Choosing the right hydraulic pump for a project can be a daunting task. You need to consider many factors, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of them at once. This article gives you some of the most important considerations to consider when looking for the right boschrexroth hydraulic pump or other hydraulic pumps. With these tips, you’ll have no problem finding the right pump for your needs.
1. Height
Two major factors will determine the height of a hydraulic pump. The first is how high up from the ground it needs to be, and the second is how much space you have in your engine compartment for installation.
If there’s not enough space between where your lift points are on both sides, you may need an overhead mounted pump instead to avoid damaging anything while driving around it.
2. Flow Rate
The flow rate is the volume of fluid per unit of time that your hydraulic pump can provide. The maximum allowable pressure at which a hydraulic system will operate, expressed in pounds per square inch (psi), multiplied by the volumetric flow rate, also measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm) or gallons per minute (gpm).
For example, if you have an application with up to 100 psi operating pressure and require 15 gpm of oil flow, you need a pump capable of producing 52 feet/min. This means that if your equipment has 210 psig max working pressure and requires 60 gpm of oil flow, it would need a pump rated for 106 ft./min., assuming there are no other constraints such as head, pipe size, etc.
The flow rate you need for your pump depends on the requirements of your hydraulic system and its maximum pressure rating (operating psi).
3. Pressure Rating
The pressure rating of the pump is important to know when choosing the right hydraulic pump for your application. The pressure can be measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), bars, or kilopascals (kPa). For example, an electric motor might operate at a range from 100-500 psi, while a jackhammer operates between 200 and 300 psi.
4. Power Source
Oil is a common power source for hydraulic pumps. It’s relatively inexpensive and can be used to pump water or air, depending on the type of pump you purchase. The downside to oil-based systems is that they require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly, especially if there are any leaks anywhere in the system.
There are also electric-powered hydraulic pumps available on the market today, which can reduce costs related to fuel consumption and reduce repair time since these models do not require routine servicing as their oil counterparts do.
These types of motors often have better performance than an equivalent size gas motor but will cost more upfront, making it important to calculate your ROI (return on investment) before committing financially.
5. Material Compatibility
Material compatibility should be a major factor in deciding which pump to choose. Consider the type of liquid you will be running through the system, as well as any abrasive materials that may come into contact with it.
The best choice for clean water and air is hydraulics oil or silicon-based fluid, which offers excellent corrosion protection against metal surfaces (including cast iron).
For high viscosity fluids like tar, emulsions, and suspensions, professionals often use polysulfide sealer because it can withstand temperatures up to 175 degrees Fahrenheit without breaking down.
The Bottom Line
Hydraulic pumps are a critical part of maintaining your hydraulic system, and it is important to select the right one for your needs. These tips will help you make the best decision.