The vane pump, also known as the vane pump, scraper pump or plate pump, is a type of positive displacement pump that relies on centrifugal force or spring force to make the vanes tightly adhere to the inner wall of the stator, and achieves liquid transportation through the periodic change of the volume of the sealed chamber. The following is a detailed introduction from five aspects: structure, working principle, performance characteristics, application fields and technical parameters:
I. Structural Composition
The vane pump is mainly composed of the following components:
Pump body: Provides a sealed space to accommodate the rotor, stator and vanes.
Rotor: Cylindrical structure, with radial vane grooves on the surface, and vanes are installed in the grooves. The rotor is eccentrically installed in the pump body and is driven to rotate by the drive shaft.
Stator: The inner surface is a compound curve (such as involute or arc), forming a crescent-shaped sealed chamber with the rotor.
The slider: It can freely slide in the slider groove and, relying on centrifugal force or spring force, closely adhere to the inner wall of the stator, dividing the sealed chamber into multiple sector-shaped areas.
Pump cover: It encloses the pump body, protects the internal components, and is equipped with inlet and outlet channels.
Ii. Working Principle
The working process of a vane pump is divided into two stages: liquid suction and liquid discharge
Liquid aspiration stage
When the rotor rotates, the vanes are closely attached to the inner wall of the stator under the action of centrifugal force, and adjacent vanes form sealed chambers with the stator, rotor and inter-stage partitions.
The volume of the chamber at the inlet gradually increases, creating a local vacuum. Under the action of atmospheric pressure, the liquid is drawn into the chamber.
Drainage stage
The rotor continues to rotate, the volume of the chamber gradually decreases, and the liquid is compressed and discharged from the outlet.
The oil suction chamber and the oil pressure chamber are isolated by an oil seal block to ensure the unidirectional flow of the liquid.
Variable control: By adjusting the eccentricity between the stator and rotor, the single-cycle displacement can be changed to achieve flow regulation.
Iii. Performance Characteristics
Strong self-priming ability: No need to pre-fill the pump, it can be directly started and draw liquid, suitable for scenarios such as unloading oil tankers and drawing liquid from underground tanks.
High efficiency and stability: The sliding vanes, under the combined action of centrifugal force, mechanical thrust and hydraulic pressure, move closely along the stator curve, reducing leakage and improving efficiency.
Low-noise operation: The vane structure design ensures smooth operation of the pump with low vibration and noise.
Easy maintenance: The sliding vanes can be quickly replaced after wear without complex disassembly and assembly, and daily inspection is easy.
Safety protection: Built-in safety relief valve to prevent excessive outlet pressure and ensure the safety of the pump and the system.
Iv. Application Fields
Vane pumps are widely used in the following industries:
Petrochemical industry: Transporting flammable, explosive and volatile liquids such as gasoline, diesel, lubricating oil and aviation fuel.
Chemical industry: Transporting corrosive liquids such as acids, alkalis and solvents.
Pharmaceutical industry: Transporting medicinal liquids, vaccines, etc.
Food and Beverages: Conveying liquid foods such as jam, fruit juice, and milk.
Environmental protection field: Sludge transportation in sewage treatment plants, sewage lifting.
Agricultural irrigation: Enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Aquaculture: oxygenation, drainage and water replacement of fish ponds.
Oil tankers and ships: refueling and unloading tasks.
V. Technical Parameters
The technical parameters of vane pumps vary by model and design. The common ranges are as follows:
Flow rate: 0 to several hundred cubic meters per hour (m³/h), and the theoretical flow rate of some models can reach 400 m³/h.
Pressure: The working pressure is usually 0.2 to 20 MPa, and some models can reach even higher pressure.
Rotational speed: 500 to 1500 RPM. Special designs can reach 3000 RPM or even 3300 RPM.
Temperature: The general working temperature does not exceed 80℃. For specific designs (such as KYB vane pumps), it can reach up to 100℃.
Viscosity: Suitable for low to medium viscosity liquids, the liquid should be free of solid particles and non-corrosive.
Material: Cast iron, stainless steel, etc. are commonly used for the pump body and internal components, which affect durability and the types of applicable media.
Power: Related to motors or other drive devices, usually measured in kilowatts (kW).