Hey there! I’m a supplier of rotary gear pumps. Dealing with these pumps day in and day out, I’ve come across many customers worried about controlling the pressure of rotary gear pumps. Well, fear not! I’m here to share some tips and tricks that I’ve gathered over the years in the industry. Rotary Gear Pumps

First off, let’s understand what a rotary gear pump is. It’s a type of positive displacement pump, which means it moves a fixed amount of fluid with each revolution. It consists of two gears – a driving gear and a driven gear – that mesh together. As the gears rotate, they create a vacuum at the inlet, drawing fluid in. The fluid then gets trapped between the teeth of the gears and the pump casing and is carried to the outlet.
Now, why is pressure control so important? Well, if the pressure in a rotary gear pump is too high, it can cause a whole bunch of problems. For starters, it can lead to excessive wear and tear on the pump components. The gears, bearings, and seals have to work harder under high pressure, which can reduce their lifespan. Also, high pressure can cause leaks in the pump, which can be a real mess and lead to fluid loss. On the other hand, if the pressure is too low, the pump may not be able to deliver the fluid where it needs to go, or it may deliver it at an insufficient rate.
So, how can we control the pressure of a rotary gear pump?
1. Use a Pressure Relief Valve
One of the most common ways to control the pressure in a rotary gear pump is by using a pressure relief valve. This valve is basically a safety device that opens when the pressure in the pump exceeds a certain set point. When the valve opens, it allows some of the fluid to bypass back to the inlet or a low – pressure area.
Let’s say you’ve got a pump that’s supposed to operate at a maximum pressure of 100 psi. You can set the pressure relief valve to open at 105 psi. If the pressure in the pump starts to climb above 100 psi and reaches 105 psi, the valve will open, and some of the fluid will be diverted. This helps to keep the pressure in the pump within a safe range.
There are different types of pressure relief valves available, such as direct – acting and pilot – operated valves. Direct – acting valves are simple and cheap, but they’re not as accurate as pilot – operated valves. Pilot – operated valves are more precise but are also more expensive and complex. You need to choose the right type of valve based on your specific requirements and budget.
2. Adjust the Speed of the Pump
The speed at which the pump rotates also affects the pressure. In general, the higher the speed of the pump, the higher the pressure. You can control the pressure by adjusting the speed of the motor that drives the pump.
If you’re using an electric motor, you can use a variable frequency drive (VFD) to control the speed. A VFD allows you to change the frequency of the electrical power supplied to the motor, which in turn changes the speed of the motor. For example, if you notice that the pressure in the pump is too high, you can reduce the frequency of the VFD, which will slow down the motor and lower the pressure.
However, there are some limitations to this method. If you reduce the speed too much, the pump may not be able to deliver the required flow rate. So, you need to find the right balance between speed, pressure, and flow rate.
3. Modify the System Resistance
The resistance in the system that the pump is working in also has a big impact on the pump pressure. If the resistance is high, the pressure in the pump will be high, and if the resistance is low, the pressure will be low.
You can modify the system resistance by changing the size of the pipes, the number of valves, or the type of filters in the system. For instance, if you replace a small – diameter pipe with a larger – diameter pipe, the resistance in the system will decrease, and the pressure in the pump will also go down. Similarly, if you remove a valve or a filter that’s causing too much resistance, the pressure will be reduced.
But you’ve got to be careful when making these changes. Altering the system resistance can also affect the flow rate. So, make sure you test the system after any modification to ensure that it still meets your requirements.
4. Check and Maintain the Pump Regularly
Proper maintenance is crucial for controlling the pressure of a rotary gear pump. Over time, the gears in the pump can wear down, and the seals can develop leaks. These issues can cause the pressure to fluctuate or become unstable.
You should check the pump regularly for signs of wear and tear. Inspect the gears for any signs of damage, such as chips or excessive wear. Check the seals for leaks and replace them if necessary. Also, make sure the bearings are well – lubricated and in good condition.
Regular maintenance not only helps to control the pressure but also extends the lifespan of the pump. It’s a lot cheaper to do regular maintenance than to replace a pump that’s failed due to neglect.
5. Select the Right Pump for the Application
Last but not least, choosing the right pump for your application is extremely important. Different applications have different requirements in terms of pressure, flow rate, and the type of fluid being pumped.
If you choose a pump that’s too small for the application, it may not be able to generate the required pressure. On the other hand, if you choose a pump that’s too large, it may operate at a lower efficiency and cause unnecessary wear and tear.
When selecting a pump, consider factors such as the maximum pressure required, the flow rate needed, the viscosity of the fluid, and the temperature of the fluid. Make sure the pump you choose can handle these conditions.
In conclusion, controlling the pressure of a rotary gear pump is essential for its proper operation and longevity. By using a pressure relief valve, adjusting the pump speed, modifying the system resistance, maintaining the pump regularly, and selecting the right pump for the application, you can keep the pressure under control.

If you’re in the market for a rotary gear pump or need more advice on pressure control, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ve got a great range of pumps and the expertise to help you find the perfect solution for your needs. Contact us to start a purchase negotiation.
Metal Fittings References
- "Pump Handbook" by Karassik, I. J., Messina, J. P., Cooper, P. W., & Heald, C. C.
- "Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps: Fundamentals with Applications" by Stepanoff, A. J.
Ocean Pump Co., Ltd.
Ocean Pump Co., Ltd. is one of the leading rotary gear pumps manufacturers and suppliers in China. We warmly welcome you to wholesale high-grade rotary gear pumps made in China here from our factory. All our products are with high quality and competitive price.
Address: No. 33-1, Gangrong Road, Yongxing Street, Longwan District, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
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