A tandem gear pump is also called a double gear pump or a dual gear pump. It is a positive displacement pump. Using tandem gear pumps allows for easy adjustment of flow rates, enabling you to regulate different flow rhythms.
In this article, I will provide a detailed explanation of the working principles of tandem gear pumps, the different types available, and how they function. This will deepen your understanding of these pumps’ mechanisms, enabling you to better tailor them to your projects and achieve greater returns.
The Working Principle of A Tandem Gear Pump
The design feature of a tandem gear pump is to integrate two or more hydraulic gear pumps within a single housing. All your components of the tandem gear pump are driven by a shared input shaft. Each gear pump operates independently without interfering with the others. For instance, two hydraulic pumps of different specifications can be connected in series. Depending on the combination, three distinct hydraulic oil flow rates can be achieved. This significantly broadens the range of applications while enhancing operational efficiency and saving time for you.
Tandem gear pumps operate on the positive displacement principle. Similar to standard gear pumps, they offer greater flexibility due to their tandem configuration. Based on displacement, each revolution expels a fixed volume of fluid.
3 Working Processes of A Tandem Gear Pump
Fluid Intake
When the tandem gear pump is first started, the input shaft begins to rotate. Its function is to drive your gears within each pump section. The meshing gears create a vacuum at the pump inlet, causing hydraulic oil to be drawn into the inlet port. At this point, your gears begin rotating in the opposite direction, trapping the hydraulic fluid in the gaps between the gear teeth and the housing walls.
Fluid Displacement
Immediately afterward, your gears continue to rotate, causing the hydraulic fluid to rotate along with them. The hydraulic fluid flows between the gear teeth and the housing. It is then transported from the pump’s inlet side to the pump’s outlet side.
Fluid Exit
The hydraulic fluid then reaches the outlet port. As your gears continue to rotate, they force the hydraulic fluid out of the pump. The fluid subsequently enters the hydraulic system to perform a series of operational tasks for you. It is worth noting that to prevent leakage between the high-pressure outlet side and the low-pressure inlet side of the hydraulic pump, a tight fit between your gears is achieved, supplemented by the use of internal pump gaskets and seals.
3 Common Types of Tandem Gear Pumps and How They Work
External-External Gear Pump
The drive gear and driven gear of your external-external gear pump are both located outside the pump housing. The operating principle involves the two gears rotating in opposite directions externally within the pump housing. This creates fluid flow between your gear teeth and your pump housing, thereby accomplishing the pumping action for you.
External-Internal Gear Pump
In your external-internal gear pump, one of your gears is positioned outside the pump housing while the other is located inside. Its operating principle involves the meshing of the internal and external gears, with fluid flowing between the gear teeth and the pump housing. This fluid enters the hydraulic system, driving hydraulic machinery to accomplish production tasks for you.
Internal-Internal Gear Pump
Both gears of your internal-internal gear pump are located inside the pump housing. This is the exact opposite of the gear configuration in an external-external gear pump. The working principle involves the gears rotating in opposite directions, generating fluid movement within your pump.
Conclusion
The operating characteristics of tandem gear pumps are straightforward and reliable. They also offer a wide range of functionalities. For instance, each gear within a tandem gear pump can operate independently, providing different flow rates to meet the specific demands of various machinery. If you require further information about tandem gear pumps, please feel free to consult Target Hydraulics! We’re always here to solve problems for you.
FAQ
What are the advantages of working with tandem gear pumps?
If you have tandem gear pumps in your hydraulic system, they will surely be dependable. The pumps are extremely durable and long-lasting. They do not damage as much because they are flexible.
These kinds of pumps also deliver high efficiency and offer you a constant hydraulic oil flow regardless of pressure changes.
The pump is surprisingly small. Despite their small size, they generate significant hydraulic power. This feature makes them perfect for tight-space applications. Multiple gear pumps can combine several pump units into a single assembly, eliminating the space constraints of multiple independent pumps. This saves your hydraulic system space and design.
Tandem gear pumps are also an economical standard option. They can reduce system complexity. As a result, the pumps require less maintenance.
Versatility is another key advantage of tandem gear pumps. When different system components require varying pressures and flow rates, the tandem gear pump can deliver the required fluid to each.
What are the maintenance precautions for tandem gear pumps?
When using tandem gear pumps, you must regularly inspect them for wear. Check your tandem gear pump every few weeks for abnormal noise or vibration.
We also recommend that you operate within specified pressure readings and temperatures. Strict adherence to design standards can extend your pump’s service life. Proper oil temperature and viscosity are critical. Cold oil has poor flowability, which affects the overall efficiency of your hydraulic system. Overheated oil loses its lubricating properties, potentially damaging your tandem gear pump and even internal components of your hydraulic system.
How to use the tandem gear pump safely?
When operating your tandem gear pump, the maximum rated pressure must not exceed 210 BAR. Staying within this limit protects your entire hydraulic system from potential hazards.
You must install appropriate hydraulic relief valves in every section of your system. Relief valves safeguard your equipment and maintain optimal oil viscosity and temperature, ensuring more stable and reliable performance.
Avoid overloading when using tandem gear pumps. This minimizes unnecessary pressure, preventing premature pump aging and mechanical failures.
