How do Hydraulic Pumps Work?

Find the exact piece of equipment you need by learning how to size hydraulic pumps and motors! A big part of investing in a new machine involves knowing the answer to the following question: How do hydraulic pumps work? Once you understand the safe operation, primary components, and maximum displacement of a hydraulic pump, you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Hydraulic Pump: What You Must Know

Most hydraulic pump definitions mention the pump as the power source for the entire hydraulic system. It fills this role by converting mechanical power into fluid energy. A hydraulic pump creates sufficient oil flow to outstrip the opposing pressure generated by the load by using the mechanical power received through the inlet. This process allows the hydraulic system to move heavy objects with less power input than would be required by a purely mechanical system.

Fixed Displacement Pumps

Fixed displacement pumps generate the same amount of hydraulic energy during every cycle. As a result, these kinds of pumps cannot adjust to changing conditions and remain helpful in situations that call for precise repetitions within a predictable environment.

Variable Displacement Pumps

Users of variable displacement pumps can adjust the hydraulic energy output to match the load. As such, variable-displacement pumps enjoy a broader range of applications than fixed displacement pumps.

Water Pump Mechanism & Principles

When a hydraulic pump operates, it performs two primary functions. The first function involves vacuum formation at the pump’s inlet to draw fluid into the chamber from the reservoir. The second function forces the fluid through the outlet and into the hydraulic system.

The hydraulic pump working principle is Pascal’s Law, which states that a change in pressure at any point in a contained fluid at rest transmits equally to all other points in the liquid.

Keep in mind that the mechanism behind a hydraulic pump represents the reverse of the mechanism behind a hydraulic motor. If you remain unsure whether you need a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor, you might want to consult an online hydraulic motor selection guide for comparison.

If you find that you need a hydraulic motor rather than a hydraulic pump, you can use a hydraulic motor sizing calculator to determine which unit will serve your purposes.

Basic Parts of the Pumping System

All hydraulic pumps come with a diagram that shows the construction of the unit and its basic parts. A hydraulic pump diagram proves invaluable to consumers who find themselves asking, ‘How do hydraulic pumps work?’ While some hydraulic pumps contain components not found in other units, all pumping systems make use of the following parts:

• Motor
• Pump
• Reservoir
• Hydraulic fluid
• Hoses
• Valves

Most Common Types of Hydraulic Pumps

Most consumers assume that all hydraulic pumps have the same construction. However, many different types of hydraulic pumps exist to serve specialized purposes. Some of the main types of hydraulic pumps include:

• Piston Pumps - Reciprocating pumps with fixed or variable displacement
• Gear Pumps - Rotary pumps with one gear that drives the other
• Lobe Pumps - Rotary pumps with two lobes, both driven by an external gearbox
• Vane Pumps - Rotary pumps with balanced or unbalanced construction

Conclusion

Hydraulic systems prove complex enough to confuse most consumers, despite the simple principles upon which they rest. If you know you need a hydraulic pump or hydraulic motor but remain unsure about which one you should purchase, call our friendly, helpful team at Greenshields Industrial Supply by dialing 425-259-0111 today. Contact us for more details.