Pump leakage has evolved into a critical concern in recent years, fueled by environmental worries, fugitive emissions, and the handling of carcinogenic materials. For engineers and technicians dealing with industrial machinery, such as pumps, compressors, blowers, and vacuums, understanding the misapplications, especially with positive displacement gear pumps, is crucial. In this guide, we'll explore scenarios where these gear pumps may not be the optimal choice.
Acid-based fluids, often with viscosities akin to water and limited lubricity properties, pose challenges for gear pumps. Internal and external gear pumps, optimized for Newtonian fluids, may struggle with shear-sensitive fluids. The choice of materials and seals can also impact compatibility. A solution comes from VIKING Pumps, offering a stainless liquid vane pump (LVP) for lightweight fluids and a non-metallic mag drive external gear pump (CMD) for hazardous fluids, ensuring leak-free, efficient operation.
Water-based fluids lacking lubricity can significantly reduce pump lifespan, while fluids with heavy solids accelerate wear on gear pump internals. In contrast, centrifugal pumps with non-clog impellers prove more effective for high-trash fluids, offering extended operational life.
Proper operation of positive displacement pumps relies on Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). Engineers must understand both NPSH Available (NPSHA) and NPSH Required (NPSHR). NPSHA, determined by the system, must exceed NPSHR to prevent cavitation. For a detailed explanation, engineers can refer to the VIKING Pump website's document on Understanding Net Positive Suction Head.
For engineers and technicians in need of parts and services for industrial machinery, Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions is the go-to partner. With a focus on pumps, compressors, blowers, and vacuums, our team, including inside engineering staff and area representatives, is ready to assist in proper pump selection and application design.
Understanding the limitations of positive displacement gear pumps is crucial for engineers and technicians working with industrial machinery. Whether dealing with challenging fluids or addressing NPSH requirements, Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions stands as a reliable partner for expert advice and quality parts and services.
Ready to optimize your industrial processes? Reach out to Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions today for tailored solutions and reliable expertise in industrial machinery.
