How to adjust the displacement of a gear pump?

Sep 19, 2025Leave a message

As a reputable gear pump supplier, I understand the importance of adjusting the displacement of a gear pump to meet various industrial requirements. In this blog post, I will share some valuable insights on how to adjust the displacement of a gear pump effectively.

Understanding Gear Pump Displacement

Before delving into the adjustment process, it's crucial to understand what gear pump displacement means. Displacement refers to the volume of fluid that a gear pump can deliver per revolution or per unit of time. It is typically measured in cubic inches per revolution (in³/rev) or liters per minute (L/min). The displacement of a gear pump is determined by several factors, including the size and shape of the gears, the clearance between the gears and the pump housing, and the speed of the pump.

Explosion-proof Gear Oil PumpRubber Gear Pump

Factors Affecting Gear Pump Displacement

Several factors can affect the displacement of a gear pump. These include:

  • Gear Size and Shape: The size and shape of the gears play a significant role in determining the displacement of a gear pump. Larger gears generally have a higher displacement than smaller gears. Additionally, the shape of the gears can also affect the displacement. For example, helical gears tend to have a smoother flow and higher displacement than spur gears.
  • Clearance between Gears and Pump Housing: The clearance between the gears and the pump housing is another important factor that affects the displacement of a gear pump. If the clearance is too large, fluid can leak past the gears, resulting in a lower displacement. On the other hand, if the clearance is too small, the gears may bind, causing excessive wear and reduced efficiency.
  • Pump Speed: The speed of the pump also affects the displacement. Generally, the higher the pump speed, the higher the displacement. However, there is a limit to how fast a gear pump can operate. Operating the pump at speeds beyond its recommended range can cause excessive wear, noise, and vibration, and may even damage the pump.

Methods for Adjusting Gear Pump Displacement

There are several methods for adjusting the displacement of a gear pump. These include:

  • Changing the Gear Size: One of the most straightforward ways to adjust the displacement of a gear pump is to change the size of the gears. By using larger or smaller gears, you can increase or decrease the displacement of the pump. However, this method requires replacing the gears, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
  • Adjusting the Clearance between Gears and Pump Housing: Another method for adjusting the displacement of a gear pump is to adjust the clearance between the gears and the pump housing. This can be done by shimming or machining the pump housing or the gears. By reducing the clearance, you can increase the displacement of the pump. However, it's important to ensure that the clearance is not too small, as this can cause excessive wear and reduced efficiency.
  • Changing the Pump Speed: Changing the pump speed is another effective way to adjust the displacement of a gear pump. By increasing or decreasing the pump speed, you can increase or decrease the displacement of the pump. However, it's important to ensure that the pump speed is within the recommended range to avoid excessive wear, noise, and vibration.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Gear Pump Displacement

Here is a step-by-step guide to adjusting the displacement of a gear pump:

  1. Determine the Required Displacement: Before adjusting the displacement of the gear pump, you need to determine the required displacement. This can be done by considering the application requirements, such as the flow rate and pressure needed.
  2. Select the Appropriate Adjustment Method: Based on the required displacement and the design of the gear pump, select the appropriate adjustment method. This may involve changing the gear size, adjusting the clearance between the gears and the pump housing, or changing the pump speed.
  3. Prepare the Necessary Tools and Equipment: Once you have selected the adjustment method, prepare the necessary tools and equipment. This may include wrenches, shims, machining tools, or a speed controller.
  4. Make the Adjustments: Follow the instructions for the selected adjustment method to make the necessary adjustments. For example, if you are changing the gear size, remove the old gears and install the new gears. If you are adjusting the clearance between the gears and the pump housing, use shims or machining tools to make the necessary adjustments. If you are changing the pump speed, use a speed controller to adjust the speed.
  5. Test the Pump: After making the adjustments, test the pump to ensure that it is operating properly. Check the flow rate and pressure to ensure that they meet the required specifications. If necessary, make further adjustments until the pump is operating at the desired displacement.

Tips for Adjusting Gear Pump Displacement

Here are some tips for adjusting the displacement of a gear pump:

  • Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when adjusting the displacement of a gear pump. This will ensure that the adjustments are made correctly and safely.
  • Use High-Quality Parts: When replacing gears or making other adjustments, use high-quality parts. This will ensure that the pump operates efficiently and reliably.
  • Monitor the Pump Performance: After making the adjustments, monitor the pump performance regularly. This will help you detect any issues early and take corrective action before they cause significant damage.
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed: If you are unsure how to adjust the displacement of a gear pump or if you encounter any problems during the adjustment process, seek professional help. A qualified technician can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure that the adjustments are made correctly.

Conclusion

Adjusting the displacement of a gear pump is an important process that can help you meet the specific requirements of your application. By understanding the factors that affect gear pump displacement and using the appropriate adjustment methods, you can ensure that your gear pump operates efficiently and reliably. As a gear pump supplier, we offer a wide range of Explosion-proof Gear Oil Pump, Rubber Gear Pump, and Coal Tar Residuum Gear Pump to meet your needs. If you have any questions or need assistance with adjusting the displacement of a gear pump, please feel free to contact us. We are here to help you find the best solution for your application.

References

  • Pump Handbook, 4th Edition, by Igor J. Karassik, Joseph P. Messina, Paul Cooper, and Charles C. Heald
  • Centrifugal Pumps: Design and Application, 2nd Edition, by Heinz P. Bloch and Fred K. Geitner