Positive-displacement pump

By definition, positive-displacement (PD) pumps displace a known quantity of liquid with each revolution of the pumping elements. This is done by trapping liquid between the pumping elements and a stationary casing. Pumping element designs include gears, lobes, rotary pistons, vanes, and screws.

PD pumps are found in a wide range of applications -- chemical-processing; liquid delivery; marine; biotechnology; pharmaceutical; as well as food, dairy, and beverage processing. Their versatility and popularity is due in part to their relatively compact design, high-viscosity performance, continuous flow regardless of differential pressure, and ability to handle high differential pressure. Positive displacement (PD) pumps are divided into two broad classifications, reciprocating and rotary (Figure 1). By definition, PD pumps displace a known quantity of liquid with each revolution of the pumping elements (i.e., gears, rotors, screws, vanes). PD pumps displace liquid by creating a space between the pumping elements and trapping liquid in the space. The rotation of the pumping elements then reduces the size of the space and moves the liquid out of the pump. PD pumps can handle fluids of all viscosities up to 1,320,000 cSt / 6,000,000 SSU, capacities up to 1,150 M3/Hr / 5,000 GPM, and pressures up to 700 BAR / 10,000 PSI. Rotary pumps are selfpriming and deliver a constant, smooth flow, regardless of pressure variations.

Figure 1

The following information is taken from Hydraulic Institute's, Pump Types and Nomenclature, 1994. For more detailed information about the rotary pumping principles, see the specific pumping principles under Pump School's Pumping Principles page. Internal Gear. Internal gear pumps (Figure 2) carry fluid between the gear teeth from the inlet to outlet ports. The outer gear (rotor) drives the inner or idler gear on a stationary pin. The gears create voids as they come out of mesh and liquid flows into the cavities. As the gears come back into mesh, the volume is reduced and the liquid is forced out of the discharge port. The crescent prevents liquid from flowing backwards from the outlet to the inlet Figure 2 port. External Gear. External gear pumps (Figure 3) also use gears which come in and out of mesh. As the teeth come out of mesh, liquid flows into the pump and is carried between the teeth and the casing to the discharge side of the pump. The teeth come back into mesh and the liquid is forced out the discharge port. External gear Figure 3 pumps rotate two identical gears against each other. Both gears are

on a shaft with bearings on either side of the gears. Vane. The vanes - blades, buckets, rollers, or slippers - work with a cam to draw fluid into and force it out of the pump chamber. The vanes may be in either the rotor or stator. The vane-in rotor pumps may be made with constant or variable displacement pumping Figure 4 elements. Figure 4 shows a sliding vane pump. Flexible Member. This principle is similar to the Vane principle except the vanes flex rather than slide. The fluid pumping and sealing action depends on the elasticity of the flexible members. The flexible members may be a tube, a vane, or a liner. Figure 5 shows a flexible vane pump. Figure 5 Lobe. Fluid is carried between the rotor teeth and the pumping chamber. The rotor surfaces create continuous sealing. Both gears are driven and are synchronized by timing gears. Rotors include bi-wing, tri-lobe, and multi-lobe configurations. Figure 6 is a trilobe pump. Figure 6 Circumferential Piston. Fluid is carried from inlet to outlet in spaces between piston surfaces. Rotors must be timed by separate means, and each rotor may have one or more piston elements. See Figure 7. Screw. Screw pumps carry fluid in the spaces between the screw threads. The fluid is displaced axially as the screws mesh. Single screw pumps (Figure 8) are commonly called progressive cavity pumps. They have a rotor with external threads and a stator with internal threads. The rotor threads are eccentric to the axis of Figure 8 rotation. Multiple screw pumps have multiple external screw threads. These pumps may be timed or untimed. Figure 9 shows a three-screw pump. Figure 9

Figure 7

1) Plunger pump: - Plunger pump are reciprocating pump that use a plunger or piston to move media through a cylindrical chamber. The plunger or piston is actuated by a steam powered, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric drive. Rotary piston and plunger pumps use a crank mechanism to create a reciprocating motion along an axis, which then builds pressure in a cylinder or working barrel to force gas or fluid through the pump. The pressure in the chamber actuates the valves at both the suction and discharge points. Plunger pumps are used in applications that could range from 70 to 2,070 bar (1,000 to 30,000 psi). Piston pumps are used in lower pressure applications. The volume of the fluid discharged is equal to the area of the plunger or piston, multiplied by its stroke length. The overall capacity of the piston pumps and plunger pumps can be calculated with the area of the piston or plunger, the stroke length, the number of pistons or plungers and the speed of the drive. The power needed from the drive is proportional to the pressure and capacity of the pump.[1] Seals are an integral part of piston pumps and plunger pumps to separate the power fluid from the media that is being pumped. A stuffing box or packing is used to seal the joint between the vessel where the media is transferred and the plunger or piston. A stuffing box may be composed of bushings, packing or seal rings, and a gland. Plunger pumps component materials are chosen for wear and contact with the media type. Component materials include bronze, brass, steel, stainless steel, iron, nickel alloy, or other material. For example, plunger pumps that function in general service or oil service applications often have an iron cylinder and plunger. The plunger, discharge valves, and suction valves come in contact with the media type transferred, and material choices are based on the fluid transferred. In power applications where continuous duty plunger pumps are needed, solid ceramic plungers may be used when in contact with water and oil, but may not be compatible for use with highly acidic media types.

2) Reciprocating diaphragm pump The diaphragm pump is a lightweight portable positive displacement pump commonly used to pump liquids, slurries or sludges. The reciprocating diaphragm pump contains diaphragms which are driven forwards and backwards by a compressed air supply. The diaphragm forms a barrier between the fluid and the mechanical workings of the pump. The reciprocating movement of the diaphragm:

draws liquid into the pump through the suction valve on the suction stroke forces liquid out through the discharge valve at high pressure during the discharge stroke.

A metering pump moves a precise volume of liquid in a specified time period providing an accurate flow rate.[1] Delivery of fluids in precise adjustable flow rates is sometimes called metering. The term "metering pump" is based on the application or use rather than the exact kind of pump used, although a couple types of pumps are far more suitable than most other types of pumps. Although metering pumps can pump water, they are often used to pump chemicals, solutions, or other liquids. Many metering pumps are rated to be able to pump into a high discharge pressure. They are typically made to meter at flow rates which are practically constant (when averaged over time) within a wide range of discharge (outlet) pressure. Manufacturers provide each of their models of metering pumps with a maximum discharge pressure rating against which each model is guaranteed to be able to pump against. An engineer, designer, or user should ensure that the pressure and temperature ratings and wetted pump materials are compatible for the application and the type of liquid being pumped. Most metering pumps have a pump head and a motor. The liquid being pumped goes through the pump head, entering through an inlet line and leaving through an outlet line. The motor is commonly an electric motor which drives the pump head.

Rotary pump
Rotary pumps are used in a wide range of applications -- liquids, slurries, and pastes. And because rotary pumps displace a known quantity of liquid with each revolution of the pump shaft, they are a popular choice for metering applications. They can accommodate thin to high viscosity liquids, high vacuums to high pressures, and minute doses to high capacities. Rotary pumps are available in a number of different pumping principles, each with its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The following principles comprise the majority, but not all of the rotary pump market. Please check back as we continue to add principles to the list.

Internal Gear External Gear Lobe Vane Gerotor

Internal Gear Pump Overview Internal gear pumps are exceptionally versatile. While they are often used on thin liquids such as solvents and fuel oil, they excel at efficiently pumping thick

liquids such as asphalt, chocolate, and adhesives. The useful viscosity range of an internal gear pump is from 1cPs to over 1,000,000cP. In addition to their wide viscosity range, the pump has a wide temperature range as well, handling liquids up to 750F / 400C. This is due to the single point of end clearance (the distance between the ends of the rotor gear teeth and the head of the pump). This clearance is adjustable to accommodate high temperature, maximize efficiency for handling high viscosity liquids, and to accommodate for wear. The internal gear pump is non-pulsing, self-priming, and can run dry for short periods. They're also bi-rotational, meaning that the same pump can be used to load and unload vessels. Because internal gear pumps have only two moving parts, they are reliable, simple to operate, and easy to maintain.

How Internal Gear Pumps Work 1. Liquid enters the suction port between the rotor (large exterior gear) and idler (small interior gear) teeth. The arrows indicate the direction of the pump and liquid. 2. Liquid travels through the pump between the teeth of the "gear-within-a-gear" principle. The crescent shape divides the liquid and acts as a seal between the suction and discharge ports. 3. The pump head is now nearly flooded, just prior to forcing the liquid out of the discharge port. Intermeshing gears of the idler and rotor form locked pockets for the liquid which assures volume control. 4. Rotor and idler teeth mesh completely to form a seal equidistant from the discharge and suction ports. This seal forces the liquid out of the discharge port.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Only two moving parts Only one stuffing box Non-pulsating discharge Excellent for high-viscosity liquids Constant and even discharge regardless of pressure conditions

Usually requires moderate speeds Medium pressure limitations One bearing runs in the product pumped Overhung load on shaft bearing

Operates well in either direction Can be made to operate with one direction of flow with either rotation Low NPSH required Single adjustable end clearance Easy to maintain Flexible design offers application customization

Applications Common internal gear pump applications include, but are not limited to:

All varieties of fuel oil and lube oil Resins and Polymers Alcohols and solvents Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar Polyurethane foam (Isocyanate and polyol) Food products such as corn syrup, chocolate, and peanut butter Paint, inks, and pigments Soaps and surfactants Glycol

Materials Of Construction / Configuration Options

Externals (head, casing, bracket) - Cast iron, ductile iron, steel, stainless steel, Alloy 20, and higher alloys. Internals (rotor, idler) - Cast iron, ductile iron, steel, stainless steel, Alloy 20, and higher alloys. Bushing - Carbon graphite, bronze, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, ceramic, colomony, and other specials materials as needed. Shaft Seal - Lip seals, component mechanical seals, industry-standard cartridge mechanical seals, gas barrier seals, magnetically-driven pumps. Packing - Impregnated packing, if seal not required.

External Gear Pump Overview External gear pumps are a popular pumping principle and are often used as lubrication pumps in machine tools, in fluid power transfer units, and as oil pumps in engines. External gear pumps can come in single or double (two sets of gears) pump configurations with spur (shown), helical, and herringbone gears. Helical and herringbone gears typically offer a smoother flow than spur gears, although all gear types are relatively smooth. Large-capacity external gear pumps typically use helical or herringbone gears. Small external gear pumps usually operate at 1750 or 3450 rpm and larger models operate at speeds up to 640 rpm. External gear pumps have close tolerances and shaft support on both sides of the gears. This allows them to run to pressures beyond 3,000 PSI / 200 BAR, making them well suited for use in hydraulics. With four bearings in the liquid and tight tolerances, they are not well suited to handling abrasive or extreme high temperature applications. Tighter internal clearances provide for a more reliable measure of liquid passing through a pump and for greater flow control. Because of this, external gear pumps are popular for precise transfer and metering applications involving polymers, fuels, and chemical additives.

How External Gear Pumps Work External gear pumps are similar in pumping action to internal gear pumps in that two gears come into and out of

mesh to produce flow. However, the external gear pump uses two identical gears rotating against each other -- one gear is driven by a motor and it in turn drives the other gear. Each gear is supported by a shaft with bearings on both sides of the gear. 1. As the gears come out of mesh, they create expanding volume on the inlet side of the pump. Liquid flows into the cavity and is trapped by the gear teeth as they rotate. 2. Liquid travels around the interior of the casing in the pockets between the teeth and the casing -- it does not pass between the gears. 3. Finally, the meshing of the gears forces liquid through the outlet port under pressure. Because the gears are supported on both sides, external gear pumps are quiet-running and are routinely used for high-pressure applications such as hydraulic applications. With no overhung bearing loads, the rotor shaft can't deflect and cause premature wear.

Advantages

Disadvantages

High speed High pressure No overhung bearing loads Relatively quiet operation Design accommodates wide variety of materials

Four bushings in liquid area No solids allowed Fixed End Clearances

Applications Common external gear pump applications include, but are not limited to:

Various fuel oils and lube oils Chemical additive and polymer metering Chemical mixing and blending (double pump) Industrial and mobile hydraulic applications (log splitters, lifts, etc.) Acids and caustic (stainless steel or composite construction) Low volume transfer or application

Materials Of Construction / Configuration Options

As the following list indicates, rotary pumps can be constructed in a wide variety of materials. By precisely matching the materials of construction with the liquid, superior life cycle performance will result. External gear pumps in particular can be engineered to handle even the most aggressive corrosive liquids. While external gear pumps are commonly found in cast iron, newer materials are allowing these pumps to handle liquids such as sulfuric A composite external gear performs well in acid, sodium hypochlorite, ferric chloride, sodium hydroxide, pump corrosive liquid applications. and hundreds of other corrosive liquids.

Externals (head, casing, bracket) - Iron, ductile iron, steel, stainless steel, high alloys, composites (PPS, ETFE) Internals (shafts) - Steel, stainless steel, high alloys, alumina ceramic Internals (gears) - Steel, stainless steel, PTFE, composite (PPS) Bushing - Carbon, bronze, silicon carbide, needle bearings Shaft Seal - Packing, lip seal, component mechanical seal, magnetically-driven pump

Lobe Pump Overview Lobe pumps are used in a variety of industries including, pulp and paper, chemical, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology. They are popular in these diverse industries because they offer superb sanitary qualities, high efficiency, reliability, corrosion resistance, and good clean-in-place and sterilize-in-place (CIP/SIP) characteristics. These pumps offer a variety of lobe options including single, biwing, tri-lobe (shown), and multi-lobe. Rotary lobe pumps are non-contacting and have large pumping chambers, allowing them to handle solids such as cherries or olives without damage. They are also used to handle slurries, pastes, and a wide variety of other liquids. If wetted, they offer self-priming performance. A gentle pumping action minimizes product degradation. They also offer reversible flows and can operate dry for long periods of time. Flow is relatively independent of changes in process pressure, so output is constant and continuous. Rotary lobe pumps range from industrial designs to sanitary designs. The sanitary designs break down further depending on the service and specific sanitary requirements. These requirements include 3-A, EHEDG, and USDA. The manufacturer can tell you which certifications, if any, their rotary lobe pump meets.

How Lobe Pumps Work Lobe pumps are similar to external gear pumps in operation in that fluid flows around the interior of the casing. Unlike external gear pumps, however, the lobes do not make contact. Lobe contact is prevented by external timing gears located in the gearbox. Pump shaft support bearings are located in the gearbox, and since the bearings are out of the pumped liquid, pressure is limited by bearing location and shaft deflection. 1. As the lobes come out of mesh, they create expanding volume on the inlet side of the pump. Liquid flows into the cavity and is trapped by the lobes as they rotate.

2. Liquid travels around the interior of the casing in the pockets between the lobes and the casing -- it does not pass between the lobes. 3. Finally, the meshing of the lobes forces liquid through the outlet port under pressure. Lobe pumps are frequently used in food applications because they handle solids without damaging the product. Particle size pumped can be much larger in lobe pumps than in other PD types. Since the lobes do not make contact, and clearances are not as close as in other PD pumps, this design handles low viscosity liquids with diminished performance. Loading characteristics are not as good as other designs, and suction ability is low. High-viscosity liquids require reduced speeds to achieve satisfactory performance. Reductions of 25% of rated speed and lower are common with high-viscosity liquids.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Pass medium solids No metal-to-metal contact Superior CIP/SIP capabilities Long term dry run (with lubrication to seals) Non-pulsating discharge

Requires timing gears Requires two seals Reduced lift with thin liquids

Applications Common rotary lobe pump applications include, but are not limited to:

Polymers Paper coatings Soaps and surfactants Paints and dyes Rubber and adhesives Pharmaceuticals Food applications (a sample of these is referenced below)

Food and cosmetic products capable of being pumped by lobe rotor pumps. From Dickenson, T. C. 1995. Pumping Manual, 9th Ed. Elsevier Advanced Technology: Kidlington, Oxford, U.K. Alcohol Apple Apricots Coffee pure Cordials Corn liquor Glycerin Gooseberries oil Gravy Mousse Mussels Mustard Sorbitol Soup Soya syrup sauce

Baby food Batter Beans Beer Beetroot Biscuit Cream Blackcurrants Brine Broth Butter fat Caramel Castor Oil Cat food Cheese curd Cheese whey Cherries Chicken paste Chili con carne Chocolate Chutney Cockles Coconut oil Cod oil

Corn syrup Cottage cheese Cotton seed oil Cranberry juice Cream Cream cheese Custard Dog food Dough Eggs - whole Egg yolk Essences Evaporated milk Fish Flavorings Fondants Fruit juice Fruit pulp Fruit - whole Fruit yogurt Gelatin Gherkins Glucose

Hand cream Honey Horseradish Ice cream Icings Iodine ointment Jams Jelly Ketchup Lard Liquid sugar Lotions Malt Maple syrup Margarine Marmalade Marshmallow Marzipan Mascara Mayonnaise Milk Mincemeat Molasses

Nail polish Nail varnish Offal Olive oil Onions Palm oil Pastes Peanut butter Pectin Perfumes Piccalilli Pie fillings Pizza toppings Plasma Potato salad Preserves Pures Quinine Rice pudding Salad dressing Shrimps Soap Solvents

Spirits Starches Stews Strawberries Sugar Syrup Tapioca Tea Tomato ketchup Tomato paste Tomato pure Toothpaste Vaseline Vegetables Vinegar Water Wines Wort Yeast Yogurt

Materials Of Construction / Configuration Options

Externals (head, casing) - Typically 316 or 316L stainless steel head and casing Externals (gearbox) - Cast iron, stainless steel Internals (rotors, shaft) - Typically 316 or 316L stainless steel, non-galling stainless steel Shaft Seal - O-rings, component single or double mechanical seals, industry-standard cartridge mechanical seals

Vane Pump Overview While vane pumps can handle moderate viscosity liquids, they excel at handling low viscosity liquids such as LP gas (propane), ammonia, solvents, alcohol, fuel oils, gasoline, and refrigerants. Vane pumps have no internal metal-to-metal contact and self-compensate for wear, enabling them to maintain peak performance on these non-lubricating liquids. Though efficiency drops quickly, they can be used up to 500 cPs / 2,300 SSU. Vane pumps are available in a number of vane configurations including sliding vane ( left), flexible vane, swinging vane, rolling vane, and external vane. Vane pumps are noted for their dry priming, ease of maintenance, and good suction characteristics over the life of the pump. Moreover, vanes can usually handle fluid temperatures from 32C / -25F to 260C / 500F and differential pressures to 15 BAR / 200 PSI (higher for hydraulic vane pumps). Each type of vane pump offers unique advantages. For example, external vane pumps can handle large solids. Flexible vane pumps, on the other hand, can only handle small solids but create good vacuum. Sliding vane pumps can run dry for short periods of time and handle small amounts of vapor.

How Vane Pumps Work Despite the different configurations, most vane pumps operate under the same general principle described below. 1. A slotted rotor is eccentrically supported in a cycloidal cam. The rotor is located close to the wall of the cam so a crescent-shaped cavity is formed. The rotor is sealed into the cam by two sideplates. Vanes or blades fit within the slots of the impeller. As the rotor rotates (yellow arrow) and fluid enters the pump, centrifugal force, hydraulic pressure, and/or pushrods push the vanes to the walls of the housing. The tight seal among the vanes, rotor, cam, and sideplate is the key to the good suction characteristics common to the vane pumping principle.

2. The housing and cam force fluid into the pumping chamber through holes in the cam (small red arrow on the bottom of the pump). Fluid enters the pockets created by the vanes, rotor, cam, and sideplate. 3. As the rotor continues around, the vanes sweep the fluid to the opposite side of the crescent where it is squeezed through discharge holes of the cam as the vane approaches the point of the crescent (small red arrow on the side of the pump). Fluid then exits the discharge port.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Handles thin liquids at relatively higher pressures Compensates for wear through vane extension Sometimes preferred for solvents, LPG Can run dry for short periods Can have one seal or stuffing box Develops good vacuum

Can have two stuffing boxes Complex housing and many parts Not suitable for high pressures Not suitable for high viscosity Not good with abrasives

Applications

Aerosol and Propellants Aviation Service - Fuel Transfer, Deicing Auto Industry - Fuels, Lubes, Refrigeration Coolants Bulk Transfer of LPG and NH3 LPG Cylinder Filling Alcohols Refrigeration - Freons, Ammonia Solvents Aqueous solutions

Materials Of Construction / Configuration Options

Externals (head, casing) - Cast iron, ductile iron, steel, and stainless steel. Vane, Pushrods - Carbon graphite, PEEK. End Plates - Carbon graphite Shaft Seal - Component mechanical seals, industry-standard cartridge mechanical seals, and magnetically-driven pumps.

Packing - Available from some vendors, but not usually recommended for thin liquid service

Gerotor Pump Overview Gerotor pumps are internal gear pumps without the crescent. The rotor is the internal (drive) gear shown below in gray, and the idler is the external (driven) gear, shown below in orange. They are primarily suitable for clean, low pressure applications such as lubrication systems or hot oil filtration systems, but can also be found in low to moderate pressure hydraulic applications.

How Gerotor Pumps Work 1. Liquid enters the suction port between the rotor (gray gear) and idler (orange gear) teeth. 2. Liquid travels through the pump between the teeth of the "gear-within-a-gear" principle. The close tolerance between the gears acts as a seal between the suction and discharge ports. 3. Rotor and idler teeth mesh completely to form a seal equidistant from the discharge and suction

ports. This seal forces the liquid out of the discharge port.

Advantages

Disadvantages

High Speed Only two moving parts Only one stuffing box Constant and even discharge regardless of pressure conditions Operates well in either direction Quiet operation Can be made to operate with one direction of flow with either rotation

Medium pressure limitations Fixed clearances No solids allowed One bearing runs in the product pumped Overhung load on shaft bearing

Applications Common gerotor pump applications include, but are not limited to:

Light fuel oils Lube oil Cooking oils Hydraulic fluid

Materials Of Construction / Configuration Options

Externals (head, casing) - Cast iron Internals (rotor, idler) - Steel Bushing - Carbon graphite, bronze, and other materials as needed Shaft Seal - Lip seals, component mechanical seals Packing - Not commonly used for gerotor pumps

One of the main advantages of the Peristaltic Pump is cleanliness. It also utilizes another advantage: Fragile blood cells are not damaged by this pump. The flexible tube (in this drawing its edges are blue and yellow for clarity) is connected on the inlet side to the patient's artery, and on the outlet side to the patient's vein. In this example three rollers on rotating arms pinch the tube against an arc and move the fluid along. There are usually three or four sets of rollers. Peristaltic pumps have a variety of medical applications. They can be used to add nutrients to blood, to force blood through filters to clean it, or to move blood through the body and lungs during open heart surgery.

Selection of a positive displacement (PD) rotary pump is not always an easy choice. There are four common types of PD pumps available: internal gear, external gear, timed lobe, and vane. Most PD pumps can be adapted to handle a wide range of applications, but some types are better suited than others for a given set of circumstances. The first consideration in any application is pumping conditions. Usually the need for a PD pump is already determined, such as a requirement for a given amount of flow regardless of differential pressure, viscosity too high for a centrifugal pump, need for high differential pressure, or other factors. Inlet conditions, required flow rate, differential pressure, temperature, particle size in the liquid, abrasive characteristics, and corrosiveness of the liquid must be determined before a pump selection is made. A pump needs proper suction conditions to work well. PD pumps are self-priming, and it is often assumed that suction conditions are not important. But they are. Each PD pump has a minimum inlet pressure requirement to fill individual pump cavities. If these cavities are not completely filled, total pump flow is diminished. Pump manufacturers supply information on minimum inlet

conditions required. If high lift or high vacuum inlet conditions exist, special attention must be paid to the suction side of the pump.

INTERNAL GEAR PUMPS The crescent internal gear pump has an outer or rotor gear that is generally used to drive the inner or idler gear (Figure 1). The idler gear, which is smaller than the rotor gear, rotates on a stationary pin and operates inside the rotor gear. The gears create voids as they come out of mesh and liquid flows into the pump. As the gears come back into mesh, volumes are reduced and liquid is forced out the discharge port. Liquid can enter the expanding cavities through the rotor teeth or recessed areas on the head, alongside the teeth. The crescent is integral with the pump head and prevents liquids from flowing to the suction port Figure 1. Internal gear pumps are ideal for high-viscosity from the discharge port. liquids, but they are damaged The rotor gear is driven by a shaft supported by journal or when pumping large solids. antifriction bearings. The idler gear contains a journal bearing rotating on a stationary pin in the pumped liquid. Depending on shaft sealing arrangements, the rotor shaft support bearings may run in pumped liquid. This is an important consideration when handling an abrasive liquid and can wear out a support bearing. The speed of internal gear pumps is considered relatively slow compared to centrifugal types. Speeds up to 1,150 rpm are considered common, although some small designs operate up to 3,450 rpm. Because of their ability to operate at low speeds, internal gear pumps are well suited for high-viscosity applications and where suction conditions call for a pump with minimal inlet pressure requirements. For each revolution of an internal gear pump, the gears have a fairly long time to come out of mesh allowing the spaces between gear teeth to completely fill and not cavitate. Internal gear pumps have successfully pumped liquids with viscosities above 1,320,000 cSt / 6,000,000 SSU and very low viscosity liquids, such as liquid propane and ammonia. Internal gear pumps are made to close tolerances and are damaged when pumping large solids. These pumps can handle small suspended particulate in abrasive applications, but gradually wear and lose performance. Some performance loss is restored by adjusting the pump end clearance. End clearance is the closeness of the rotor gear to the head of the pump.

EXTERNAL GEAR PUMPS External gear pumps are similar in pumping action to internal gear pumps in that two gears come into and out of mesh to produce flow (Figure 2). However, the external gear pump uses two identical gears rotating against each other. Each gear is supported by a shaft with bearings on both sides of each gear. Typically, all four bearings operate in the pumped liquid. Because the gears are supported on both sides, external gear pumps are used for high pressure applications such as hydraulics. Usually, small external gear pumps operate at 1,750 or 3,450 rpm and larger versions operate at speeds up to 640 rpm. Figure 2. External gear pumps (shown is a double pump) are The design of external gear pumps allows them to be made to typically used for highcloser tolerances than internal gear pumps. The pump is not pressure applications such as very forgiving of particulate in the pumped liquid. Since there hydraulics. are clearances at both ends of the gears, there is no end clearance adjustment for wear. When an external gear pump wears, it must be rebuilt or replaced. External gear pumps handle viscous and watery-type liquids, but speed must be properly set for thick liquids. Gear teeth come out of mesh a short time, and viscous liquids need time to fill the spaces between gear teeth. As a result, pump speed must be slowed down considerably when pumping viscous liquids. The pump does not perform well under critical suction conditions. Volatile liquids tend to vaporize locally as gear teeth spaces expand rapidly. When the viscosity of pumped liquids rises, torque requirements also rise, and pump shaft strength may not be adequate. Pump manufacturers supply torque limit information when it is a factor.

LOBE PUMPS

Lobe pumps (Figure 3) are similar to external gear pumps in Figure 3. Lobes in lobe pumps operation, except the pumping elements or lobes do not make do not make contact, because contact. Lobe contact is prevented by external timing gears. they are driven by external Pump shaft support bearings are located in the timing gear case. timing gears. This design Since the bearings are out of the pumped liquid, pressure is handles low-viscosity liquids. limited by bearing location and shaft deflection. There is not metal-to-metal contact and wear in abrasive applications is minimal. Use of multiple mechanical seals makes seal construction important. Lobe pumps are frequently used in food applications, because they handle solids without damaging the pump. Particle size pumped can be much larger in lobe pumps than in other PD types. Since the lobes do not make contact, and clearances are not as close as in other PD pumps, this design handles low viscosity liquids with diminished performance. Loading characteristics are not as good as other designs, and suction ability is low. High-viscosity liquids require considerably reduced speeds to achieve satisfactory performance. Reductions of 25% of rated speed and lower are common with high-viscosity liquids. Lobe pumps are cleaned by circulating a fluid through them. Cleaning is important when the product cannot remain in the pumps for sanitary reasons or when products of different colors or properties are batched.

VANE PUMPS Sliding vane pumps (Figure 4) operate quite differently from gear and lobe types. A rotor with radial slots, is positioned offcenter in a housing bore. Vanes that fit closely in rotor slots slide in and out as the rotor turns. Vane action is aided by centrifugal force, hydraulic pressure, or pushrods. Pumping action is caused by the expanding and contracting volumes contained by the rotor, vanes, and housing. Vanes are the main sealing element between the suction and discharge ports and are usually made of a nonmetallic composite material. Rotor bushings run in the pumped liquid or Figure 4. Vane pumps have are isolated by seals. better dry priming capability other positive Vane pumps usually operate at 1,000 rpm, but also run at 1,750 than rpm. The pumps work well with low-viscosity liquids that displacement pumps. easily fill the cavities and provide good suction characteristics. Speeds must be reduced dramatically for high-viscosity applications to load the area underneath the vanes. These applications require stronger-than-normal vane material.

Because there is no metal-to-metal contact, these pumps are frequently used with low-viscosity nonlubricating liquids such as propane or solvent. This type of pump has better dry priming capability than other PD pumps. Vane pumps can run dry, but are subject to vane wear. Vane pump are not well suited to handling abrasive applications. Vane pumps have fixed end clearances on both sides of the rotor and vanes similar to external gear pumps. Once wear occurs, this clearance cannot be adjusted, but some manufacturers supply replaceable or reversible end plates. Pump Selection Guide Abrasives Internal Gear External Gear Lobe Vane G P G Thin Liquids G G A Viscous E G E Solids P P E P Dry Prime A A A G Diff. Pressure G E G A

P E A E = Excellent, G = Good, A = Average, P = Poor

Comparisons and Centrifugal Pumps Rotary Max. Viscosity 1,320,000 (cSt / SSU) 6,000,000 Max. Capacity 750 / 3,300 3 (M /Hr / GPM) Pumping Efficiency Energy Costs Self-Priming Flow Control Life-Cycle Cost Initial Cost E E Yes E G A

Between Centrifugal / 550 / 2,500 27,250 / 120,000 A A No P G E

Rotary

E = Excellent, G = Good, A = Average, P = Poor

High-Viscosity Liquids. Internal gear pumps are often a good choice.

Sanitary Liquids. Sanitary lobe pumps work well for most food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology applications.

Solids. Pump selection depends on the particular application. For food-type applications containing solids, begin searching sanitary lobe pumps. For slurries and other industrialtype solids, start with internal gear pumps. Corrosive Liquids. Proper selection of the right materials of construction will have the greatest impact on pump performance. Composite external gear and stainless steel internal gear pumps are good starting points. Check out Pump School's page on handling abrasive and corrosive liquids. Abrasive Liquids. A number of factors can combine to minimize the effects of abrasion. Begin with internal gear pumps manufactured with hardened steel parts. Toxic, Hazardous, or Hard-To-Seal Liquids. Preventing leaks is critical for handling these fluids. Magnetically-driven or mechanically sealed internal or external gear pumps offer a good starting point. Extreme Temperature Conditions. Internal gear pumps with jacketing features offer excellent temperature control. Learn more about handling high-temperature liquids in Pump School's "Tough Application" section.