How to Select a Gear Pump

What is a Gear Pump?

Gear Pumps are a type of Positive Displacement Pump available in two designs, internal and external gear. They work by enclosing a fixed volume of fluid using interlocking cogs or gears that create a continuous flow of fluid. The external design uses two identical gears rotating next to each other, supported by separate shafts, whereas the internal design consists of two gears of different sizes, with one rotating inside the other.

Advantages of Gear Pumps:

Gear Pumps provide numerous benefits and have been engineered to meet the highest safety standards, offering ATEX on request.

• Accurate and pulseless flow at high differential pressures
• Can pump fluids too viscous for Centrifugal Pumps
• Superior mechanical efficiency across varying pressures and flows
• Efficient suction lift capabilities
• Bi-directional flow
• ATEX available

Common industries & applications:

Gear Pumps are widely recognised for their exceptional fluid transfer capabilities and are well suited to the transfer of viscous and semi-viscous fluids.

• Fuels, oils, diesel-fuel tanks
• Paints and dyes
• Pharmaceutical
• High volume transfer
• Transferring molasses
• Adhesives
• Solvents
• Marine

What are your fluid & media transfer characteristics?

To choose the appropriate Gear Pump for your application, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What media will be pumped? Consider the chemical composition of the media you will be pumping – is it chemically neutral or corrosive, shear sensitive etc.
2. What is the viscosity of the media you intend to pump? Consider viscosity limitations, shear sensitivity etc.
3. Do you need to pump fluids containing solids?
4. Is your environment or fluid explosive?

Materials Available:

• Cast Iron
• Stainless Steel AISI 304/316
• Cast Steel
• Steel

Gears are available in various materials to support your application requirements.

Some of our materials offer an ATEX option on request for explosive applications and environments.

Maintenance required to keep your Gear Pumps running:

Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your pump performing at its best and ensuring a long life span. To look after your Gear Pump, you should:

• Regularly inspect the bearings and replace when necessary
• Ensure there is enough clearance between gear teeth and chambers
• Inspect the seals to prevent leakage
• Check the motor is functioning correctly
• Monitor the temperature to avoid overheating

Depending on the size of your pump and the fluid you are pumping, a more detailed maintenance schedule may be required.

Additional Factors to Consider:

Will your pump be stationary, or do you need it to be portable? If you require portability, Gear Pumps can be fitted to trolleys of any size to suit your needs.