A LABORATORY REPORT ON

GEAR PUMP

BY

OBISESAN IFEOLUWA OMOBOBOLA

CHE/2018/071

Group 2

SUBMITTED TO:

DR. SANDA

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY

ILE-IFE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING UNIT OPERATIONS LABORATORY II

(CHE503)
 Department of chemical engineering,

Obafemi Awolowo University,

Ile-Ife, Osun State.

March 14th, 2025.

Mr. Omisore,

Department of Chemical Engineering,

Faculty of Technology,

Obafemi Awolowo University,

Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Dear Sir,

LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

In accordance with the objectives of CHE503, I hereby submit this report for the activities

carried out during the experimental work on Gear pump and a detailed description of the results

obtained. The names and registration numbers of all group members listed in Appendix C of the

report.

I express my gratitude in anticipation of the approval of this report.

Yours Faithfully,

Obisesan Ifeoluwa
 ABSTRACT

A gear pump works as a positive-displacement pump, operating through the use of interlocking

gears to move fluid; this happens when a measured volume of fluid is trapped between the gear

teeth and the pump's casing, subsequently transporting it to the outlet. Gear pumps, known for

their efficient operation and high-volume efficiency, are widely employed in industrial

applications such as oil transfer, fuel delivery, and power steering systems for vehicles. They are

definitely capable of managing an especially wide variety of fluid viscosities. This makes them

extremely flexible for many fluid delivery and cooling purposes in industrial machinery.

This experiment targeted to evaluate several functional characteristics of a gear pump under

multiple load conditions as well as rotational speeds. The gear motor was operated at different

RPMs through adjustment of the motor speed, and the performance of the external gear pump

was measured with each speed. The experimental data were then compared with certain

theoretical predictions to validate the results as well as analyze specific discrepancies.

 TABLE OF CONTENT
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.......................................................................................................2

ABSTRACT....................................................................................................................................3

LIST OF FIGURES.........................................................................................................................6

LIST OF TABLES...........................................................................................................................7

CHAPTER ONE..............................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................8

1.1 Background Study.............................................................................................................8

1.2 Classification of Pumps....................................................................................................8

1.2.1 Dynamic Pumps.........................................................................................................8

1.2.2 Positive Displacement Pump.....................................................................................9

1.3 Gear Pump.......................................................................................................................10

1.4 Objective of this experiment...........................................................................................11

1.5 Justification.....................................................................................................................11

1.6 Scope...............................................................................................................................11

CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................14

2.1 Working Principle of a Gear Pump.................................................................................14

2.2 Pump Head......................................................................................................................18

2.3 Overall Efficiency...........................................................................................................20

2.4 Volumetric Efficiency.....................................................................................................20

2.5 Theory.............................................................................................................................21
CHAPTER THREE.......................................................................................................................25

METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................25

3.1 APPARATUS.................................................................................................................25

3.2 Working Principle of the Equipment................................................................................28

3.2 Procedure........................................................................................................................28

CHAPTER FOUR.........................................................................................................................30

RESULT AND DISCUSSION......................................................................................................30

4.1 Parameters.......................................................................................................................30

Results........................................................................................................................................30

4.2 Volumetric Flow rate......................................................................................................30

4.3 Leakage Flow Rate..........................................................................................................35

4.4 Volumetric and Overall Pump Efficiency.......................................................................40

4.5 Overall Pump Efficiency.................................................................................................43

4.6 Discussion.......................................................................................................................50

CHAPTER FIVE...........................................................................................................................51

5.1 Conclusion......................................................................................................................51

5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................51

APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................53
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Centrifugal Pump........................................................................................................11

Figure 1.2: Gear pump...................................................................................................................12

Figure 2.1: Parts of a gear pumps showing its working principle.................................................15

Figure 2.2: Two gears inside an enclosure....................................................................................16

Figure 4.1: Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at Low-Speed Condition....................................31

Figure 4.2: Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at High-Speed Condition...................................33

Figure 4.3: Leakage flow rate against total head for low-speed condition....................................36

Figure 4.4: Leakage flow rate against total head for high-speed condition...................................38

Figure 4.5: Volumetric efficiency vs volumetric flow rate for both the low-speed and high-speed
condition........................................................................................................................................41

Figure 4.6: Volumetric efficiency vs volumetric flow rate for both the low-speed and high-speed
condition........................................................................................................................................44

Figure 4.7: Brake horsepower vs Delivery (kPa) at Low speed condition....................................45

Figure 4.8: Brake horsepower vs Delivery (kPa) at High speed condition...................................46

Figure 4.9: Volumetric flow rate vs Overall efficiency vs Volumetric efficiency for the low
speed condition..............................................................................................................................47

Figure 4.10: Volumetric flow rate vs Overall efficiency vs Volumetric efficiency for the high
speed condition..............................................................................................................................48
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 4.1: The parameters for the gear pump experiment.............................................................30

Table 4.2: Table of results for the low-speed condition showing the pump head, torque and
volumetric flow rate.......................................................................................................................31

Table 4.3: Table of results for the high-speed condition showing the pump head, torque and
volumetric flow rate.......................................................................................................................33

Table 4.4: Leakage flow rate gotten from Pump head for the low-speed condition.....................36

Table 4.5: Leakage flow rate gotten from Pump head for the high-speed condition....................38

Table 4.6: The volumetric efficiency for the low-speed condition...............................................41

Table 4.7: The volumetric efficiency for the high-speed condition..............................................41

Table 4.8: The overall efficiency vs volumetric flow rate vs volumetric efficiency for the
delivery for low-speed condition...................................................................................................43

Table 4.9: The overall efficiency vs volumetric flow rate vs volumetric efficiency for the
delivery for high-speed condition..................................................................................................44
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Study

Pumps are important components of hydraulic systems and are known as the "heart" of the

system. An hydraulic pump generates fluid flow through exerting effort against adverse pressure

gradients. Pumps are mechanical devices that transfer fluids from one location to another through

the application of energy to produce mechanical effort with mechanisms such as the

reciprocating or rotatory motion. Pumps are powered by various energy sources such as

electricity, engines, wind, or even manual labor. Pumps are of various sizes, ranging from

microscopic pumps used in medical devices to very large industrial pumps. Pumps can be

submerged in the fluid being pumped or placed externally, depending on the use.

1.2 Classification of Pumps

Pumps are classified into two main categories: dynamic pumps and positive-displacement

pumps. Each type operates on distinct principles and is suited for specific applications based on

factors such as fluid viscosity, pressure requirements, and flow rates.

1.2.1 Dynamic Pumps

Dynamic pumps, which are also know as centrifugal pumps, continuously add energy to the fluid

through the actions of fast-moving blades or vanes. The pumps have rotating impeller that are

used to impart kinetic energy to the fluid, which is then converted into pressure energy as the

fluid passes through the pump's diffuser. Dynamic pumps are widely used in water supply

operations, industrial processes, and HVAC systems as a result of their ability to handle large

volumes of fluid. They are inexpensive and easy to maintain. However, they are less efficient
when handling high-viscosity fluids and they require a priming system to initiate operation.

(Stranieri, 2017).

A common example of a dynamic pump is the centrifugal pump, illustrated in Figure 1.1. In this

design, fluid enters the pump through the impeller's eye and is propelled outward by centrifugal

force between the impeller vanes. As the fluid reaches the edge of the impeller, it enters the

pump casing and is discharged through the exit port. The rotary action of the impeller increases

the fluid pressure, similar to the radial acceleration observed in a rotating tank (Yanada et al.,

1987). Centrifugal pumps are ideal for applications requiring high volumetric flow rates at low

pressures (Bang, 2020).

1.2.2 Positive Displacement Pump

Positive-displacement pumps operate by periodically adding energy to the fluid through the

application of force to one or more fluid volumes, resulting in a pressure increase. These pumps

use fixed internal mechanisms, such as pistons, diaphragms, or gears, to physically displace a

fixed volume of fluid with each cycle. The fluid is trapped in a confined space, such as a cylinder

or chamber, and then pushed to the discharge port. Unlike dynamic pumps, positive-

displacement pumps can maintain a constant flow rate regardless of discharge pressure, making

them suitable for high-pressure, high-viscosity, and low-flow applications. Examples include

gear pumps, reciprocating pumps, and peristaltic pumps.

Positive-displacement pumps are generally self-priming and may incorporate mechanical bypass

valves to protect the system from excessive pressures. They are further divided into reciprocating

pumps (e.g., piston pumps) and rotary pumps (e.g., gear pumps and screw pumps). While these
pumps tend to have a higher initial cost, they offer longer lifespans and higher efficiency

compared to dynamic pumps.

1.3 Gear Pump

The focus of this experiment is the gear pump, a type of positive-displacement rotary pump.

Gear pumps are widely used in automotive applications for oil and fuel delivery due to their

simplicity, versatility in design, and ease of manufacture. They are driven by an engine

crankshaft and are known for their high volumetric efficiency, smooth pumping action, and

ability to handle a wide range of fluid viscosities.

A gear pump consists of two identical, interlocking gears housed within an enclosure. These

gears are supported by separate shafts, with one gear typically driven by a motor (the driver) and

the other gear (the idler) rotating in response. In some configurations, both shafts may be motor-

driven. The shafts are supported by bearings on each side of the casing, ensuring smooth

operation.

The gear pump used in this experiment is an external gear pump, which features two spur gears

in mesh with each other. As the gears rotate, fluid is carried in the pockets formed between the

gear teeth and the pump housing. The volume of fluid displaced per revolution is approximately

equal to the total volume of these pockets. The meshing of the gears acts as a seal, preventing

backflow from the high-pressure discharge side to the low-pressure intake side (Borghi et al.,

2009).

Gear pumps are particularly effective for high-pressure, low-flow-rate applications. However,

they are prone to leakage due to wear on moving surfaces, making them best suited for pumping
oils and other viscous fluids with lubricating properties. This characteristic ensures minimal

leakage and optimal performance.

1.4 Objective of this experiment

The Objective of this experiment are as follows.

i. To determine the typical operating characteristics of a gear pump under various load and

speed conditions

ii. To understand instrument accuracy and design error analysis

1.5 Justification

The experiment helps in understanding the working principles of a pump, specifically, the gear

pump. Chemical industries operate with fluids for numerous processes and often, these fluids

will need to be transported through pipes, equipment, or to ambient air by means of pumps.

Pumps cause increases in energy in the fluid, which may be needed as velocity, pressure or

elevation to cause the changes required in the transformation of raw materials to products.

1.6 Scope

This experiment uses the data gotten from the experiment to determine the operating

characteristics and certain parameters of the gear pump.

Figure 1.1: Centrifugal Pump.
Figure 1.2: Gear pump
 CHAPTER TWO

2.1 Working Principle of a Gear Pump

Gear Pumps pump a constant volume of fluid with each cycle, which is the reason why they are

positive displacement pumps. Fluid is pumped by displacement caused by gear meshing in gear

pumps. Gear pump is one of the most common types of industrial pumps used in hydraulic fluid

power application. They can act either as a motor or as a pump. The gear pump is also used

widely in chemical installations to pump fluids with high viscosity, such as oils, resins and

paints. This kind of pump is preferred for applications requiring precise dosing or high-pressure

output. Gear pumps are also preferred in irregular supply situations since they are not greatly

affected by pressure.

The major parts of a gear pump are.

 Shaffer

 2 Identical gears

 Suction valve

 Delivery valve

 Suction pressure gauge

 Delivery pressure gauge

 Electric motor

 Spring balance

 Counter

Functions of various parts of a gear pump are as follows;

 Gears: This the main moving part of the pump that transfer fluid by trapping it between

the gear teeth and the pumping housing.

 Pump Housing: This is the external shell of the pump that contains the gears and other

internal components.

 Inlet and Outlet Ports: They serve as openings through which the fluid enters and exits

the pump.

 Shaft: This is control rod that connects and drives the gear.

 Bearings: These are the mechanical components that supports and lubricates the shaft and

gears, allowing for smooth and efficient operation.

 Seal: This prevents fluid leakage between the internal and external parts of the pump.

 Drive: This is the mechanism that powers the pump, typically an electric motor or

internal combustion engine.

Some gear pumps also have additional components such as a relief valve or filter, which are

added to help regulate the pressure and ensure that the pump is running efficiently.
Figure 2.3: Parts of a gear pumps showing its working principle.
Figure 2.4: Two gears inside an enclosure
Gear pumps are widely used because they have several advantages, and this includes:

1. Efficiency: Gear pumps are highly efficient and can handle high-pressure applications.

2. Durability: Gear pumps have few moving parts, which makes them relatively simple,

making gear pumps durable and less prone to wear and tear.

3. Versatility: Gear pumps can be used for various industrial applications.

4. High volumetric efficiency: Gear pumps can handle a vast range of viscous fluids and can

maintain a constant flow rate regardless of the pressure on the outlet port.

5. They are suitable for continuous operation.

Gear pumps also has some disadvantages, just as they have advantages, these includes;

1. Gear pumps are not suitable for high-viscosity liquids or liquids containing suspended-

solids

2.2 Pump Head

The pump head is also called the discharge head, and it is the part of the pump whose work is to

generate the pressure needed to move the fluid through the system. It is located at the on the

discharge side of the pump and consists of several components, including the volute, diffuser,

and impeller. The volute and diffuser work together to convert the kinetic energy imparted by the

impeller into pressure energy, and the impeller moves fluid through the pump. The pressure head

generated by the pump head is measured in units of pressure (psi or bar). Pump head is a critical

component of the pump and its design is crucial for the pump’s performance and efficiency.
Equations representing these energy changes can be developed by applying the general energy

conservation equation:

2 2
u1 u2
U 1 + P1 v 1 + + z 1 g+Q=U 2 + P2 v 2+ + z 2 g+W
2 2

Where U = internal energy

Pv = work

zg = potential energy per unit mass

z = height above some arbitrary datum

g = acceleration due to gravity

2
u
= kinetic energy per unit mass
2

u = velocity

Q - heat

Enthalpy is defined as:

H=U + Pv

Incompressible flow, equal velocities and masses are assumed, and thus:

P2 P1 W u2−u 1−q
− = −
ρg ρg g g
The Head is derived from the equation above. The total dynamic head H of a pump is defined as

the difference between the frictional head and the shaft work head.

H=hs −h f

1
Where Head , H= (P −P1 )
ρg 2

W
Shaft work head, h s=
g

u2−u 1−q
Frictional head, h f =
g

2.3 Overall Efficiency

Overall efficiency of a gear pump is the ratio of the power delivered to the fluid by the pump to

the power required to drive the pump. The power delivered to the fluid by the pump (output

power) is dependent on the volumetric flow rate of the shaft torque, T.

P¿ =2 πNT

Overall efficiency is hereby given as;

P out
η=
P¿

2.4 Volumetric Efficiency

This is the ratio of the actual pumped volumetric fluid flow rate, Q, to the leakage flow rate, Ql
 Q
η v=
Q+Q l

The difference between the flow rate at a given head and speed, and the flow rate at that speed if

no head were developed, Q0, is the leakage flow rate.

2.5 Theory

Using the steady-state form of the energy equation, consider the energy transfer of a pump:

˙ V2 V
2
Q+¿ Ẇ X =ṁout [h+ + gz ]¿out −ṁout [h+ + gz ]in
2 2

By definition, enthalpy h is given by;

P
h=u+
ρ

and the law of conservation of mass is given by;

ṁ¿ =ṁout

Hence, on a per mass basis,

2 2
P V P V
q +w s=[u+ + + gz] out −[u+ + + gz] in
ρ 2 ρ 2
Since the flow is considered incompressible, the inlet and outlet velocities are equal by Equation

(2.3), assuming that the inlet and outlet areas are approximately equal. In addition, negligible

change in potential energy occurs across the pump, resulting in:

( ) ( )
P
ρg out –
P
ρg in ¿
Ẇ s −uout −u ¿−q
g g

The last fraction of the equation represents frictional losses and it grouped into a frictional head

loss term, hf . Similarly, expressing the shaft work put into the pump as a shaft work head term,

hs, gives:

1
H= ( P −P¿ )=h s−h f
ρg out

H is the "net" or "pump" head and is the primary output parameter for a pump. It is to be noted

that this is the difference between the shaft work and frictional head. The energy ultimately

delivered to the fluid results from the difference between the input energy and energy lost to

friction, both mechanical and viscous, and losses due to pump leakage.

Pw = ρgQH

Where Q = Volumetric flow rate.

The power required to drive the pump is known as the “brake horsepower”.

Ps =2 πNT

Where T = shaft torque

N = shaft speed (rpm)

The overall efficiency of the pump is defined as the ratio between the power delivered to the

fluid and the input power

P w ρgQH
ŋ= =
P s 2 πNT

The overall efficiency above is a function of both mechanical and fluid mechanical losses.

A contributing factor to the overall inefficiency are viscous frictional effects and mechanical

frictional effects in the bearing, packing and other contact points in the pump. The volumetric

efficiency will be considered for both the gear pump and the rotary screw pump, as it compares

the actual pumped fluid flow rate to the loss of flow QL, due to leakage of the fluid around the

gear and casing. The volumetric efficiency is defined as:

Q
ŋ=
Q+Q l

The leakage flow rate is the difference between the flow rate at a given head and speed and the

flow rate at that speed if no head were developed, Qo (i.e. back pressure). Data will be collected

on the head development by the pump for various back pressure for a fixed speed. Hence, to

determine Qo, a plot of flow rate against pump head need simply be extrapolated to zero head as

shown in the figure 2.3 below.

Fig 2.3: How to find Qo from the plot of flow rate versus pump head.
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1 APPARATUS

The pump comprises of two meshing helical gears. Oil is drawn from the reservoir by suction

through a pipe fitted with a throttling valve and delivers it through another pipe with a throttling

valve and a diverter to either of two tanks fitted with gauge glasses. Measurement of the oil flow

rate is taken and the oil returns back to the reservoir. Pressure gauges are connected to the

suction and delivery pipes and spring-loaded torque arm fitted to the motor. The motor speed is

measure with a revolution counter.

The experimental apparatus consists of a gear pump driven by a motor whose speed can be

controlled, a torque meter for torque measurement, pressure gauges, a tank for holding the fluid

and for flowrate measurement, and a sump which collects waste oil. A stopwatch is made use for

time measurements. The schematic of the apparatus is shown in Figure 3.2. The fluid used in the

experiment is LPFO – Low Poor Fuel Oil.

Figure 3.1: The gear pump apparatus
Figure 3.2: The equipment set-up schematic
3.2 Working Principle of the Equipment

A gear pumps rotating assembly consists of two gears, a driving gear and a driven gear with

intermeshing teeth. Pumping in a gear pump takes place when the driving gear meshes with the

driven gear to form cavities that moves the fluid. The cavities are the clearances between the

gears or lobes and the body of the pump. The mating surfaces of the gears' mesh provide

continuous sealing between the inlet and outlet ports.

As the rotation of the pump continues, the movement of the cavities progresses, thus moving the

fluid along the way. After some time, a point is reached where the seal between the captured

fluid and the outlet part of the pump is broken. At this point of time the gears force the volume of

the captured fluid out of the pump. A continuous cycle takes place due to the simultaneously

opening of new cavities at the inlet port. This leads to a continuous flow of liquid though the

suction and discharge ports.

3.2 Procedure

The procedures followed for this experiment are listed below.

1) Got familiarized with the pressure gage scales, balance and stopwatch operation.

2) Ensured that the Outlet Pressure control valve is fully open (counterclockwise). Switched

the variable speed motor on.

3) Adjusted the speed of the motor to 750 rpm (i.e., low speed).

4) Recorded the motor speed, inlet and outlet pressures, input torque and the time taken to

collect a given volume of oil.

5) Increased the outlet pressure by closing the control valve and repeat step 4.
6) Continued the experiment until values have been recorded for outlet pressures shown on

the data sheets.

7) Increased the pump speed and repeat steps 3 through 6 for 1500 rpm (i.e., high speed).
 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Parameters

The following parameters shown in table 4.1 determine the result obtained for the low speed and

high-speed conditions.

Table 4.1: The parameters for the gear pump experiment.

Oil density Tank dimensions Lever arm Gravity

Group
(g/cm3) (lxb) length (cm) m/s2

2 0.84 37 cm x 15 cm 18 9.81

Results

4.2 Volumetric Flow rate

Table 4.2 shows the data obtained for the low-speed condition (N = 12.5rps). Table 4.2 contains

the suction and delivery pressures, oil depth and time taken which consequently gives the head

developed by the pump and the volumetric flow rate, Q. It also shows the Torque, T (Nm).

The head developed was calculated from the equation;

1
Head , H= (P −P1 )
ρg 2
The volumetric flow rate was also calculated by equation;

C . S . A × Oil depth
Q=
time taken

Where C.S.A. = 0.35m x 0.15m

The Torque (Nm) was calculated by equation;

Torque=Force ( N ) × Lever arm Length (m)

Table 4.2: Table of results for the low-speed condition showing the pump head, torque and
volumetric flow rate.

Oil Time
Run Suction Delivery Force Q Torque
depth taken H (m)
no. (kPa) (kPa) (N) m3/min (Nm)
(cm) (s)

1 0 100 21.6 20 9.25 0.0360 1.665 12.135

2 0 150 21.7 20.7 9.5 0.0349 1.710 18.203

3 0 200 30 31.69 10.5 0.0315 1.890 24.271

4 0 300 27.3 30.52 13 0.0298 2.340 36.406

5 0 350 22 29.00 13.6 0.0253 2.448 42.474

A graph showing the relationship of the pump head, H vs the volumetric flow rate, Q for the low-

speed condition is shown in figure 4.1.

 Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at Low Speed Condition)

45

40

35

30
Head, H (m)

25

20

15

10

0
0.0240 0.0260 0.0280 0.0300 0.0320 0.0340 0.0360 0.0380

Volumetric flowrate, Q (m3/min

Figure 4.5: Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at Low-Speed Condition

From figure 4.1, the value of Qo was interpolated to 0.0375. It can also be observed that as the

volumetric flowrate of the gear pump increases, the head of the pump decreases. We could also

see that there exists a polynomial relationship between the head and and the volumetric flowrate.

Table 4.3 shows the data obtained for the high-speed condition (N=25rps) in the gear pump

showing the suction and delivery pressures, the oil depth, and time taken which consequently

gives the head developed by the pump and the volumetric flow rate, Q. It also shows the Torque,

T (Nm).

Table 4.3: Table of results for the high-speed condition showing the pump head, torque and

volumetric flow rate.

Oil Time
Run Suction Delivery Force Q Torque
depth taken H (m)
no. (kPa) (kPa) (N) m3/min (Nm)
(cm) (s)

1 0 100 20 13 13.2 0.0512 2.376 12.135

2 0 150 12.7 10.19 14 0.0415 2.520 18.203

3 0 200 18 15.22 15 0.0394 2.700 24.271

4 0 250 14.5 12.54 16 0.0385 2.880 30.338

5 0 300 12.25 13.72 16.5 0.0297 2.970 36.406

6 0 350 10.5 30 18.8 0.0117 3.384 42.474

A graph of the pump head, H vs the volumetric flow rate, Q for the high-speed condition is

shown in figure 4.2.

Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at High Speed Condition)

45

40

35

30
Head, H (m)

25

20

15

10

0
0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035 0.04 0.045 0.05 0.055

Volumetric flowrate, Q (m3/min

Figure 4.6: Pump Head vs Volumetric flowrate at High-Speed Condition

From figure 4.2, the value of Qo was interpolated to 0.0565. It is seen that the high speed

condition has higher head and volumetric flowrate compared to the low speed condition.

Also, it can also be observed that as the volumetric flowrate of the gear pump increases, the head

of the pump decreases. We could also see that there exists a polynomial relationship between the

head and the volumetric flowrate,

4.3 Leakage Flow Rate

The next thing to be determined is the leakage flow rate Q l which is defined as the difference

between the flow rate at a given total head and speed and the flow rate at that speed if there were

no head developed, that is,

Ql=Q o−Q (4.1)

Where Ql represents the leakage flow rate.

Qo represents the value gotten from the extrapolation on the graph.

Q represents the volumetric flow rate.

Qo determined by extrapolating the curves to zero head (H = 0, Q = Q o). For the low-speed

curve, Qo is gotten as 0.0375 m3/min and for the high-speed curve, Qo is gotten as 0.0565 m3/min.
Table 4.4: Leakage flow rate gotten from Pump head for the low-speed condition.

Run no. H (m) Ql (m3/min)

1 12.135 0.001536

2 18.203 0.002591

3 24.271 0.005976

4 36.406 0.007713

5 42.474 0.012238
 Leakage Flow rate against Total Head for Low Speed Condition
0.00025

0.0002
Leakage Flow Rate, Ql (m3/s)

0.00015

0.0001

0.00005

0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Pump Head, H (m)

Figure 4.7: Leakage flow rate against total head for low-speed condition
It is observed that the leakage flowrate of the gear pump increases exponentially with increasing

pump head as the curve bends fast. Also, the leakage flowrate is to the barest minimal.

The leakage flow rate for the high-speed condition is calculate in table 4.5 and the graph

showing the relationship between the pump head and the leakage flow rate illustrated in figure

4.4.

Table 4.5: Leakage flow rate gotten from Pump head for the high-speed condition.

Run no. H (m) Ql (m3/min)

1 12.135 0.0053

2 18.203 0.0150

3 24.271 0.0171

4 30.338 0.0180

5 36.406 0.0268

6 42.474 0.0448
 Leakage Flow rate against Total Head for High Speed Condition
0.05

0.045

0.04
Leakage Flow Rate, Ql (m3/s)

0.035

0.03

0.025

0.02

0.015

0.01

0.005

0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Pump Head (m)

Figure 4.8: Leakage flow rate against total head for high-speed condition.
It is observed that the leakage flowrate of the gear pump increases exponentially with increasing

pump head as the curve bends fast. Also, the leakage flowrate is to the barest minimal.

The values of Ql are found to increase with increasing head. The is so because increasing head

generally is indicative of an increasing pressure difference (or drop) as established by Eqn (2.4b).

Fluids seek the path of least resistance; therefore, the higher the differential pressure, the more

fluid will be forced back through the clearances in the gear pump system (back flow). This

results in a decreased flow rate and more slip or leakage.

4.4 Volumetric and Overall Pump Efficiency

The volumetric pump efficiency is determined by Eqn 2.8, and its values are plotted against

volumetric flow rate for both the low and high speed conditions. The volumetric efficiency for

the low-speed condition is shown in table 4.6 and the relationship with the volumetric flow rate

is shown in figure 4.5.

 Table 4.6: The volumetric efficiency for the low-speed condition.

Run Ql
Q m3/min Volumetric Efficiency
no. (m3/min)

1 0.0360 0.001536 0.9590

2 0.0349 0.002591 0.9309

3 0.0315 0.005976 0.8406

4 0.0298 0.007713 0.7943

5 0.0253 0.012238 0.6737

Similarly, the volumetric efficiency for the high-speed condition is shown in table 4.7 and the

relationship with the volumetric flow rate is shown in figure 4.5.

Table 4.7: The volumetric efficiency for the high-speed condition.

Run Ql
Q m3/min Volumetric Efficiency
no. (m3/min)
1 0.0512 0.005269 0.9067

2 0.0415 0.014998 0.7346

3 0.0394 0.017118 0.6970

4 0.0385 0.017995 0.6815

5 0.0297 0.026768 0.5262

 6 0.0117 0.044845 0.2063

Volumetric efficiency vs Volumetric flow rate

1.2

1
Volumetric efficiency

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035 0.04 0.045 0.05 0.055

Volumetric Flow Rate, Q (m3/min)

Volumetric Efficiency low Polynomial (Volumetric Efficiency low)

Volumetric Efficiency High Linear (Volumetric Efficiency High)

Figure 4.9: Volumetric efficiency vs volumetric flow rate for both the low-speed and high-speed
condition
4.5 Overall Pump Efficiency

The overall pump efficiency is determined by Eqn 2.7. The pump loss is gotten from Eqn 2.5,

and the brake horsepower is gotten from Eqn 2.6. The overall pump efficiency is plotted against

volumetric flow rate in Figure 4.6 for the two speeds on the same plot. The plot of the brake

horsepower vs delivery is also created in Figure 4.7 and 4.8.

Table 4.8: The overall efficiency vs volumetric flow rate vs volumetric efficiency for the
delivery for low-speed condition.

Brake
Run Delivery Q Pump loss Overall Volumetric
(kPa)
hp
no. m3/min Pout Efficiency Efficiency
Pin

1 100 0.0360 59.9400 130.7688 0.4584 0.9590

2 150 0.0349 87.2717 134.3031 0.6498 0.9309

3 200 0.0315 105.0805 148.4403 0.7079 0.8406

4 300 0.0298 148.9335 183.7832 0.8104 0.7943

5 350 0.0253 147.3621 192.2655 0.7665 0.6737

Similarly, the calculation for the high-speed condition is shown in table 4.9 and the relationship

with the volumetric flow rate is shown in figure 4.6.

Table 4.9: The overall efficiency vs volumetric flow rate vs volumetric efficiency for the
delivery for high-speed condition.

Run Delivery Q Pump loss Brake hp Overall Volumetric

no. (kPa) m3/min Pout Pin Efficiency Efficiency
1 100 0.0512 85.3846 373.2212 0.2288 0.9067

2 150 0.0415 103.7561 395.8407 0.2621 0.7346

3 200 0.0394 131.2746 424.1150 0.3095 0.6970

4 250 0.0385 160.4366 452.3893 0.3546 0.6815

5 300 0.0297 148.6607 466.5265 0.3187 0.5262

6 350 0.0117 67.9875 531.5575 0.1279 0.2063

 Overall efficiency vs Volumetric flow rate
0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6
Overall efficiency

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03 0.035 0.04 0.045 0.05 0.055

Volumetric Flow Rate, Q (m3/min)

Overall Efficiency Low Polynomial (Overall Efficiency Low)

Overall Efficiency High Polynomial (Overall Efficiency High)

Figure 4.10: Overall efficiency vs volumetric flow rate for both the low-speed and high-speed
condition
 250

200
Brake Horsepower

150

100

50

0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Delivery (KPa)

Figure 4.11: Brake horsepower vs Delivery (kPa) at Low speed condition

 600

500

400
Brake Horsepower

300

200

100

0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Delivery (KPa)

Figure 4.12: Brake horsepower vs Delivery (kPa) at High speed condition.

1.2

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Delivery (KPa)

Q m3/min Overall Efficiency Low Volumetric Efficiency low

Figure 4.13: Volumetric flow rate vs Overall efficiency vs Volumetric efficiency for the low
speed condition
 1

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400

Delivery (KPa)

Q m3/min Overall Efficiency High Volumetric Efficiency High

Figure 4.14: Volumetric flow rate vs Overall efficiency vs Volumetric efficiency for the high
speed condition
From figure 4.6 to figure 4.10, it can be seen that as the delivery increases, the volumetric

flowrate, and the volumetric efficiency decreased gradually, while overall efficiency initially

increases then decreases.

4.6 Discussion

Considering the result obtained, it would be observed that there is a significant decrease in

volumetric flow rate as the head developed by the pump is increased. The reverse was the case

for leakage flow rate which increased with increasing head. This is because the leakage flow rate

is obtained from the difference between the rate of flow when there is no head and the

volumetric flow rate, therefore there would be an opposite relationship.

All these occurred because the fluids generally seek the path of least resistance. Hence, higher

differential pressure causes more fluid to be forced back (back flow). This results in decreased

flow rate and increased slip or leakage.

 CHAPTER FIVE

5.1 Conclusion

To conclude, the experiment to determine the typical operating characteristics of a gear pump

under various load and speed conditions provides valuable information about the pump's

performance and efficiency. The data collected during the experiment was used to determine the

pump's optimal operating conditions, as well as its performance limitations.

The results can be used to make improvements to the pump's design or to select a gear pump that

is best suited for a specific application. The results also provides information to end-users about

the pump's performance, which can help them make informed decisions about their pumping

needs.

Overall, the experiment provides a comprehensive understanding of the typical operating

characteristics of a gear pump, which can help improve its performance and reliability, and

ultimately, increase its lifespan.

5.2 Recommendation

Based on the experimental results and analysis, several recommendations can be made to

enhance studies and practical applications of gear pumps. Research should investigate how

different fluid viscosities affect pump performance parameters such as leakage rates and

volumetric efficiency. This would provide valuable insights for selecting optimal working fluids

under various operating conditions.

The implementation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is strongly

recommended to complement experimental studies. CFD modeling would enable detailed

analysis of internal flow patterns and more efficient optimization of pump designs before

physical prototyping. This approach could significantly reduce development time and costs while

providing deeper understanding of fluid behavior within the pump.

For practical applications, it would be valuable to develop monitoring systems that can detect

particulate contamination in real-time, as the presence of contaminants was shown to adversely

affect pump performance. Additionally, future work should investigate noise generation and

vibration characteristics across different operating conditions, as these factors are crucial for

industrial applications where reliability and maintenance requirements are paramount.

 REFERENCES
Alsaqour, M. F. (2019). A Review of Pump Types and Their Applications. Journal of Applied

Mechanics and Materials, vol. 870, 639-644.

Bang, J. K. (2020). Materials for Gear Pumps: A Review. Journal of Industrial and Engineering

Chemistry, vol. 82, 422-431.

Borghi, M., Zardin, B., & Specchia, E. (2009). External Gear Pump Volumetric

Efficiency:Numerical and Experimental Analysis. Modena.

Salama, K. A. (2020). Materials for Pumps: A Review. Journal of Industrial and Engineering

Chemistry, vol. 82, 481-489.

Stranieri, A. e. (2017). A review of gear pump design. Journal of Applied Mechanics and

Materials, vol. 870, 579-584.

Yanada, H., Ichikawa, T., & Itsuji, Y. (1987). Study of the Trapping of Fluid in a Gear Pump.

Journal of Power and Energy, 33-251.

APPENDIX