FAQ on Lubrication Pumps: From Engine Rooms to Oil Wells

In the complex world of machinery, precision and reliability are essential. Lubrication pumps play a key role in ensuring both, even though they are often overlooked. Whether you're working in manufacturing, automotive, or heavy industry, understanding these vital components is crucial for operational success.

This FAQ guide will answer your questions about the types of lubrication pumps, their applications, and the lubricants they handle. Let’s dive in!

Which Pump is Used for Lubrication?

Lubrication pumps vary depending on the type of lubricant, the required pressure, and the application. Common types include:

Piston Pumps: These are ideal for high-pressure tasks and efficiently move viscous lubricants like grease over long distances. ARO’s piston pumps deliver durability and high performance in demanding settings.
Diaphragm Pumps: These versatile pumps handle a wide range of fluids, including oils and lubricants.
Gear Pumps: These pumps are often used to circulate lubricating oil within closed systems.

What Type of Pump is Used for Oil?

Pumps like piston and diaphragm models are frequently used for oil transfer and lubrication systems. Piston pumps, such as the ARO AF0646, offer precise dispensing and operate at high pressures. Diaphragm pumps are also popular for their reliability and ability to handle oils of different viscosities.

What Are the Different Types of Oil Pumps?

Oil pumps are categorized by how they move oil. Common types include:

Piston Pumps: Use a reciprocating piston to move oil.
Gear Pumps: Use meshing gears to trap and transport oil.
Vane Pumps: Use a rotor with sliding vanes to move oil smoothly.
Lobe Pumps: Similar to gear pumps but use lobes that don’t touch.
Diaphragm Pumps: Use a flexible membrane to push oil efficiently.

Which Oil is Used in a Hydraulic Pump?

Hydraulic pumps use specially formulated hydraulic oil or fluid. This oil lubricates the pump's internal parts and serves as the medium for transferring energy throughout the hydraulic system. Hydraulic oils are designed to resist foaming, oxidation, and corrosion.

How Many Oil Pumps Are Used in a Dry-Sump Lubrication System?

A dry-sump lubrication system, commonly found in high-performance and racing engines, typically uses at least two oil pumps.

Pressure Pump: This pump supplies oil under pressure to the engine's components, just like in a conventional wet-sump system.
Scavenge Pump(s): One or more scavenge pumps are used to suck oil out of the engine's shallow sump and return it to an external reservoir. There are often multiple scavenge pumps to ensure all oil is effectively removed from the crankcase.

What to Use as a Lubricant for Pumping?

The choice of lubricant depends on the application:

Engine Oils: Used in internal combustion engines.
Gear Oils: Ideal for transmissions and differentials.
Greases: Suitable for bearings, chassis points, and components requiring thick, long-lasting lubrication.
Hydraulic Fluids: Designed specifically for hydraulic systems.

Always select a lubricant that matches the viscosity and performance specifications required by the machinery. ARO provides pumps compatible with a wide range of lubricants to meet diverse needs.

Which Pump is Used for Pumping Crude Oil from an Oil Well?

Specialized pumps handle the task of pumping crude oil from wells. The most common type is the beam pump, also known as the "nodding donkey," which extracts crude oil from underground reservoirs. At the surface, centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps, such as piston or screw pumps, transfer crude oil for processing or storage.

What is the Function of a Gear Pump?

A gear pump is designed to provide a steady and consistent flow of fluid. It traps fluid between the teeth of its rotating gears and the pump housing, moving it from the inlet to the outlet. This positive displacement action makes gear pumps ideal for applications requiring a smooth, non-pulsating flow, such as circulating engine oil or operating hydraulic systems.

What Type of Pump is a Grease Pump?

A grease pump is a type of positive displacement pump, typically a piston pump. Since grease is highly viscous and doesn’t flow easily, grease pumps generate high pressure to push the lubricant through hoses and fittings. ARO grease pumps use high-ratio air motors to create the necessary pressure for handling even the thickest greases.

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