A principal função de uma bomba hidráulica é movimentar volumes de fluido de forma contínua ou descontínua a depender das necessidades da operação. Através de um processo de energia mecânica a bomba pode operar de duas maneiras distintas:
- Através de energia cinética para fazer com que o fluído adquira velocidade;
- Através de energia de pressão para elevar o fluido a uma determinada altura ou para superar diferenças de pressão dentro das tubulações.
In this sense, hydraulic pumps can be chosen according to the type of operation, conditions of use and the type of fluid that can be used. The pressure to be implemented, system characteristics and fluid temperature can also influence the operation and the type of pump that can be used.
Hydraulic pumps are classified according to three specific categories:
- Volumetric pumps: this category includes diaphragm pumps or piston, rotary pumps, capsule pumps, eccentric screw pump, deformable vane pumps and elliptical rotor pumps;
- Kinetic bomb, in this case we can include theturbine pumps, and centrifugal pumps;
- Special pumps: liquid piston pumps, peristaltic pumps, airlift pumps, Archimedes screw pumps, liquid assemblers and ejectors are classified as special pumps.
How were hydraulic pumps used in industry?
Hydraulic pumps were used by humanity in the 3rd century BC. Designed by Archimedes, the pump known as the Archimedes screw was developed to move large volumes of fluids at low heights. This type of pump is still used today in the water treatment sector.
At the same time, the Noria pump was developed, a piece of equipment capable of lifting fluids to higher heights, functioning in a similar way to a mill.
With the advancement of humanity, around the 1600s piston pumps could be developed. In this way, it was possible to raise fluids to greater depths, allowing the drainage of underground wells and mines.
With the passage of time and technological progress, we developed other great technologies that allowed the displacement of large volumes of fluid in increasingly adverse conditions, delivering greater productivity and efficiency in processes. In this way, with the help of internal combustion engines and electric motors, it was possible to develop increasingly efficient equipment.
Operation of hydraulic pumps
Regarding hydraulic pumps, we can separate them into three categories:
alternative pumps
Reciprocating pumps work with the rectilinear movement carried out by a piston. Diaphragm pumps and plunger pumps are part of this category and are very suitable for pumping at very high heights.
Centrifugal pumps
Centrifugal pumps are composed of a distributor, a diffuser and an impeller to exert pressure on the fluid to be pumped. The impeller is responsible for rotating at high speed and transmitting the fluid according to the movement carried out.
There are two types of impellers: radial flow impeller and open impeller. There is also the possibility of using a pump with multi-impellers, especially in cases where there is a need to pump fluids at high head.
The vertical axis pumps available on the market are recommended in cases where the operation has a small space available, as the motor of these pumps is positioned above the equipment.
Rotary pumps
Rotary pumps carry out rotary movement with the help of lobes or toothed wheels. Functioning similarly to a piston pump, this pump works by transferring energy and pressure onto the fluid.
These pumps have the capacity to self-priming and allow the industry to count on an almost constant flow, regardless of the pressure that is exerted. This type of pump is widely used to circulate lubricating oil in industrial equipment.
