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Internal Gear Pumps: Principle, Benefits & Applications

rotary lobe pumps
by admin
March 15, 2019

Viking Internal Gear Pumps: Reliable, Simple to Operate, and Easy to Maintain

Viking internal gear pumps stand out for their remarkable ability to move everything from thin solvents and fuel oils to thick, challenging materials like chocolate, asphalt, adhesives, and resins. Their useful viscosity range runs from 1 cP all the way to more than 1,000,000 cP, while properly configured models manage operating temperatures up to 800°F. This wide capability stems from a straightforward, yet highly effective, design that features only two moving parts and a single adjustable end clearance. That clearance lets you fine-tune the pump for high temperatures, peak efficiency with viscous fluids, or long-term wear compensation - without sacrificing performance. For a broader overview of how these pumps fit into positive displacement technology, see our complete internal gear pumps guide.

These pumps deliver smooth, non-pulsating flow. They are self-priming, can run dry for short intervals, and operate in either direction, making them equally suited for loading or unloading tanks and vessels. Because the design is so simple, maintenance stays straightforward and downtime stays low. If you’re facing a tough fluid-handling challenge in your plant, our team at Pye-Barker can help you select the exact Viking model that matches your flow, pressure, and viscosity needs - reach out today at (404) 363-6000 and let’s discuss your application.

How Viking Internal Gear Pumps Work

Viking internal gear pump working principle diagram showing rotor gear, idler gear, crescent seal, and liquid flow path

At Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions, we explore the intricacies of these pumps to highlight their unparalleled capabilities. The internal gear pump working principle relies on the proven “gear-within-a-gear” concept. Liquid moves through four clear stages inside the pump:

  1. Liquid enters the suction port between the large exterior rotor gear and the smaller interior idler gear teeth.
  2. As rotation continues, the liquid travels between the gear teeth while the crescent-shaped partition divides the flow and creates a tight seal between the suction and discharge sides.
  3. The pump chamber fills almost completely as the intermeshing gears form locked pockets that capture precise volumes of liquid.
  4. The rotor and idler teeth mesh fully near the discharge port, forcing the liquid out in a steady, continuous stream.

This mechanism produces consistent volume control and eliminates pulsation, even under varying pressure conditions. To see how this gear-within-a-gear design differs from other rotary pumps, read our full external vs. internal gear pumps comparison.

If you want to understand how this differs from other rotary pumps, take a moment to review our detailed comparison of external versus internal gear pumps.

Key Advantages of Viking Internal Gear Pumps

Viking internal gear pumps deliver several practical benefits that directly improve reliability and lower long-term costs in industrial settings:

  • Only two moving parts and a single stuffing box, which simplifies service and reduces spare-parts inventory.
  • Smooth, non-pulsating discharge that protects downstream equipment and piping.
  • Excellent performance across high-viscosity liquids without loss of efficiency.
  • Consistent flow and pressure regardless of system variations.
  • Bi-rotational operation that lets the same pump handle both loading and unloading tasks.
  • Low net positive suction head (NPSH) requirement, making them suitable for many suction conditions.
  • Adjustable end clearance that maintains peak efficiency over time.
  • Flexible construction options that allow customization for your exact process.

With their flexible design and ability to manage a variety of liquids, Viking pumps simplify complex industrial processes. Many of these benefits are maximized with proper care - learn more in our internal gear pump maintenance tips article.

These features explain why so many Georgia manufacturers and processors trust Viking pumps for critical fluid transfer. If any of these advantages sound like a solution for your operation, give our engineers a call now at (404) 636-6000 - we’ll walk you through the right configuration.

Typical Applications for Viking Internal Gear Pumps

You will find Viking internal gear pumps at work in a wide range of industries because they handle such a broad spectrum of fluids:

  • Lubricating Oils and Fuel Oils
  • Resins, Polymers, and Polyurethanes
  • Solvents, Alcohols, and Glycols
  • Asphalt, Bitumen, and Tar
  • Food-Grade Products Including Corn Syrup, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter
  • Paints, Inks, and Pigments
  • Soaps, Surfactants, and Specialty Chemicals

If you are still deciding between pump types for your specific fluid, our team recommends reviewing the general internal gear pump overview for additional selection criteria.

No matter which fluid you are moving, proper pump selection prevents downtime and protects product quality. Our team at Pye-Barker has decades of hands-on experience with these exact applications across Georgia. Contact us for a quick review of your current setup or to explore replacement options - we’re here to help you choose correctly the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Internal Gear Pump Working Principle? An internal gear pump operates on the gear-within-a-gear design. Liquid enters between the outer rotor and inner idler gears, travels through locked cavities formed by the teeth, and is forced out at the discharge port by the meshing action and crescent seal. The four-stage process - entry, transfer, filling, and discharge - ensures smooth, pulseless flow.

What Viscosity Range Can Viking Internal Gear Pumps Handle? Viking internal gear pumps manage viscosities from 1 cP to more than 1,000,000 cP. This range makes them ideal for both thin solvents and extremely thick materials.

What Temperature Range Do These fPumps Support? With appropriate materials and jacketed options, Viking internal gear pumps handle liquids up to 800°F, thanks to the adjustable end clearance that compensates for thermal expansion.

How Do I Select the Right Viking Internal Gear Pump for My Application? Start with your fluid’s viscosity, temperature, required flow rate, and pressure. Our engineers review these details and recommend the best model, materials, and sealing options. Contact Pye-Barker today for expert guidance tailored to your process.

Why Choose Pye-Barker as Your Viking Pump Partner? As an authorized Viking Pump distributor, we combine factory-level product knowledge with local service, parts availability, and engineering support throughout Georgia. Whether you need a new pump, repairs, or system troubleshooting, we respond quickly and keep your operation running smoothly. We also maintain a full library of resources, including our know your pumps internal gear pumps page for deeper technical reading.

Viking Internal Gear Pumps: The Smart Choice for Efficient Fluid Transfer

When your process demands reliable performance across thin and thick liquids alike, Viking internal gear pumps deliver the versatility, durability, and ease of maintenance you need. As your local authorized distributor, Pye-Barker Engineered Solutions stands ready to help you select the right model, install it correctly, and support it for years to come. You can explore even more Viking-specific options on our Viking gear pump overview, as well.

Reach out today - call now by dialing (404) 636-6000 or reach our team online for a personalized recommendation, quote, or on-site consultation. Let’s make sure your next pump installation improves efficiency and reduces headaches from day one.

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