HYDRAULIC PUMP

Questions, Concepts, and Definitions

1. Name the three popular construction types of positive displacement pumps.
The three popular construction types of positive displacement pumps are gear pumps, piston pumps, and
vane pumps.
2. What is a positive displacement pump? In what ways does it differ from a centrifugal pump?
A positive displacement pump moves a fixed amount of fluid with each cycle, regardless of pressure,
while a centrifugal pump imparts velocity to the fluid and relies on pressure changes, making the former
more effective at handling high-pressure, low-flow situations and the latter better for high-flow, low-
pressure applications.
3. How is the pumping action in positive displacement pumps accomplished?
The pumping action in positive displacement pumps is accomplished by trapping a fixed volume of fluid
within a chamber and then forcing that fluid out of the chamber, thereby displacing the fluid. This is
achieved through the use of various mechanical mechanisms, such as pistons, gears, lobes, or vanes,
which work together to create a pumping chamber that alternately fills and empties.
4. How is the volumetric efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?

The volumetric efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by dividing the actual volume
of fluid pumped by the theoretical volume of fluid that could be pumped. This considers factors such as
internal leakage, slip, and compression losses within the pump.

5. How is the mechanical efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?

The mechanical efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by dividing the output power of
the pump by the input power to the pump's mechanical components. This considers factors such as
friction losses in the bearings, seals, and other moving parts of the pump.

6. How is the overall efficiency of a positive displacement pump determined?

The overall efficiency of a positive displacement pump is determined by dividing the output power of the
pump by the input power to the pump. This efficiency considers the volumetric efficiency, which is the
ratio of the actual volume of fluid pumped to the theoretical volume of fluid that could be pumped, and
the mechanical efficiency, which is the ratio of the output power of the pump to the input power to the
pump's mechanical components.

7. Explain how atmospheric pressure pushes hydraulic oil up into the inlet port of a pump.
Atmospheric pressure pushes hydraulic oil into the inlet port of a pump by creating a pressure differential;
as the pump reduces pressure in the inlet port, the higher atmospheric pressure on the oil in the reservoir
forces it into the lower pressure area.
8. What is the difference between a fixed displacement pump and a variable displacement pump?
A fixed displacement pump delivers a constant flow rate regardless of pressure, while a variable
displacement pump allows the flow rate to be adjusted by changing the pump's internal mechanisms,
depending on system demands.
9. Name three designs of external gear pumps.
Three designs of external gear pumps are spur gear pumps, helical gear pumps, and herringbone gear
pumps.
10. Name two designs of internal gear pumps.
Two designs of internal gear pumps are gerotor pumps and crescent pumps.
11. Why is the operation of a screw pump quiet?
The operation of a screw pump is quiet because the continuous and smooth meshing of the screw rotors
minimizes pulsations and vibrations during fluid movement.
12. Name the important considerations when selecting a pump for a particular application.
The important considerations when selecting a pump for a particular application include the flow rate
required, the pressure needed, the type of fluid being pumped, the viscosity of the fluid, the temperature
of the fluid, the solids content of the fluid, the required head, the efficiency of the pump, the cost of the
pump, and the maintenance requirements of the pump.
13. What is a pressure-compensated vane pump, and how does it work?
A pressure-compensated vane pump is a type of positive displacement pump that automatically adjusts its
flow rate to maintain a constant pressure in the system, regardless of changes in demand or load. It works
by using a series of vanes that are forced outward by centrifugal force and against a cam ring, creating a
pumping chamber that varies in size depending on the pressure in the system. When the pressure in the
system drops, the vanes move outward further, increasing the size of the pumping chamber and allowing
more fluid to flow. Conversely, when the pressure in the system increases, the vanes move inward,
reducing the size of the pumping chamber and restricting the flow of fluid. This automatic adjustment of
flow rate helps to maintain a constant pressure in the system, which is often desirable in many
applications.
Problems
1. What is the theoretical flow rate from a fixed displacement axial piston pump with a nine-bore
cylinder operating at 2000 rpm? Each bore has a 15-mm diameter and the stroke is 20 mm.
2. A vane pump is to have a volumetric displacement of 115 cm3. It has a rotor diameter of 63.5
mm, a cam ring diameter of 88.9 mm, and a vane width of 50.8 mm. What must be the
eccentricity?
3. Find the offset angle for an axial piston pump that delivers 0.0019 m3/s at 3000 rpm. The pump
has nine 15.9-mm-diameter pistons arranged on a 127-mm piston circle diameter. The volumetric
efficiency is 95%.
4. A pump having a 96% volumetric efficiency delivers 29 Lpm of oil at 1000 rpm. What is the
Hydraulic cylinder
Questions, Concepts, and Definitions
 1. What is the difference between a single-acting and a double-acting hydraulic cylinder?
A single-acting hydraulic cylinder can only exert force in one direction, while a double-acting hydraulic
cylinder can exert force in both directions.
2. Name four different types of hydraulic cylinder mountings.
Four different types of hydraulic cylinder mountings are trunnion mounting, piston rod mounting, flange
mounting, and foot mounting.
3. What is a cylinder cushion? What is its purpose?
A cylinder cushion is a device that is used to absorb the shock and vibration that occurs when a hydraulic
cylinder comes to a sudden stop. It is typically installed at the end of the cylinder's stroke and is designed
to slow down the piston as it approaches the end of its travel, thereby preventing damage to the cylinder
or the connected components.
4. What is a double-rod cylinder? When would it normally be used?
A double-rod cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder that has a piston rod extending from both ends of the
cylinder body. This allows for the cylinder to exert force in both directions with equal force, making it
ideal for applications that require bidirectional movement and precise control, such as positioning heavy
machinery or controlling the movement of robotic arms.
5. What is a telescoping-rod cylinder? When would it normally be used?
A telescoping-rod cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder that has multiple piston rods that can be
extended or retracted independently, allowing for a longer stroke in a smaller package size. This makes
them ideal for applications where space is limited but a long stroke is required, such as in construction
equipment or industrial presses.
6. Why does the rod of a double-acting cylinder retract at a greater velocity than it extends for the
same input flow rate?
The rod of a double-acting cylinder retracts at a greater velocity than it extends for the same input flow
rate due to the area difference between the two ends of the cylinder. The rod side has a smaller cross-
sectional area compared to the piston side. This means that the same volume of fluid displaces a shorter
distance on the rod side, resulting in a faster retraction speed.
7. How are single-acting cylinders retracted?
Single-acting cylinders are typically retracted using gravity, springs, or a separate hydraulic power source.
In gravity-retraction designs, the cylinder's weight or the weight of the connected load pulls the piston
back. Spring-retraction cylinders use a spring to force the piston back to its original position. In cases
where higher retraction speeds or forces are required, a separate hydraulic power source can be used to
drive the piston back.
8. Differentiate between first-, second-, and third-class lever systems used with hydraulic cylinders
to drive loads.
First-class lever systems have the fulcrum between the input force (hydraulic cylinder) and the output
load. Second-class lever systems have the output load between the fulcrum and the input force. Third-
class lever systems have the input force between the fulcrum and the output load. The choice of lever
system depends on the desired mechanical advantage and the physical constraints of the application.
Problems
1. An electric motor drives a pump at constant speed and delivers power to the pump at a constant
rate. The pump delivers oil to a hydraulic cylinder. By what factor would the cylinder force and
time to travel through full stroke change during extension if
a. The cylinder stroke is doubled, and the piston and rod diameters remain the same
b. The piston and rod diameters are both doubled and the stroke remains the same
c. The stroke, piston, and rod diameters are all doubled
2. An 8-cm-diameter hydraulic cylinder has a 4-cm-diameter rod. If the cylinder receives flow at
100 Lpm and 12 MPa, find the
a. Extension and retraction speeds
b. Extension and retraction load-carrying capacities
3. A pump supplies oil at 0.0016 m3/s to a 40-mm-diameter double-acting hydraulic cylinder. If the
load is 5000 N (extending and retracting) and the rod diameter is 20 mm, find the
a. Hydraulic pressure during the extending stroke
b. Piston velocity during the extending stroke
c. Cylinder kW power during the extending stroke
d. Hydraulic pressure during the retracting stroke
e. Piston velocity during the retracting stroke
f. Cylinder kW power during the retracting stroke

Figure 2
HYDRAULIC MOTOR
Question
1. What are the main advantages of gear motors?
Gear motors offer several advantages, including high torque output, low noise levels, high efficiency, and
simple design. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to maintain.
2. Why are vane motors fixed displacement units?
Vane motors are fixed displacement units because the volume of fluid displaced by the vanes per
revolution is constant and cannot be adjusted. This is due to the fixed geometry of the vane motor, which
includes a rotor with vanes that slide within a stator. The displacement of the fluid is determined by the
number and size of the vanes, as well as the eccentricity of the rotor. As a result, vane motors are not
suitable for applications that require variable flow rates.
3. Name one way in which vane motors differ from vane pumps.
Vane motors typically have a higher torque output than vane pumps.
4. Can a piston pump be used as a piston motor?
A piston pump can be used as a piston motor, and vice versa. The key difference between a pump and a
motor is the direction of fluid flow. A pump forces fluid into a system, while a motor converts fluid
pressure into mechanical energy. However, the same basic components and principles can be used for
both pumps and motors. In a piston pump, the piston is forced outward by hydraulic pressure, which
displaces fluid. In a piston motor, the piston is forced inward by mechanical energy, which compresses the
fluid and generates hydraulic pressure. Therefore, a piston pump can be used as a piston motor by simply
reversing the direction of fluid flow.
5. For a hydraulic motor, define volumetric, mechanical, and overall efficiency.
Volumetric efficiency measures how much of the theoretical fluid volume is delivered by the motor.
Mechanical efficiency measures how much of the input hydraulic power is converted into mechanical
output power, considering losses due to friction and leakage. Overall efficiency is the product of
volumetric and mechanical efficiency, representing the overall effectiveness of the motor in converting
hydraulic energy into mechanical energy.
6. Why does a hydraulic motor use more flow than it should theoretically?
Hydraulic motors can use more flow than theoretically expected due to internal leakage. This occurs when
fluid escapes from the high-pressure side of the motor to the low-pressure side through clearances
between components, such as the piston and cylinder walls. This leakage reduces the effective volume of
fluid that can be delivered by the motor, resulting in lower efficiency and increased power consumption.
Factors like wear, contamination, and improper assembly can contribute to increased leakage.
7. What is a hydrostatic transmission? Name four advantages it typically possesses.
A hydrostatic transmission is a type of power transmission system that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer
power between a prime mover and an output device. Hydrostatic transmissions offer several advantages,
including infinitely variable speed control, high torque at low speeds, smooth acceleration and
deceleration, easy reversing, overload protection, and compact size.
 8. Why does a hydraulic motor deliver less torque than it should theoretically?
A hydraulic motor may deliver less torque than it should theoretically be due to several factors, including
internal leakage, friction losses in the motor components, fluid viscosity, and operating pressure. Internal
leakage can occur between the piston and cylinder walls, reducing the effective volume of fluid that can
be delivered to the motor. Friction losses in the motor components, such as the bearings, seals, and valves,
can also reduce the motor's output torque. The viscosity of the hydraulic fluid can affect the motor's
performance, with higher viscosity fluids leading to increased internal friction and reduced torque.
Additionally, operating pressure below the rated pressure for the motor can result in lower torque output.

Problems
1. A hydraulic motor receives a flow rate of 72 Lpm at a pressure of 12,000 kPa. If the motor speed
is 800 rpm, determine the actual torque delivered by the motor assuming it is 100% efficient.
2. A hydraulic motor has a 100-cm3 volumetric displacement. If it has a pressure rating of 140 bars
and receives oil from a 0.001-m3/s theoretical flow-rate pump, find the motor.
a. Speed
b. Theoretical torque
c. Theoretical kW power
3. The pressure rating of the components in a hydraulic system is 1000 psi. The system contains a
hydraulic motor to turn a 10-in-radius drum at 30 rpm to lift a 1000-lb weight W, as shown in
Figure 4. Determine the flow rate in units of gpm and the output horsepower of the 100%
efficient motor. Change the data to metric units and solve the problem.

Figure 4.
4. A hydraulic motor receives a flow rate of 72 Lpm at a pressure of 12,000 kPa. The motor speed is
800 rpm. If the motor has a power loss of 3 kW, find the motor.
a. Actual output torque
b. Overall efficiency