Alternate Pumping Solutions for Special Fluids and Fluid Temperatures
By Bob Wojcik
Over the years, we have had numerous requests from customers looking to pump unusual fluids. Our challenge was to develop a reasonable low-cost method of providing our customers with a viable solution.
By utilizing commercially available components of a hydraulic system, our team has successfully solved for a variety of common pumping challenges. These solutions are most effective and satisfy a majority of unusual applications.
Common Pumping Challenges for Unusual Fluids:
- Very high temperature (250 °F)
- Very Low temperatures (-50 °F)
- Very High Viscosity
- Very Low Viscosity
- Simple Water
- Metering Control: Pressure Compensation of Cylinder/Pump
- Material Incompatibility
- Polyurethane
- Isopropyl
- Polystyrene
- Skydrol Fluid
Here is an application where such a system played an essential role in meeting a customer's special requirement.
Pumping Fluids With Extreme Temperature Ranges
The challenge was to provide a pumping system that would test brake valves. The requirements include that the system pump's brake fluid temperatures range from -50°F to 250°F. Along with this, the brake fluid viscosity varied dramatically from very high to very low with the temperature variance.
To further complicate the solution, the brake fluid seal compatibility required ammonia-treated seals, which would not work well with conventional commercially available hydraulic components.
This system needs to test the brake valves at 1000 PSI and it was preferred that the system offer pressure compensation at the special condition output.
Using Multiple Pump Combinations
Using a conventional pressure compensated hydraulic pump to drive the master cylinder allows the slave cylinder/pump to react with pressure compensation.
This type of system can solve directly for your special fluid and/or temperature challenges.
Solutions for Other Common Pump Challenges
Need to pump an unusual fluid? We can help with that. Please contact Quality Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Inc. with your unique requirements, and we’ll be happy to assist you with a solution.
