What is a hydraulic pump, how it works and types

The hydraulic pump is an essential part that every industry should have to guarantee a good performance in its sector and pump fluids in an efficient and controlled way.

It has a very simple operation, but of great importance, and is one of the most used elements in industrial processes after the electric motor.

In this post we will explain everything about hydraulic pumps, which are one of the most sold products nowadays.

What is a hydraulic pump?

The pump hydraulic is an equipment with a mechanism that moves its fluid from one point to another to start the production of hydraulic energy.

It is a special power transmission that controls the energy of moving fluids while under pressure and converts it into mechanical energy.

Hydraulic pumps and motors are used to manufacture machinery in many industries, ranging from tractors to agricultural machinery.

The PTO hydraulic pump changes the power of the carrier motor into hydraulic power.

What is the working principle of hydraulic pump?

Hydraulics pumps create the flow necessary for the production of pressure, it is a function of flow resistance in the hydraulic system.

At the pump inlet, a vacuum is generated which approves the atmospheric pressure to force the liquid from the reservoir to the pump inlet line.

If connected to a system, the fluid pressure at the outlet will rise to a level and direction necessary to overcome the resistance of the load.

Characteristics of a hydraulic pump

The characteristics of the hydraulic pump are as follows:

Power generation.
Physical versatility.
Simplicity of a hydraulic pump.
Efficient pumps.
Secure system.
System compactness.
Customize the hydraulic system.

Types of hydraulic pumps

The most common types of hydraulic pumps are:

Vane pumps

They are positive displacement pumps that maintain a constant flow rate under varying pressures. The name ”vane pumps” is due to the effect it has on the vane that pressurizes the liquid.

This type of pump has a variable number of vanes on a rotor that rotates inside the cavity.

In addition, they can have a variable length and remain tensioned to be in contact with the wall while the pump continues to consume energy.

Hydraulic gear pump

They are composed of two main types: external and internal. The external ones have two spur gears and all their flows are externally arranged.

The internal ones also have two spur gears as well as their teeth and are arranged internally, with one gear rotating inside the other.

Both types of gear pumps deliver a constant amount of liquid with each rotation they make. They are referred to as a small hydraulic pump.

Hydraulic ram pump

Also known as hydroelectric power, they are cyclic machines that use the energy of water in order to transport it to a higher level than its original source. This pump only works with the momentum of moving water.

Electric hydraulic pump

They are hydraulic machines that have a fluid transmission that use electricity to operate. They are regularly used to transfer hydraulic fluid from a reservoir to an actuator.

12 volt hydraulic pump

They are hydraulic power devices that work with 12 volts DC that are supplied by a hydraulic pump motor or a battery.

These are designed processes applied in industrial, consumer and commercial locations to transform kinetic energy into beneficial mechanical energy by means of pressurized viscous liquids.

Air hydraulic pump

They use compressed air in order to stimulate a pump mechanism, creating useful energy by a pressurized liquid.

It is also known as a pneumatic hydraulic pump and is applied in many industries to assist in lifting heavy loads and transporting materials.

The harbor freight hydraulic pump is perfect for this type of pump, delivering a maximum pressure of 10,000 PSI.

Piston pumps

Transfers hydraulic fluids through a cylinder using piston-like equipment to raise the pressure of a machine, allowing it to push, pull and lift heavy loads.

This type of pump is the power source for heavy-duty machines such as cranes, excavators, loaders and backhoes.

In addition, it is usually a double acting hydraulic pump 110v type, i.e. it has two useful connections and has pressure on both sides.

For example, the hydraulic pump pto tractor transmits the engine power to the machines or implements driven by the PTO. This transmission is connected to a short shaft and transfers the power to the other shaft of the tractor.

Hydraulic pump diagram

The following hydraulic pump diagram shows how it works:

Industrial applications of hydraulic pumps

Excavation, agriculture, defense contracting, construction and automobile manufacturing industries are some examples that apply hydropower in normal, everyday procedures.

The hydraulic pto pump is used in the market where machines are mobile, fulfilling its basic function in all contexts.

Elevators, cranes, shock absorbers, motorboat steering systems, automobile brakes, aircraft flaps are other applications of hydraulics.

Dump truck hydraulic pumps and excavators are very common, as they are very useful on construction sites.

How to apply maintenance to a hydraulic pump?

Physical contact with the hydraulic systems should be avoided, even when the machine is not in use, the pressure of the active fluid inside the system can be a hazard.

Improper pumps can lead to mechanical failures at the job site, causing costly and very serious consequences.

Although pump failure is a must, new diagnostic technology is improving detection methods that previously relied only on vibration signals.

Measuring discharge pressures allows manufacturers to predict pump wear more accurately.

Discharge sensors are easy to integrate into existing systems, increasing the versatility and safety of these pumps.

How to choose a hydraulic pump?

The purpose for which the pump will be used must be taken into account when selecting a specific type. Therefore, it is important to keep these points in mind:

Pump material

Materials are an important point in the context of the application, as they must be able to withstand the process and the hydraulic fluids.

Gears, cylinders and pistons are usually made of durable materials such as steel, aluminum or stainless steel that withstand the continuous wear and tear of repeated pumping.

Pumping capacity

Manufacturers should also compare performance specifications to ensure that the intended use does not exceed the pump’s capabilities.

Many variables in pump functionality include continuous operating pressure, operating speed, maximum operating pressure, power, maximum fluid flow, volumetric efficiency and energy source.

System efficiency

The total power created by any hydraulic drive system is affected by various inefficiencies that must be kept in mind to get the most out of the system.

All pumps in the hydraulic system are responsible for displacing the volume of fluid to move the actuators from the reservoir through the piping system.

Hydraulic pumps for sale in USA

The hydraulic pumps for sale have grown a lot in the last years because they are essential to guarantee an excellent job.

In IndusCo you can get this type of pump at the best price in the market and with high quality brands, one of them is the Dynex hydraulic pump.

We offer shipments to any place where you are and if you wish you can request a quotation of industrial hydraulic pump, where our best advisors will contact you.

Request a quotation of your product

Looking for a specific product? Contact us and we will help you. We have a wide range of products and above all with excellent prices.