The pump head is primarily circular but features a flat section where the vanes move in and out of the main rotor as they rotate within the casing. When the pump operates, centrifugal force pushes the vanes outward, ensuring they stay tight against the casing and self-compensate for wear.

As the vanes reach the pump outlet, the casing becomes flatter and tighter against the rotor, causing the vanes to retract into the rotor and expel fluid through the outlet.

Vane Pump Animation  

Vane Pump Working Principle

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Vane pumps are reversible, making them ideal for tank stripping and unloading. They can also be operated in reverse to fill tanks or load vehicles since they function in both directions. Stainless steel rotary vane pump heads are commonly used for viscous, lubricating fluids like oils, petroleum products, diesel, animal oils/blood, and fuel oil. They can also handle non-lubricating fluids like solvents because there is no metal-to-metal contact. Vane pumps self-compensate for wear, maintaining peak performance without a loss in flow rate.

Advantages:

– Can handle viscous fluids up to 10,000 cSt.

– ATEX-rated for handling flammable liquids.

– Reversible, allowing for tank loading and unloading, and full product recovery from hoses.

– Flow rate remains largely unaffected by changes in back pressure or pressure losses.

– Vane tips extend as they wear, maintaining efficiency, unlike other pump types.

– Multiple sealing options, including single and double mechanical seals and gland packing, make them suitable for a wide range of liquids.

Disadvantages:

– Requires a gearbox, which can make the pump larger, heavier, and less efficient due to mechanical losses. Belt-driven designs can eliminate the gearbox.

– Cannot handle solids or abrasives.

– Limited viscosity handling compared to other positive displacement pumps, with a maximum of 10,000 cSt.

 Vane Pumps vs. Gear Pumps, Liquid Ring Pumps, and Centrifugal Pumps

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Vane Pumps:

– More efficient than gear, liquid ring, and centrifugal pumps.

– Better suited for higher viscosities and fluids above 200 cSt.

– Do not have metal-to-metal contact, allowing them to prime from dry, strip containers, and handle non-lubricating liquids.

– Maintain flow even as viscosity increases, unlike centrifugal pumps, which experience a drop in flow when operating outside their design point.

– Self-priming by design, with lower NPSH requirements.

– Compensate for wear, resulting in lower vibrations.

Gear Pumps:

– More precise for dosing or metering.

– May have bearings or bushings in contact with fluid, causing lubrication issues with low lubricating fluids.

– Can have timing gears, which increase cost and complicate maintenance.

– Can handle viscosities up to 55,000 cSt, higher than vane pumps.

Centrifugal Pumps:

– Impeller design can be modified to handle solids or abrasives, unlike vane pumps.

Liquid Ring Pumps:

– Have fewer sealing options compared to vane pumps.

 Symbols and Representation

Various symbols can represent vane pumps in process and instrumentation drawings. Learn more about these symbols.

Can this Automotive Lift Repair Florida pump run dry?  

No, vane pumps should not run dry as this can cause damage. The vanes require lubrication from the pumped fluid, such as fuel or oil, and dry running will result in fast, irreversible damage. The mechanical seal also needs lubrication and cooling, and without fluid, it will overheat and crack, leading to leaks and possible motor damage. To prevent dry running, ensure the pump always has access to fluid. Consider installing level sensors or a float switch to turn off the pump if fluid levels drop, or use a dry running device. If dry running is likely, consult with us to find a more suitable pump for your application.

Selecting the right positive displacement pump can be a challenging task. A rotary vane pump might be the ideal option depending on the specific application, the type of media, and environmental factors. But what exactly are rotary vane pumps, and how do they work? Dive into the article below to explore the details of rotary vane pumps.

 What is a Rotary Vane Pump?

A Automotive Lift Repair Florida rotary vane, or sliding vane pump, is a type of positive displacement pump that operates on the principles of rotary positive displacement. It features an eccentrically mounted rotor with sliding vanes that extend to trap liquid in a crescent-shaped pump cavity, forming liquid chambers. These vanes maintain a close seal against the inner cylindrical housing wall, ensuring the fluid moves forward while preventing it from leaking in the opposite direction. The vanes carry the fluid through the system until it is expelled through the pump’s discharge. Rotary vane pumps are particularly effective for transporting low to medium viscosity liquids at low pressures. The components are typically made from ductile iron or stainless steel, chosen for their wear resistance and compatibility with the fluid.

 How Does a Rotary Vane Pump Work?

A Automotive Lift Repair Florida rotary vane pump consists of a rotor that is mounted eccentrically within a cylindrical housing. The rotor is positioned close to the top of the cylinder, creating a crescent-shaped cavity inside the housing. As the rotor rotates, the sliding vanes move in and out primarily due to centrifugal force. The vanes maintain contact with the Automotive Lift Repair Florida cylinder’s interior wall, aided by centrifugal force, push rods between opposing pairs of vanes, and liquid pressure entering through vane grooves. During operation, the volume of liquid between adjacent vanes changes due to the rotor’s eccentric positioning. The inlet side creates suction, drawing in fluid, while the sliding vanes extend to form liquid chambers. The fluid is compressed, the vanes retract into their slots, and the fluid is discharged when it reaches the outlet. The vanes are often made from carbon graphite to minimize wear when handling less lubricative fluids. Some rotary vane pumps use a thin film of oil on the inner cylindrical walls, acting as a lubricant and sealant, which helps trap the liquid between the blades as the rotor rotates.

Automotive Lift Repair Florida Rotary vane pumps offer several advantages. They excel at self-priming and often have extended dry run capabilities, eliminating the need for costly priming and monitoring systems. These pumps are typically low maintenance and cost-effective. While the vanes may wear out faster than other components, they are easily replaceable, minimizing downtime and reducing costs.