Internal leakages in a water hydraulic pump with gears from plastic

Abstract

Plastics are used more and more in hydraulic systems. The chemical properties of the plastics favour the use of working fluids alternative to mineral oil, e.g. water. The conditions in the manufacturing process, e.g. injection moulding, limit the achievement of high working pressures in the hydraulic elements. Internal leakage reduces the efficiency of the hydraulic pump with plastic gears. The article presents the results of internal leakage tests of a water-supplied hydraulic pump. Gears made of various materials (PPS+GF40 and PEEK) have been used in the research, made by two methods: injection moulding and machining. A simplified mathematical model of the dependence of leakages on pressure and rotational speed has been developed. The influence of the materials and manufacturing methods used on the pump operation is discussed.