A hydraulic pump is an essential component of any hydraulic system. It is responsible for generating hydraulic pressure and moving fluid through the system to operate or manipulate hydraulic machinery. Fakat, pneumatic hydraulic pump also has limitations. The pulsating pump action can cause noise and vibration. Output pressure and flow rate tend to be lower than other pump types. And production costs are usually higher.
Understanding the key parts of a hydraulic pump and how they work together is important for maintenance and troubleshooting.
The main parts of a hydraulic pump are:
- Valves – The valves in a hydraulic pump control the intake and discharge of hydraulic fluid. As they open and close, they control the movement of fluid into and out of the pump to maintain pressure.
- Cylinders – Cylinder bores house the pistons that create the pumping action. The cylinders contain hydraulic fluid and provide a sealed pathway for it to flow in and out.
- Pistons – Pistons move up and down within the cylinders, pushing fluid out during the upstroke and drawing fluid in during the downstroke. Their action generates and maintains hydraulic pressure.
- End plates – The end plates seal the ends of the cylinders and provide mounts for valves, pistons and connecting rods.
- Connecting rods – They attach the pistons to the drive mechanism (crankshaft) and provide the linkage between the two.
- Bearings – Bearings allow rotating or sliding parts like the crankshaft and connecting rods to move with minimal friction. They help distribute loads and absorb shock.
- Crankshaft – The crankshaft translates rotational motion into reciprocating piston motion. It is driven by an external power source and drives the connecting rods.
- Pump casing – The pump casing forms the outer body and provides a reservoir for hydraulic fluid. It houses all the internal parts and has ports for fluid intake and discharge.
Pneumatic Hydraulic Pumps
Pneumatic or air operated hydraulic pumps are a simple but effective type of hydraulic pump. They use compressed air to power a diaphragm that moves hydraulic fluid through the pump.
The main parts of a pneumatic hydraulic pump are:
- Air valve – Controls the flow of compressed air into the pump chambers.
- Diaphragm – A flexible membrane that moves when pressurized by air. It pushes and pulls hydraulic fluid through the pump.
- Pump chambers – Two separate chambers divided by the diaphragm that cyclically fill and empty of hydraulic fluid.
- Hydraulic ports – Connections where hydraulic fluid is taken into and discharged from the pump chambers.
- Air regulator – Regulates the amount of compressed air supplied to the pump chambers, controlling the hydraulic pressure output.
Pneumatic hydraulic pumps offer several advantages over conventional gear or vane pumps:
- Simple design with few moving parts, resulting in high reliability.
- Can be powered by shop air supply – no need for an electric motor.
- Hydraulic pressure output is directly proportional to air pressure input – easy to adjust.
- Weight and size is relatively small.
- Self priming – will automatically fill with hydraulic fluid.