The vane pump is better known as the vane pump, since its working bodies have the form of flat or figured plates - gates. In 1899, a US scientist Robert Blackmer developed the design of a rotary pump with gates. It was this device that was the prototype of modern retractable vane pumps with a shifted center of rotation.
In the USSR, such a pump was patented by a group of scientists from the Tatar GNIIPI Petroleum Industry in 1974. And in May 2016, Russian inventor Boris Grigoriev filed a patent in 29 countries for an improved design of the internal element of a vane pump. In the new device, the Russian engineer managed to increase the volumetric, hydraulic and mechanical efficiency of the vane pump.
Vane pump device
The basis of the simple and unique design of the vane pump is a rotor with grooves sawn in a circle at regular intervals. The plates inserted into them are equipped with a retractable spring. The rotor is installed in the stator (housing, sleeve, cup) having two openings: inlet and outlet. Some designs have two such openings through which liquid is supplied to and discharged from the pump.
Principle of operation of a vane pump
Increased outlet pressure is created by the “vortex effect”. That is, the displacement of the axis of rotation of the rotor relative to the axis of the housing allows the plates to be advanced in place of a larger clearance and pressed against the stator by centrifugal force.
When the pump starts, a vacuum is generated in the suction port. The transported mass is sucked into the space between the plates and pushed through the outlet pipe.
Pumps with a variable displacement axis are used to adjust the volume of the pumped liquid.
Benefits
- Relative to screw or gear pumps, plate efficiency is much higher.
- The most simplified design is strong and durable. The robustness of the mechanism minimizes the likelihood of malfunctions.
- Vane pumps allow the transfer of abrasive and crystallizing liquids: with soft inclusions up to 1 cm, with solid no more than 500 microns.
- Easy plate replacement in case of breakage. The repair of a vane pump does not require the involvement of professional repairmen, which significantly saves money.
- The casing (sleeve, cup) of the pump and plates (blades) are selected for the pumped substance.
- To create a vacuum, a “dry” start is possible.
- Some models provide a reverse mode, which significantly expands the scope of application of vane pumps and makes it possible for the production to be multidisciplinary.
- The almost silent operation of compact equipment does not cause inconvenience to employees. Vibration of vane pumps relative to other devices is approximately 50% lower.
- Economical energy consumption reduces material maintenance costs by about 20-30%. As a result, the cost of transported products is reduced.
- It can be used as a dispenser.
- The arrangement of vane pumps allows the manufacture of working parts from different materials to obtain a certain resistance to chemicals, eliminating spark formation, increasing wear resistance, applications in the food industry and so on.
Long-term use of the vane pump on dry running is not recommended. The electric heating function, a special heat-exchange jacket, and Teflon o-rings increase the productivity of the device.
Application
Slide type pumps are actively used in large and small production, involving the transportation of products with a liquid or viscous texture. The popularity of these devices is due to the ability to fully preserve the working mass: the plate mechanism eliminates the occurrence of losses. The use of slide type pumps significantly increases the volume of production or processing of suspensions and viscous masses, while being the safest process for staff.
The self-priming effect of vane pumps has found wide application in the chemical, pharmaceutical and oil refining industries, in cosmetology and food production.
Use of slide pump systems
Vane pumps are used for pumping various products:
- Crude oil, bitumen, fuel oil, paraffin, oil sludge, greases and mineral oils.
- Glue, varnishes, putties, paints, latex emulsions, epoxies and mastics.
- Acids, solvents, black alkali, water glass, creosote, caustic soda, caustic soda.
- Grease, glycerin, emulsifiers, liquid soap, ink.
- Honey, mayonnaise, molasses, chocolate, condensed milk, vegetable oil, ketchup, syrups.
And many other liquid and viscous masses.
In the automotive industry, these pumps are used for power steering, boost, in the air supply system for afterburning exhaust gases, in the brake booster of large trucks and in an automatic transmission. In diesel cars, the engine intake vacuum is created by a vane pump.
In household appliances, such a device saturates carbonation with carbon dioxide and is used in coffee machines.
In most light aircraft, gyroscopic devices are driven by this type of pump.
Fire vane pump device
To increase the technical and operational characteristics of centrifugal pumps, vane pumps are installed in the vacuum systems of fire engines. Their autonomous work does not interfere with the design of the exhaust system of the car and can have both manual and electric drives. Devices made of materials resistant to corrosion work more reliably. Since water cannot enter into the cavity during the working process, gates can seize up due to the accumulation of rust in the rotor grooves. It is also necessary to carefully monitor the oil lubrication of the rubbing elements, since the used oil is gradually thrown out during operation, mixing with water.
The vacuum plate unit creates the necessary vacuum when filling with water in the suction hoses and the cavity of the fire pump, creating a pressure of 16-18 MPa.
Hand pump
Manual vane pumps are used to pump small volumes of fluid from one tank to another. Most often, manual devices are used to provide drinking or industrial water in country houses. A hand pump helps to pump water from a well or reservoir using mechanical force for various reasons:
- In the absence of wiring to the place of water intake, and, therefore, there is no way to use an electric pump.
- A small amount of water is needed and fickle.
The advantages of hand pumps include their long service life, low cost, independence from the availability of electricity, simple installation and maintenance, and the possibility of application anywhere. However, their use does not provide a constant supply of water and requires physical effort.
Design and use of hand pumps
Rotary vane pumps are a low-power design consisting of a long pipe with a rotary vane pump mounted on it. Water or other liquid is absorbed from the source (barrel, tank or well) by rotating the handle of the pump and transmitted to the consumer through a tap. The mobile vane pump is easy to install and transfer to a new location. Only a hose is required to use it.
The manual vane pump can also be used for pumping various liquids from barrels, for example, motor and transmission oils, diesel fuel and others, to refuel equipment or pour oil into cans.
How to choose a hand pump?
When choosing a manual pump, it should be understood that such a device is capable of pumping about 30-40 liters of liquid per minute. It is indispensable in remote places in the absence of the ability to use automatic pumps. The vane pump is useful for periodic watering of vegetable beds in the country. But it is not suitable for long-term use, for example, when lifting a large amount of water from a deep well. When purchasing a manual pump, you should pay attention to its appearance: there should be no chips cracks, low-quality seams on the body. The more expensive pump from time-tested cast iron will last longer. Stainless steel and plastic models are popular. Valves made of rubber will wear out faster. A brass or bronze will last longer at times. Piston rings can also be cast iron or made of leather and rubber, which affects the life of the pump and its price.
Thus, the choice of a hand pump is based, first of all, on the estimated volume of water or pumped liquid consumption and the appropriateness of its use. And also on its other characteristics.