It is common practice to employ the axial piston pump in specialized machines. Generally speaking, it is utilized in situations where high operating pressures and changeable parameters are anticipated. The utilization of digital control choices, which are often employed, contributes to its adaptability and efficiency.
On the other hand, because of its adaptability, it needs to be chosen and configured with great precision. When it comes to choosing a hydraulic pump, the hydraulic specialists at the Lippold Group will walk you through the considerations that you need to give careful attention to.
Types of axial piston pump
- Bent axis pump
- Swash plate pump
The bent axis pump explained
When mechanical energy is converted into hydraulic energy, the bent axis pump is the device that is utilized. It is also possible to use it as an axial piston motor in order to acquire the reverse energy conversion, which is an interesting addition.
Within this particular embodiment of the axial piston pump, there are a number of cylinder bores that are placed in a circular pattern. Ball bearings are used to connect the piston that is housed in each bore to the sliding disk that is located in the bore. The name “bent axis pump” originates from the fact that the axis of the housing is positioned at a flexible angle, which is often oblique, in relation to the sliding disk.
At various depths, the pistons are forced into the housing of the axial piston pump as soon as the pump begins to revolve. A suction force is produced by the pistons on the side of the outlet, while a pressure is produced on the side of the entrance due to the pistons.
In the case where the angle is zero, the volume flow is regulated by the flexible angle of the pump, which is zero. The greater the angle, the greater the volume of deliveries that are made. One of the most significant benefits is that the drive can be rotated over the zero point, which would allow the volume flow to be rotated in the direction that it is flowing.
Different types of bent axis pump
In order to meet the requirements of a variety of applications, bent axis pumps come in a variety of designs.
Construction type with cardan shaft
The cylinder drum is connected to the cardan joints through a cardan shaft, allowing torque to be transmitted even if the shaft is bent.
Construction type with bevel gear drive
Through the utilization of bevel gears, the cylinder drum is brought into synchronization with the drive shaft.
Function of a swash plate pump
Similar to the axial bent axis pump, the swash plate pump operates in a manner that is fundamentally comparable. The primary distinction lies in the fact that the driving shaft and the cylinder housing are not able to be adjusted in relation to one another but rather are attached to one another. A maximum angle of 18 degrees can be achieved by adjusting the swash plate, which is movable in this location.
It is the angle at which the cylinder block rotates that determines the suction forces and pressures that are generated by the cylinder block. The swivel angle is restricted due to kinematic considerations, which brings about a reduction in the amount of time required for adjustment.
Swash plate pumps are appropriate for constant high loads and are relatively inexpensive relative to other types of pumps. Because of their robustness, they are long-lasting.
What should you pay attention to when choosing your axial piston pump?
We would like to take this opportunity to familiarize you with the most significant parameters that require consideration when choosing a pump.
Viscosity of the hydraulic fluid
A hydraulic fluid’s density can be described using the term “viscosity.” The operation of your axial piston pump will be somewhat complicated as a result of this factor. Selecting the pump with the suitable viscosity is necessary in order to obtain the highest possible level of efficiency. There is a specification for the maximum kinematic viscosity that is present in the majority of axial piston pumps.
You should utilize the proper fluid and adhere to this viscosity throughout the process. Utilizing a fluid that has a viscosity that is too low might have a negative impact on the effectiveness of your pump, as well as cause wear to occur at an excessively rapid rate. In the event that the fluid is excessively viscous, the effectiveness of the axial piston pump will be significantly impacted, and mechanical issues may arise as a result.
Type of hydraulic fluid
The majority of pump types are intended to be used with particular hydraulic fluids. In general, the axial piston pump functions effectively when it is used with standardized hydraulic oil, which is often manufactured using mineral oil as the base material.
It is possible to use alternative fluids, both hazardous and non-harmful, depending on the sort of system that is being utilized. Some examples of these fluids include biodegradable oils, phosphoric acid esters, and water glycol. Ensure that the hydraulic fluid that is required for your system is compatible with the axial piston pump that you are using.
The capacity of axial piston pump
In order to assess whether or not the axial piston pump is capable of satisfying the essential system requirements of your system, the delivery capacity is being considered. Typically, it is described in terms of liters per minute. This is determined by calculating the speed per minute in conjunction with the efficiency in percent.
The engine power of the drive motor
However, the flow rate is contingent upon the amount of motor power that is necessary for the drive. It is possible to determine the required driving power of the pump if the motor power and flow rate are already known. Certain characteristics, such as the maximum operating pressure, the maximum operating speed, and the requisite temperature ranges, can be determined on the basis of this information.
The performance and the performance curves
Once the torque and speed of an axial piston pump have been coupled, the performance of the pump may be determined effectively. The metric that is most important is the torque. In the event that you simply wish to replace an axial piston pump, for instance by increasing the amount of power that will be necessary in the future, you are able to calculate the new torque by utilizing the previous torque. The torque needs to be revised if this is not the case.
You will be able to determine whether other properties have an impact on the performance of your pump by referring to the performance curves, which are frequently displayed visually by manufacturers. In addition to this, they will demonstrate to you which flow rate is necessary for individual axial piston pumps in order to achieve the desired level of performance. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the torque values can be affected by the type of drive motor.
Maximum operating pressure
Determine the type of working pressure that must be applied in order to produce the specified hydraulic force. Each and every axial piston pump has a maximum pressure that it can operate at. In the event that this limits is surpassed, you should anticipate leaks or damage to your system. The service life of axial piston pumps can be negatively impacted by a steady pressure that is too low, but this is not the only circumstance that might occur. There is frequently a variation in the pressure levels of axial piston pumps.
Maintenance effort and costs
Depending on the type of pump, the amount of maintenance that is required and the associated expenses may vary. For this reason, you ought to take into consideration which of the efforts would warrant which of the greater performance or other good qualities.
