The influence and adjustment of the clearance size of the oil pump end face

The end face clearance of the oil pump refers to the gap between the gear or rotor in the oil pump and the pump cover (or pump body plane). The size of this gap has a significant impact on the performance, speed, service life, and performance of the oil pump. Next, we will discuss in detail the influence of the clearance size of the oil pump end face and how to adjust it.

1、 The influence of the clearance size of the oil pump end face

Flow and pressure

Excessive clearance: When the clearance between the end faces of the oil pump is too large, it will cause an increase in internal leakage of the pump. During the operation of the pump, some high-pressure oil will flow back to the low-pressure area through excessive clearance, thereby reducing the inlet and outlet pressure and flow rate of the pump. This will affect the performance of the entire hydraulic system under conditions that require high pressure and large flow.

Too small clearance: Although too small clearance can reduce internal leakage, it will increase the frictional resistance and operating temperature of the oil pump. Excessive frictional resistance not only reduces the speed of the oil pump, but also accelerates the wear of gears or rotors, shortening the service life of the oil pump.

Noise and vibration

Appropriate end face clearance helps reduce noise and vibration during oil pump operation. Excessive gaps can cause turbulence in the oil, increasing noise and vibration levels; However, a too small gap will intensify the friction between the gear or rotor and the pump cover, and also generate noise and vibration.

Speed and energy consumption

The size of the end face clearance directly affects the speed of the oil pump. Excessive clearance will reduce the volumetric rate of the oil pump, resulting in increased energy consumption; However, a too small gap will increase mechanical losses and also reduce speed. Therefore, choosing an appropriate end clearance is of great significance for improving the speed of the oil pump and reducing energy consumption.

service life

Appropriate end face clearance helps to extend the service life of the oil pump. Excessive clearance can accelerate the wear of gears or rotors, leading to premature failure of the oil pump; However, a too small gap can cause the oil pump to generate excessive heat during operation, accelerating material aging and deformation.

2、 Adjustment method for end face clearance of oil pump

Gasket adjustment method

This method adjusts the end face clearance by adding or replacing gaskets of different thicknesses between the pump cover and pump body. When carrying out specific operations, it is necessary to first measure the current end face gap, and then select the appropriate gasket according to the gap size that needs to be adjusted. The gasket adjustment method is simple and easy to implement, suitable for adjusting the clearance of most oil pumps.

Bolt tightening method

This method changes the end face clearance by adjusting the tightening force of the bolts between the pump cover and the pump body. The bolt tightening method is suitable for some structurally simple oil pumps, but it should be noted that excessive tightening of bolts may cause deformation of the pump cover or body, thereby affecting the adjustment effect of the clearance.

Grinding adjustment method

This method adjusts the end face clearance by grinding the pump cover or pump body plane. The grinding adjustment method is suitable for some oil pumps that require accurate control of the gap size, but it should be noted that the grinding amount and accuracy need to be strictly controlled during the grinding process to avoid unnecessary damage to the oil pump.

3、 Precautions

Accurate measurement

Before adjusting the end face clearance, it is necessary to accurately measure the current clearance size. Appropriate tools and methods should be used during measurement to ensure the accuracy of the measurement results.

Moderate adjustment

When adjusting the end face clearance, the principle of moderation should be followed. It is necessary to avoid excessive clearance causing increased internal leakage and decreased performance, as well as to avoid excessive clearance causing increased friction and accelerated wear.

regular inspection

The oil pump is affected by factors such as medium corrosion, temperature changes, mechanical vibrations, etc. during operation, which may cause changes in the end face clearance. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly inspect and maintain the oil pump, promptly detect and adjust the end face clearance.

technical operation

The adjustment of end face clearance is a technical task that requires personnel with relevant experience and skills to operate. Before making adjustments, it is necessary to fully understand the structure and working principle of the oil pump, and determine the stability and performance of the operation.

In summary, the size of the end face clearance of the oil pump has a significant impact on its performance, speed, service life, and performance. In practical applications, it is necessary to choose appropriate adjustment methods and precautions based on specific situations to ensure the normal operation and good speed of the oil pump.