The hydraulic pump typically bears the brunt of work within a hydraulic system. Over time, wear and tear lead to increased internal leakage, diminishing the percentage of output flow available for productive tasks, known as volumetric efficiency. When volumetric efficiency drops below an acceptable level for its intended use, replacing the pump becomes necessary, especially in a condition-based maintenance setup where the decision to swap the pump hinges on either remaining bearing life or the decline in volumetric efficiency, whichever occurs first.
In simpler terms, volumetric efficiency denotes the portion of a hydraulic pump’s theoretical flow that can be effectively utilized. It gauges the losses in volume due to internal leakage and fluid compression. This efficiency is calculated by dividing the actual output flow of the Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida pump, measured in liters or gallons per minute, by its theoretical output, expressed as a percentage. The actual output flow is determined by loading the pump using a flow-meter and measuring its flow rate.
Given that internal leakage escalates with rising operating pressure and diminishing fluid viscosity, it’s imperative to specify these factors when discussing volumetric efficiency. For instance, if a Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic pump theoretically outputs 100 L/min but actually delivers 94 L/min at 350 bar and 40 centistokes, its volumetric efficiency at those conditions is 94%. In practical scenarios, fluid viscosity is determined by noting the oil temperature during the measurement of actual pump output flow and referencing the temperature/viscosity graph for the oil grade in use.
When evaluating the volumetric efficiency of a variable displacement pump, it’s crucial to maintain internal leakage as a constant. This is best exemplified through an example: Suppose a large Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida variable displacement pump was deemed to have 80% volumetric efficiency based on one assessment, but upon closer examination, it was found to have 92% efficiency. This discrepancy arose from misinterpretation of test results, where the technician conducted the test at reduced displacement, leading to an inaccurate calculation of volumetric efficiency.
Understanding that the various leakage paths within a hydraulic pump act akin to fixed orifices is key. The flow rate through these orifices remains constant if the diameter, pressure drop across them, and fluid viscosity remain unchanged, regardless of the pump’s displacement. Thus, adjustments must be made when calculating volumetric efficiency if the actual Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida pump output is measured at less than full displacement or maximum RPM.
In a condition-based maintenance setting, the decision to replace a hydraulic pump or motor typically hinges on either the remaining lifespan of its bearings or the declining efficiency, whichever occurs first.
Despite advancements in Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida predictive maintenance technologies, accurately determining the remaining lifespan of a pump or motor’s bearings remains challenging for maintenance professionals.
However, detecting decreasing efficiency is relatively straightforward, as it often manifests in increased cycle times, resulting in machine slowdowns. In such cases, quantifying the efficiency loss may not be imperative, as a significant slowdown prompts immediate replacement of the pump or motor.
Yet, there are scenarios where quantifying the actual efficiency of the pump or motor and comparing it to its inherent efficiency is beneficial, if not necessary. Understanding hydraulic pump and motor efficiency ratings is pivotal for this purpose.
Efficiency in Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic pumps (and motors) is categorized into three types: volumetric efficiency, mechanical/hydraulic efficiency, and overall efficiency.
Volumetric efficiency is ascertained by dividing the actual flow delivered by a pump at a given pressure by its theoretical flow. Actual flow is measured using a flow meter. For instance, if a pump with a displacement of 100 cc/rev and driven at 1000 RPM delivers an actual flow of 90 liters/minute at 207 bar, its volumetric efficiency at 207 bar is 90%.
Mechanical/hydraulic efficiency is determined by dividing the theoretical torque required to drive the pump by the actual torque required. It indicates the efficiency in converting input torque to output torque. Overall efficiency is the product of volumetric and mechanical/hydraulic efficiency.
Overall efficiency is utilized in calculating the drive power needed by a pump at a specified flow and pressure. For instance, considering the overall efficiencies from a provided table, the required drive power for an external gear pump and a bent axis piston pump at a flow of 90 liters/minute at 207 bar can be calculated.
One thing that really bothers me is Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic power units where the pump is tasked with ‘pulling’ the oil into its intake. Essentially, this means mounting the pump above the tank, or more precisely, above the minimum oil level. It’s akin to a suction strainer, another artificially created barrier that impedes the pump’s chambers from filling freely and completely.
Most manufacturers claim that mounting the pump above the minimum oil level is an ‘approved’ position for most pump designs. ‘Approved’ here means the manufacturer has given the green light to this setup. However, just because it’s ‘approved’ doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ideal for maximizing the pump’s lifespan. In fact, requiring the pump to draw its oil upward does quite the opposite. This is especially problematic for piston and vane pumps, as their design is not well-suited to handle vacuum-induced forces.
Moreover, pump inlet conditions have repercussions on noise levels and heat generation. When mineral hydraulic oil is at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, it typically contains between 6 and 12 percent dissolved air by volume. If the oil’s pressure drops below atmospheric pressure – either due to a restriction in the pump intake or the need for it to lift oil – this air expands, occupying a higher percentage of the volume.
As these gas bubbles expand at the pump inlet, they collapse when the pumping chamber is exposed to system pressure, resulting in gaseous cavitation. This collapse generates heat and noise. The larger the air bubble, the greater the noise and heat produced. If the pressure at the pump intake continues to decrease (creating a higher vacuum), the oil may transition from a liquid to a gas state, a phenomenon known as vaporous cavitation.