a Hydraulic Pump Work?
When you were a kid, did you ever play with squirt guns or Super Soakers? You filled it up with water and pulled the trigger to make a small stream of water shoot out several feet.
You apply a force on the trigger and this causes the water to move, but there’s nowhere to go except this small hole.
The liquid shoots out at a lower force, but with faster speed. A hydraulic pump works in the exact opposite way. If we had the same squirt gun, it would be like shooting water into the small hole at a small force, but high speed.
This causes a slower speed, but high force on the trigger. This higher force is strong enough to lift something. In a hydraulic pump, the liquid shoots into a space and the force causes the plunger to move with a large force.
Scientifically speaking, hydraulic pumps follow Pascal’s Principle. The liquid’s pressure must remain constant. To keep equilibrium, if you apply a small force in a narrow area, a larger force must act on the larger area.
Hydraulic Pumps are Everywhere
You see hydraulic pumps working in construction equipment like cranes and backhoes. Narrow tubes carry the liquid to the plunger. This causes the plungers to move and pick up dirt, etc.
There are many other places where people use hydraulics that you never see.
It’s possible the elevator you used this morning could have hydraulics. There are also hydraulic motors to take the place of standard electromagnetic ones.
In a hydraulic motor, you inject liquid into the motor and this causes gears to rotate. It exits out through another pipe.
The gear connects to a shaft that powers whatever the motor connects to. Unlike standard motors, hydraulic motors can be smaller and used in areas where there’s no electricity, gasoline, etc.
Just because you haven’t been using hydraulic pumps in your business, doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea. They are used in large machines and small, but you may never know they’re there.
Importance of Hydraulic Pump Curves
When choosing a hydraulic pump, it’s important to consider the pump curve or performance curve. It shows the efficiency, net positive suction head, and power. You need to know your needed pump line and speed to get the right one.
The graph shows the various pumps available and where they fall in terms of pump line and speed. You’ll notice that several will overlap over given parameters. These are the pumps you’ll want to consider for your needs.
It’s a confusing picture, but the graph is integral in choosing a correct pump. If we break the graph down, we see the Y-axis is the head in meters. The X-axis is the flow rate.
Numbers circled above the head capacity curve stand for pump efficiency. Any lines shooting out of the circles is the constant efficiency.
There are triangles on the graph contain a number followed by NPSH. This represents how many feet the system needs to operate with a 3 percent head loss.
The pump curve is the single most important piece of information when choosing a pump for your needs.
Hydraulic Pumps Require Initial Adjustments
We live in a world full of ease of use items. You can plug it in and you’re ready to go, but that’s not the case with hydraulic pumps. The pump you buy and have shipped to your business can’t be immediately used.
You’ll need to oil the bearing housings. You’ll need to determine the impeller clearance and set it for the fluid. You’ll need to align the driver even though they aligned it at the factory. Once the shipped the pump, the aligned was off.
Alignment is important. Check it when arrived after it’s installed and following grouting. You’ll also want to determine the rotation direction and match it with the motor driver phase rotation.
It seems like a lot of work and it is, but it needs to be done. If you cut corners, then the pump could lose efficiency or malfunction. Hydraulic pumps can be a significant investment, so you want them to work.
Take Viscosity Into Account When Choosing a Pump
Viscosity is resistance to flow. You don’t want a high viscosity in a hydraulic pump. You want the liquid to flow freely.
When you choose a pump that’s too weak or if it’s not efficient enough, it can lead to high viscosity. You’ll overwork the pump and lower its lifespan. Make sure you use the proper liquid for your pump and don’t exceed its recommended horsepower.
If you have any questions about this, contact the manufacturer before choosing a pump. They’ll be able to discuss the proper specifications.
A Hydraulic Pump Can Make Business Better
When you decide to use a hydraulic pump or replace an existing one, you’re making a smart business decision. They have many benefits over more traditional pumps including pneumatic.
People use hydraulic pumps everywhere. There are many types, powers and sizes depending on your needs.
Don’t make a rash decision and instead learn as much as you can about hydraulics before choosing a pump. You want to make one decision and get the right pump from the start.
Too many people end up with inefficient pumps. They shorten its lifespan because of overuse or improper care.
If you want to learn more about hydraulic pumps, then explore our website and find out everything you need.