A gear pump is a type of positive displacement (PD) pump.  It moves a fluid by repeatedly enclosing a fixed volume using interlocking cogs or gears, transferring it mechanically using a cyclic pumping action.

Advantages of gear pumps

1. Simple and compact structure, small volume, light weight, small space occupied.
2. good workmanship, easy to manufacture, inexpensive.
3. strong self-absorption, insensitive to fluid contamination, suitable for conveying high viscosity fluids.
4. large speed range, shock load resistance. 
5. reliable operation, low maintenance costs.

Application Areas

The individual media that can be conveyed with gear pumps include, among others:

• Chemical industry: alcohols, additives, bitumen, tars, wax, acids and bases, esters, glycerin, resins, isocyanate, adhesives, monomers, oils, and phenols
• Polymer manufacturing and processing: PET, PBT, PS, ABS, PVC, PE, PEEK, cellulose, nylon, and other polymers
• Food / feed processing: plant oils, butter and margarine, flavorings, chocolate, licorice, chewing gum mass, syrup, honey, gelatins, mustard and ketchup, sugar solutions, enzymes
• Pharmacy: amino acids, lotion, shampoo, vitamins

Gear pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that work by enclosing a fixed volume of fluid using interlocking gears or cogs, which then move the fluid mechanically through a cyclic pumping action. This technology is widely used in a variety of industries due to its robustness and efficiency in handling a wide range of fluids, including those with high viscosities.

Technical Characteristics and Benefits

A key advantage of gear pumps is their simple yet compact structure. The design is lightweight and occupies minimal space, making it an ideal choice for applications where size and weight are critical factors. Despite their small size, gear pumps are capable of delivering fluid at rates ranging from 0.4 to 72 m³/h (1.8 to 317 gpm), with pressures up to 10 bar (145 psi). The wide viscosity range (up to 5,000 mPas) allows these pumps to handle both low and high viscosity fluids, making them versatile for many different industrial processes.

In terms of temperature tolerance, gear pumps can function effectively across a broad range, from -20 °C to +200 °C (-4 °F to +392 °F), allowing them to handle hot, cold, or even hazardous fluids. The pump is also self-priming, ensuring it can start up without the need for external assistance, and it is sealless, which reduces maintenance requirements and the risk of leakage. This self-priming feature ensures reliability even in applications where the fluid is prone to vaporization or air entrainment.

Furthermore, gear pumps are designed to operate in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, as indicated by their ATEX certification for Ex Zones 1 & 2. This makes them safe to use in industries where flammable or volatile fluids are present.