DEPARMENT OF MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING

FLUID POWER SYSTEMS

UNIT I
FLUID POWER SYSTEMS AND FUNDAMENTALS

FLUID POWER: It may be defined as the technology that deals with the generation,
control and transmission of power using pressurized fluids

TYPES OF FLUID SYSTEMS:

Fluid Transport systems: The objective of the fluid transport systems is to
transport fluids from one place to another place to achieve some useful purpose
Fluid Power systems: The Fluid power system is primarily designed to
perform work. That is these systems use pressurized fluids to produce some useful
mechanical movements to accomplish the desired work.
Method of transmitting power:
 Electrical power transmission
 Mechanical power transmission
 Fluid power transmission
 Hydraulic power transmission
 Pneumatic power transmission

ADVANTAGES OF FLUID POWER:

1. Easy and Accuracy to Control With the use of simple levels and push buttons,
the fluid power system can facilitate easy starting, stopping, speeding up or
slowing down and positioning forces that provide any desired power
2. Multiplication of small forces to achieve greater forces for performing work
3. It easily provides infinite and step less variable speed control which is difficult
to obtain from other drives
4. Accuracy in controlling small or large forces with instant reversal is possible
with hydraulic systems
5. Constant force is possible in fluid power system regardless of special motion
requirements. Whether the work output moves a few millimeters or several
meters per minute.
6. As the medium of power transmission is fluid, it is not subjected to any
breakage of parts as in mechanical transmission.
7. The parts of hydraulic system are lubricated with the hydraulic liquid itself.
8. Overloads can easily controlled by using relief valves than is possible with
overload devices on the other systems. Air equipments reduces the danger of
fire and explosion hazard in industries such as painting and mining.
9. Because of the simplicity and compactness the cost is relatively low for the
power transmitted.
10. No need of lubrication

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DISADVANTAGES:
1. Leakage of oil or compressed air
2. Busting of oil lines, air tanks
3. More noise in operation

APPLICATIONS OF FLUID POWER:

1. Agriculture: Tractors and farm equipments like ploughs, mowers, chemical
sprayers, fertilizer spreaders, hay balers
2. Automation: Automated transfer machines
3. Aviation: Fluid power equipments like landing wheels on aeroplane and
helicopter, aircraft trolleys, aircraft engine test beds.
4. Building Industry: For metering and mixing of concrete ingredients from
hopper.
5. Construction Equipment: Earthmoving equipments like excavators, bucket
loaders, dozers, crawlers, post hole diggers and road graders.
6. Defense : Missile-launch systems and Navigation controls
7. Entertainment: Amusement park entertainment rides like roller coasters
8. Fabrication Industry: Hand tools like pneumatic drills, grinders, bores,
riveting machines, nut runners
9. Food and Beverage: All types of food processing equipment, wrapping,
bottling
10. Foundry: Full and semi automatic molding machines, tilting of furnaces, die
casting machines
11. Glass Industry: Vacuum suction cups for handling
12. Material Handling: Jacks, Hoists, Cranes, Forklift, Conveyor system

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM:
An electric motor drives the hydraulic pump so that the fluid is pumped from
the tank at the required pressure. The fluid circulated into the system should be clean
to reduce the wear of the pump and cylinder; hence a filter is used immediate to the
storage tank. Since the pump delivers constant volume of fluid for each revolution of
the shaft the fluid pressure rises indefinitely until a pipe or pump itself fails. To avoid
this some kind of pressure regulators is used to spill out the excess fluid back to the
tank. Cylinder movement is controlled by a 3 position change over control valve. One
side of the valve is connected to a pressurized fluid line and the fluid retrieval line and
other side of the valve is connected to port A and port B of the cylinder. Since the
hydraulic circuit is a closed one, the liquid transferred from the storage tank to one
side of the piston, and the fluid at the other side of the piston is retrieved back to the
tank.
Raise: To lift the weight, the pressurized fluid line has to be connected to port A and
the retrieval line has to be connected to the port B, by moving the valve position to
“raise”.
Lower: To bring down the weight, the pressurized fluid line has to be connected to
port B and the retrieval fluid line has to be connected to port A, by moving the valve
position to “lower”.
Off: The weight can be stopped at a particular position by moving the valve position
to off. This disconnects the port A and port B from the pressurized line and the
retrieval line which locks the fluid in the cylinder.

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PNEUMATIC POWER SYSTEM:

Air is drawn from the atmosphere through the air filter and raised to the
required pressure by an air compressor. Air contains significant amount of water
vapour and also the air temperature is raised considerably by the compressor. So the
air must be cooled before using it in the system, which results in condensation. The
compressed air is stored in the reservoir which has water outlet at the bottom of the
reservoir and a pressure switch to control the pressure of the compressed air. Pressure
switch stops the motor when the required pressure is attained and starts the motor
when the pressure falls down the mark. The cylinder movement is controlled by the
pneumatic valve. One side of the pneumatic valve is connected to the compressed air
line and silencers for the exhaust air and the other side of the valve is connected to
port A and port B of the cylinder.

Raise: To lift the weight, the compressed air line has to be connected to port A and
the port B is connected to the exhaust air line by moving the valve position to raise.
Lower: To bring down the weight, the compressed air line is connected to port B and
the port A is connected to exhaust air line by moving the valve position to lower.

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Off: The weight can be stopped at a particular position by moving the valve position
to off. This disconnects the port A and port B from the pressurized line and the
retrieval line which locks the air in the cylinder.

COMPARISON BETWEEN HYDRAULIC, PNEUMATIC AND ELECTRO

MECHANICAL POWER SYSTEM

Hydraulic System Pneumatic System Electro-Mechanical System

Energy is transmitted through

Pressurized Liquid is used Compressed Air is used mechanical components

Energy stored in Batteries

Energy stored in Accumulator Energy stored in Tank

Variable Frequency drives

Hydraulic Valves are used Pneumatic Valves are used

Transmission through
Transmission through
Transmission through Mechanical components like
Pneumatic cylinders,
Hydraulic cylinders, Actuators Gears, Cams
Actuators

Excellent with minimum loss

Flow rate is 2 to 6 m/s Flow rate is 20-40 m/s

More Precision Less Precision More Precision

Limited force can be Large force can be realized but

Large force can be generated
achieved poor in efficiency

Medium Cost High cost Low Cost

Dangerous and fire hazardous

Noisy Easy to work
because of leakage

FUNCTIONS OF FLUIDS IN A FLUID POWER SYSTEM:

1. Transfer fluid power efficiently
2. Lubricate the moving parts
3. Absorb, Carry and Transfer heat generated within the system
4. Be compatible with hydraulic components
5. Remain stable against physical and chemical changes
VARIOUS HYDRAULIC FLUIDS:
 Water: The least expensive hydraulic fluid is water. Water is treated with
chemicals before being used in a fluid power system. This treatment removes
undesirable contaminates.
Advantages: Inexpensive, Readily available, Fire resistance
Disadvantage: No lubricity, Corrosive, Temperature limitations

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 Petroleum Oils: These are the most common among the hydraulic fluids
which are used in a wide range of hydraulic applications. The characteristic of
petroleum based hydraulic oils are controlled by the type of crude oil used.
Naphthenic oils have low viscosity index so it is unsuitable where the oil
temperatures vary too widely. The aromatics have a higher presence of
benzene and they are more compatible with moderate temperature variation.
Paraffinic oils have a high viscosity index and they are more suitable for the
system where the temperature varies greatly.
Advantages: Excellent lubricity, Reasonable cost, Non-corrosive
Disadvantage: Tendency to oxidize rapidly, Not fire resistance

 Water Glycols: These are solutions contains 35 to 55% water, glycol and
water soluble thickener to improve viscosity. Additives are also added to
improve anticorrosion, anti wear and lubricity properties.
Advantages: Better fire resistance, Less expensive, Compatible with most
pipe compounds and seals
Disadvantage: Low viscosity, Poor corrosion resistance, not suitable for high
loads

 Water Oil Emulsions: These are water-oil mixtures. They are of two types
oil-in-water emulsions or water-in-oil emulsions. The oil-in-water emulsion
has water as the continuous base and the oil is present in lesser amounts as the
dispersed media. In the water-in-oil emulsion, the oil is in continuous phase
and water is the dispersed media.
Advantages: High viscosity index, Oxidation stability, Film strength
Disadvantage: Depletion of water due to evaporation decreases fire
resistance,
Demulsification may be problem with water-in-oil emulsions.

 Phosphate Ester: It results from the incorporation of phosphorus into organic

molecules. They have high thermal stability. They serve as an excellent
detergent and prevent building up of sludge.
Advantages: Excellent fire resistance, Good lubricity, Non corrosive
Disadvantage: Not compatible with many plastics and elastomers, Expensive

PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS:

1. Viscosity: It is a measure of the fluid’s internal resistance offered to flow.

Viscosity is the most important factor from the stand point of flow. If the viscosity of
the hydraulic oil is higher than recommended, the system will be affected in the
following manner.
1. The viscous oil may not be able to pass through the pipes.
2. The working temperature will increases because there will be internal friction.
3. The consumption of power will increase
If the viscosity of the oil is lesser than recommended then,
1. The internal and external leakage will increase
2. It cannot lubricate properly and will lead to rapid wear of the moving parts.

2. Viscosity Index: This value shows how temperature affects the viscosity of
oil.

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The viscosity of the oil decreases with increase in temperature and vice versa. The
rate of change of viscosity with temperature is indicated on an arbitrary scale called
viscosity index (VI). The lower the viscosity index, the greater the variation in
viscosity with changes in temperature and vice versa.

3. Oxidation Stability: The most important property of an hydraulic oil is its

oxidation stability. Oxidation is caused by a chemical reaction between the oxygen
of the dissolved air and the oil. The oxidation of the oil creates impurities like
sludge, insoluble gum and soluble acidic products. The soluble acidic products
cause corrosion and insoluble products make the operation sluggish.

4. Demulsibility: The ability of a hydraulic fluid to separate rapidly from

moisture and successfully resist emulsification is known as Demulsibility. If oil
emulsifies with water the emulsion will promote the destruction of lubricating value
and sealant properties. Highly refined oils are basically water resistance by nature.

5. Lubricity: Wear results in increase clearance which leads to all sorts of

operational difficulties including fall of efficiency. At the time of selecting a
hydraulic oil care must be taken to select one which will be able to lubricate the
moving parts efficiently.

6. Rust Prevention: The moisture entering into the hydraulic system with air
causes the parts made ferrous materials to rust. This rust if passed through the
precision made pumps and valves may scratch the nicely polished surfaces. So
additives named inhibitors are added to the oil to keep the moisture away from the
surface.

7. Pour Point: The temperature at which oil will clot is referred to as the pour
point i.e. the lowest temperature at which the oil is able to flow easily. It is of great
importance in cold countries where the system is exposed to very low temperature.

8. Flash Point and Fire Point: Flash point is the temperature at which a
liquid gives off vapour in sufficient quantity to ignite momentarily or flash when a
flame is applied. The minimum temperature at which the hydraulic fluid will catch
fire and continue burning is called fire point.

9. Neutralization Number: The neutralization number is a measure of the

acidity or alkalinity of a hydraulic fluid. This is referred to as the PH value of the
fluid. High acidity causes the oxidation rate in an oil to increase rapidly.

10. Density: It is that quantity of matter contained in unit volume of the

substance.

11. Compressibility: All fluids are compressible to some extent.

Compressibility of a liquid causes the liquid to act much like a stiff spring. The
coefficient of compressibility is the fractional change in a unit volume of liquid per
unit change of pressure

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REQUIRED QUALITIES OF GOOD HYDRAULIC OIL:

1. Stable viscosity characteristics

2. Good lubricity
3. Compatibility with system materials
4. Stable physical and chemical properties
5. Good heat dissipation capability
6. High bulk modulus and degree of incompressibility
7. Good flammability
8. Low volatility
9. Good demulsibility
10. Better fire resistance
11. Non toxicity and good oxidation stability
12. Better rust and corrosion prevent qualities
13. Ready availability and inexpensive

FLUID FLOW:

Laminar Flow: It is one in which paths taken by the individual partials do not
cross one another and moves along well defined paths. The laminar flow is
characterized by the fluid flowing in smooth layers of lamina. This type of flow is
also known as streamline or viscous flow because the particles of fluid moving in an
orderly manner and retaining the same relative positions in successive cross sections.
Examples:
1. Flow of oil in measuring instruments
2. Flow of blood in veins and arteries

Turbulent Flow: It is that flow in which fluid particles move in a zigzag way.
It is characterized by continues small fluctuations in the magnitude and direction of
the velocity of the fluid particles. It causes more resistance to flow, Greater energy
loss and increase fluid temperature due to greater energy loss.
Examples: High velocity flow in a pipe of large size

REYNOLDS NUMBER: Osborne Reynolds in 1883 conducted experiments to

ascertain the conditions under which a flow through pipe is laminar or turbulent. He
applied the dimensional analysis on variables and introduced a dimensionless number
called Reynolds number Re. It is given by the following equation to determine
whether the flow is laminar or turbulent.

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Re = VD  VD
 

ρ = Density of fluid (kg/m3)
V = Velocity of Flow (m/sec)
D = Inside diameter of pipe (m)
υ = Kinematic viscosity of fluid (m2/sec)
μ = absolute viscosity of fluid (Ns/m2)
Experiments showed that the flow is laminar when Reynolds number (Re) is less
than 2000 and turbulent for Re greater than 4000. And for 4000 < Re < 2000 then
the flow is in transition from laminar to turbulent. It is always desirable to
maintain laminar flow in hydraulic system because the chaotic turbulent flow
causes more energy loss.

DARCY – WEISBACH EQUATION: The energy loss due to friction in a hydraulic

system results in a loss of potential energy. This potential energy loss leads to a
pressure drop or head loss in the system. Pressure or head loss due to friction in pipes
carrying fluids are derived using the Darcy-Weisbach Equation.
L V2
HL = f ( )( )
D g
HL – Head Loss V – Velocity of Flow
f - Friction Factor g – Acceleration due to gravity
L - Length of pipe
D – Inner Diameter
During laminar flow the friction is relatively independent of the surface conditions of
the inside diameter of the pipe.
The friction factor ‘f’ for laminar flow can be found by the equation
64
f= when Re < 2000
Re
But in turbulent flow friction factor depends on both the Reynolds number and
roughness of the pipe. An American engineer L.F.Moody documented the
experimental and theoretical investigation on the laws of friction in pipe flow in form
of a diagram. He showed the variation of friction factor with the governing parameters

namely the Reynolds number and relative roughness of the pipe. This diagram is
D
known as Moody diagram which is employed for predicting the values of ‘f’ in
turbulent flow.

LOSSES IN VALVES AND FITTINGS:

Pressure drops are also due to valves, expansions, contractions, bends, elbows,
tees and pipe fittings. The losses in valves and fittings in hydraulic systems are
frequently computed in terms of equivalent length of hydraulic tube. Equivalent
lengths can then be substituted in Darcy-Weisbach equation to solve for total pressure
loss in the system. The formula for computing equivalent length is
KD
Equivalent length Le = k= Factor for valve and fittings
f
K Factor for various valves and fittings

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Valve and Fitting K Factor

Globe Valve
Full open 10
Half open 12.5
Gate Valve
Full open 0.19
Half open 4.5
Check Valve
Poppet Type 3.0
Ball type 4.0
Return Bend 2.2
Standard Tee 1.8
Standard Elbow 0.9
45o Elbow 0.42

PASCAL’S LAW :
This law states that the pressure generated at any point in a confined fluid acts
equally in all directions.

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CONTINUITY EQUATION: It states that if no fluid is added or removed from the

pipe in any length then the mass passing across different sections shall be same.
A1 V1 = A2 V2
BERNOULLI’S EQUATION: It states that in a ideal incompressible fluid when the
flow is steady and continuous the sum of potential energy, kinetic energy and pressure
energy is constant across all cross sections of the pipe.
V12 P1 V2 P
Z1 + + = Z2 + 2 + 2
2g w 2g w

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FLUID POWER SYSTEMS

UNIT II
HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS AND ACTUATORS
‘

Pumping theory
Introduction:

A pump which is the heart of a hydraulic system converts mechanical energy

into hydraulic energy. The mechanical energy is delivered to the pump via prime
mover such as electric motor. Due to the mechanical action the pump creates a partial
vacuum at its inlet. This permits atmospheric pressure to force the fluid through the
inlet line and into the pump. The pump then pushes the fluid into the hydraulic
system.

Pump Classifications:

1. Non Positive Displacement Pumps: The most common types of dynamic

pumps are the centrifugal and axial pumps. Although these pumps provide
smooth continuous flow, their flow output is reduced as circuit resistance is
increased and thus are rarely used in fluid power systems. In dynamic pumps
there is a great deal of clearance between the rotating impeller and the
stationary housing. Thus as the resistance of the external system starts to
increase, some of the fluid slips back into the clearance spaces, causing a
reduction in the discharge flow rate. This slippage is due to the fact that the
fluid follows the path of least resistance. When the resistance of the external
system becomes infinitely large the pump will produce no flow. These pumps
are typically used for low pressure, high volume flow applications. Also since
there is a great deal of clearance between the rotating and stationary elements,
dynamic pumps are not self priming unlike positive displacement pump.
2. Positive Displacement Pump: This type of pump ejects a fixed quantity of
fluid per revolution of the pump shaft. As a result, pump output flow,
neglecting changes in the small internal leakage is constant and not dependent
on system pressure. This makes them particularly well suited for fluid power
systems. However positive displacement pumps must be protected against
overpressure if the resistance to flow becomes very large. This can happen if a
valve is completely closed and there is no physical place for the fluid to go.
The reason for this is that a positive displacement pump continues to eject
fluid causing an extremely rapid buildup in pressure as the fluid compressed.
A pressure relief valve is used to protect the pump against overpressure by

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diverting pump flow back to the hydraulic tank where the fluid is stored for
system use.

Classification of Positive Displacement Pump:

1. Gear Pumps
a. External Gear Pump
b. Internal Gear Pump
c. Lobe Pump
d. Screw Pump
2. Vane Pumps
a. Unbalanced Vane Pumps
b. Balanced Vane Pumps
c. Pressure Compensated Vane Pump
3. Piston pumps
a. Axial Piston Pump
b. Radial Piston Pump

GEAR PUMPS:

External Gear Pump: The given figure shows the operation of an external gear
pump, which develops flow by carrying fluid between the teeth of two meshing gears.
One of the gears is connected to a drive shaft connected to the prime mover. The
second gear is driven as it meshes with the driver gear. Oil chambers are formed
between the gear teeth, the pump housing and the side wear plates. The suction side is
where teeth come out of mesh and it is here that the volume expands bringing about a
reduction in pressure to below atmospheric pressure. Fluid is pushed into this void by
atmospheric pressure because the oil supply tank is vented to the atmosphere. The
discharge side is where teeth go into mesh and it is here that the volume decreases
between mating teeth. Since the pump has a positive internal seal against leakage the
oil is positively ejected into the outlet port. The displacement of the gear pump is
determined by volume of fluid between each pair of teeth, Number of teeth and speed
of rotation.
QT = VD x N
 2 2
VD = (D -D ) L
o i
4
QT – Theoretical Pump Flow Rate L – Width Of Gear
VD – Displacement Volume of Pump N – Speed of Pump
Do, Di – Outside and Inside Diameter of Gear Teeth

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There must be a small clearance between the teeth tip and pump housing. As a result
some of the oil at the discharge port can leak directly back toward the suction port.
This means that the actual flow rate QA is less than the theoretical flow rate QT which
is based on volumetric displacement and pump speed. This internal leakage called
pump slippage is identified by the term volumetric efficiency.
Q
v  A
QT
Advantages Disadvantages
 High speed  Four bushings in liquid area
 High pressure  No solids allowed
 No overhung bearing loads  Fixed End Clearances
 Relatively quiet operation
 Design accommodates wide
variety of materials

Applications
 Various fuel oils and lube oils
 Chemical additive and polymer metering
 Chemical mixing and blending (double pump)
 Industrial and mobile hydraulic applications splitters, lifts
 Acids and caustic (stainless steel or composite construction)
Low volume transfer or application

Internal Gear Pump: The figure shows the operation of the internal gear pump. This
design consists of an internal gear, a regular spur gear, a crescent shaped seal and an
external housing. As power is applied to either gear the motion of the gears draws
fluid from the reservoir and forces it around both sides of the crescent seal which acts
as a seal between the suction and discharge ports. When the teeth mesh on the side
opposite to the crescent seal the fluid is forced to enter the discharge port of the pump.

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Advantages Disadvantages
 Only two moving parts  Usually requires moderate speeds
 Non-pulsating discharge  Medium pressure limitations
 Excellent for high-viscosity liquids  One bearing runs in the product
 Constant and even discharge pumped
regardless of pressure conditions  Overhung load on shaft bearing
 Operates well in either direction
 Single adjustable end clearance

Applications
 All varieties of fuel oil and lube oil
 Resins and Polymers
 Alcohols and solvents
 Food products such as corn syrup, chocolate, and peanut butter
 Paint, inks, and pigments
Lobe Pump: in this pump, the gears are replaced by the lobes. This pump operates in
a similar fashion as that of external pump. But unlike the external gear pump, these
both lobes are driven independently and they do not have actual contact with each
other.

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Lobe contact is prevented by external timing gears located in the gearbox. Pump shaft
support bearings are located in the gearbox, and since the bearings are out of the
pumped liquid, pressure is limited by bearing location and shaft deflection. As the
lobes come out of mesh, they create expanding volume on the inlet side of the pump.
Liquid flows into the cavity and is trapped by the lobes as they rotate. Liquid travels
around the interior of the casing in the pockets between the lobes and the casing it
does not pass between the lobes. Finally, the meshing of the lobes forces liquid
through the outlet port under pressure. So, they are quieter than other types of gear
pumps. Since the lobe pump has smaller number of mating elements, the lobe pump
output will have a somewhat greater amount of pulsating, although its volumetric
displacement is generally greater than that for other types of gear pumps.Lobe pumps
are frequently used in food applications because they handle solids without damaging
the product.
Advantages Disadvantages
 Pass medium solids  Requires timing gears
 No metal-to-metal contact  Requires two seals
 Long term dry run (with  Reduced lift with thin liquids
lubrication to seals)
Applications
 Paper coatings
 Soaps and surfactants
 Paints, dyes, Rubber and adhesives
 Pharmaceuticals
Gerotor Pump: It is a positive displacement pumping unit. The name gerotor is
derived from "Generated Rotor". A gerotor unit consists of an inner and outer rotor.
The inner rotor has N teeth, and the outer rotor has N+1 teeth. The inner rotor is
located off-center and both rotors rotate. During part of the assembly's rotation cycle,
the area between the inner and outer rotor increases, creating a vacuum. This vacuum
creates suction, and hence, this part of the cycle is where the intake is located. Then,
the area between the rotors decreases, causing compression. During this compression
period, fluids can be pumped, or compressed (if they are gaseous fluids).

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Gerotor pumps are generally designed using a trochoidal inner rotor and an outer rotor
formed by a circle with intersecting circular arcs. A gerotor can also function as a
motor. High pressure gas enters the intake area and pushes against the inner and outer
rotors, causing both to rotate as the area between the inner and outer rotor increases.
During the compression period, the exhaust is pumped out.
Advantages Disadvantages
 High Speed  Medium pressure limitations
 Only two moving parts  Fixed clearances
 Constant and even discharge  No solids allowed
regardless of pressure conditions  One bearing runs in the product
 Operates well in either direction pumped
 Quiet operation  Overhung load on shaft bearing
Applications
 Light fuel oils
 Lube oil
 Cooking oils
 Hydraulic fluid

Screw Pump: It is an axial flow positive displacement unit. Three precision ground
screws, meshing within a close fitting housing, deliver non pulsating flow quietly and
efficiently. The two symmetrically opposed idler rotors act as rotating seals, confining
the fluid in a succession of closures or stages. The idler rotor are in rolling contact
with the central power rotor and are free to float in their respective housing bores on a
hydrodynamic oil film. There are no radial bending loads. Axial hydraulic forces on
the rotor set are balanced, eliminating any need for thrust bearings. The liquid is
introduced at the two ends and discharged at the centre. The pumping action comes
from the sealed chamber. The sealed chamber formed by the contact of the two gears
at the intersection of their addenda and by the small clearance between the screws and
the pump housing. This working is similar to a nut moving along a thread rod when
the rod rotated. In these pumps, it should be noted that the liquid does not rotate but
moves linearly. Thus the liquid moves forward along the axis with the rotation of the
screw and is discharged to the outlet port.

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Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Give uniform pressure with negligible 1. It is difficult to manufacture the
pulsations. screw profile to maintain close
2. Very quiet, because of rolling action tolerance.
of the screw spindles. 2. Overall volumetric and
3.Can handle liquids containing vapour mechanical efficiency is relatively
and gases low.

Types of Vane Pumps:

1. Unbalanced Vane Pumps

a. Fixed displacement unbalanced pumps
b. Variable displacement unbalanced pumps
2. Balanced Vane Pumps

Unbalanced Vane Pump: The pump consists of a rotor which contains radial slots
splined to the drive shaft. The rotor rotates inside a cam ring. Each slot contains a
vane which is free to slide in or out of the slots in the pump rotor. The vane is
designed to mate with the surface of the cam ring as the rotor turns. The cam ring axis
is offset to the drive shaft axis. As the rotor rotates, the centrifugal force pushes the
vanes out against the surface of the cam ring. The vanes divide the space between the
rotor and the cam ring into a series of small chambers. During the first half of rotor
rotation, the volume of these chambers increase, thereby causing a reduction of
pressure. This is the suction process which causes the fluid to flow through the inlet
port and fill the void. As the rotor rotates through the second half, the cam ring pushes
the vane back into their slots and the trapped volume is reduced. This positively ejects
the trapped fluid through the outlet port. In this pump, all the pumping action takes
place in the chambers located on the one side of the rotor and shaft. So the pump is of
an unbalanced design.

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Fixed Displacement Unbalanced Vane Pumps: In this type rotor housing

eccentricity is constant. Hence the displacement volume is fixed. A constant volume
of fluid is discharged during each revolution of the rotor.
Variable Displacement Unbalanced Vane Pump: Variable displacement can be
provided if the housing can be moved with respect to the rotor. This movement
changes the eccentricity and hence the displacement. Usually a hand wheel or
pressure compensator can be used to move the cam ring to change the eccentricity.

Balanced vane pump: In balanced vane pump, the rotor rotates inside a cam ring of
elliptical shape. It has two inlet and outlet ports which are diametrically opposite each
other. Movement of the vanes in and out causes the chamber between them to
increase and decrease.

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When these chambers are increasing in size, the fluid is being sucked into the pump
through the inlet ports. The two inlet ports are connected to a common inlet passage.
When the chambers are decreasing in size, the fluid starts being delivered into the
system through the outlet ports which are connected to a common outlet passage.
Because the pressure ports are opposite to each other, a complete hydraulic balance
can be achieved. One disadvantage of balanced vane pump is that it cannot be
designed as a variable displacement pump.
Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Volumetric and overall 1. They cannot handle abrasive
efficiencies are high. liquids
2. only small changes in capacity 2. They require seals and foreign
occur with variations in viscosity bodies can damage the pump
and discharge pressure 3. They cannot be operated
3. Their vanes are self against a closed discharge
compensating for wear and also without damage to the pump.
vanes can be easily replaced. Hence relief valves are required
4. They are self priming, robust
and give constant delivery for a
set rotor speed.

Pressure Compensated Variable Delivery Pump: In this system pressure acts

directly via a hydraulic piston on the right side. This forces the cam ring against a
spring loaded piston on the left side. If the discharge pressure is large enough, it
overcomes the compensator spring force and shifts the cam ring to the left. This
reduces the eccentricity and decreases the flow. If the pressure continues to increase,
there is no eccentricity and pump flows becomes zero.

Piston Pumps: In piston pumps, the pumping action is affected by a piston that
moves in a reciprocating cycle through a cylinder. The basic operations of piston
pumps are very similar to that of the reciprocating engines. These pumps are
classified as
1. Axial Piston Pumps
a. Swash plate axial piston pump
b. Bent axis Axial piston pump

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2. Radial Piston Pumps

In axial piston pumps, a number of pistons and cylinders are located in a parallel
position with respect to the drive shaft, while in the radial type they are arranged
radially around the rotor hub.

Axial Piston Pump: In this type rotary shaft motion is converted to axial
reciprocating motion which drives the piston. Most axial piston pumps are multi
piston designs and utilize check valves or port plates to direct liquid flow from inlet to
discharge. Output can be controlled by manual, mechanical or pressure compensated
controls.

Swash Plate (In line) axial Piston Pump: In this pump rotary drive motion is
converted to reciprocating, axial piston motion by means of the swash plate, mounted
on the drive shaft. Thus the rotation of the swash plate produces in and out motion of
the piston in their cylinders and hence the fluid is discharged. This type of pumps

can also be designed to have variable displacement capability. This can be achieved
by altering the angle of the swash plate. Because in the swash plate axial pump, the
angle of tilt of the swash plate determines the piston stroke and hence the pump
displacement. The increase in the swash plate angle will increase the piston stroke and
hence the fluid displacement. When the swash plate is vertical, then the displacement
is zero. Even one can reverse the flow direction by changing the angle of swash plate.
However, the maximum swash plate angle is generally limited to 17.5 o, due to various
design considerations.

Bent Axis Axial Piston Pump: This type of pump contains a cylinder block rotating
with the drive shaft. As shown the centerline of the cylinder block is sent at an offset
angle relative to the centerline of the drive shaft. The cylinder has a number of pistons
and cylinders arranged along a circle. The ball and socket joints connect the piston
rods with the drive shaft flange. When the distance between the drive shaft flange and
cylinder block changes, the piston move in and out of the cylinder. In order to provide
alignment and positive drive, a universal link is used to connect the block to the drive
shaft. When the piston carrying body turns, the exit passage in the cylinder bores
move along the control slots of a firmly positioned control plate and are thus
connected alternatively to suction or discharge pipelines.

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In the fixed displacement pumps, the pumps are mounted in a fixed casing so that
swing angle cannot be adjusted. So the fixed displacement of the piston and hence the
constant discharge of fluid are achieved. In variable displacement pumps, the swing
angle can be varied. Because the volumetric displacement of the pump varies with the
offset angle. When the offset angle is zero, then the displacement will be zero.
However, the angle will vary from 0 o to 30o.

Radial Piston Pump: The radial piston pump has a number of radial pistons in a
cylinder block which revolves around a stationary pintle or valve. The pistons remain
in contact with the reaction ring due to centrifugal force and back pressure on the
pistons. A drive shaft is attached to the end of cylinder block and provides the power
needed to the pump. The reaction ring is moved eccentrically with respect to the
pintle axis.

If the cylinder block is rotated in a clockwise direction, the pistons on one side travel
outward and sucks the fluid when it passes the suction port of the pintle. When the

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piston passes the maximum point eccentricity, it is forced inward by the reaction ring.
This force the fluid to enter into the discharge port. The displacement can be varied by
moving the reaction ring to change the piston stroke.
Important Formulas:
1. Theoretical Discharge for Gear Pump: Do – Outer Diameter of Gear
 Di – Inner Diameter of Gear
QT = (D o2 – D 2i ) b N
4 b - Width of Gear
N – Speed of Pump
2. Theoretical Discharge for Vane Pump: Dc – Diameter of Cam Ring
 DR – Diameter of Rotor
QT = (Dc + DR) 2 e L N
4 e – Eccentricity
L – Width of Rotor
3. Bent Axial Piston Pump D- Piston circle Diameter
QT = DANY sin ; sin =
S A – Area of Piston
D Y – Number of pistons
 - Offset angle
S – Piston stroke
4. Swash Plate Pump:  - Offset angle of Swash
QT = DANY tan Plate

5. Radial Piston Pump

QT = 0.5 e Y π D2 N

Volumetric Efficiency: It indicates the amount of leakage within the pump. This
involves considerations such as manufacturing tolerances and flexing of the pump
casing under the design pressure operating conditions.

Actual Flow rate produced by pump

v= X 100
Theoretical flow rate the pump should produce
Q
v= A
QT
Mechanical Efficiency: It indicates the amount of energy losses that occur due to
reasons other than leakages. This includes friction in bearings and between other
mating parts. It also includes energy losses due to fluid turbulence.

Theoretical Power required to operate the pump

m= x 100
Actual power delivered to the pump

 m = PQT
2NT
Overall Efficiency:

o= v x m

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