Glossary · Pneumatics and hydraulics
Hydraulic pump
Also known as: Hydraulic pump unit
German: Hydraulikpumpe
In hydraulics, a hydraulic pump is a positive-displacement machine, such as a gear, vane or piston pump, that converts mechanical energy from a motor into hydraulic energy by delivering fluid flow against the system pressure.
- Fluid power
In one sentence
A hydraulic pump is a positive-displacement machine that converts motor power into fluid flow against system pressure.
Example
A variable-displacement axial piston pump adjusts its delivery to the demand of the press, reducing energy use at idle.
How it applies
- Engineering: Pumps are fixed or variable displacement. A pump produces flow; pressure results from the load and is limited by the Pressure-relief valve.
- Commissioning: Pumps are filled before first start, direction of rotation is checked and the system is bled.
- Maintenance: Noise, temperature and flow loss indicate wear or cavitation. Condition monitoring helps plan replacement.
- Documentation: Include start-up steps (filling, rotation check, bleeding) and warn against running the pump dry. List noise and hot surfaces as hazards and describe shutdown and depressurization before maintenance.
Hydraulic pump vs. hydraulic motor
A pump converts mechanical into hydraulic energy. A hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy back into rotary mechanical energy.
Pump noise that changes suddenly is often the first sign of a problem; the troubleshooting table should link it to the checks for fluid level, suction filter and fluid temperature.