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The efficiency of hydraulic pumps and motors helps you determine when it is time to replace the pump or motor or both. A decline in pump efficiency is sometimes easy to notice, especially if the cycle times are becoming longer or maximum pressure levels are not being reached.

When times become unacceptable, then the pump and, if part of the circuit, the motor are replaced. Yet, there are times when efficiency can start to decline, and you might not be certain whether it is the pump, the motor, or both.

For these times, and to monitor the normal “wear and tear” of your pumps or motors, you need to, for pumps, compare the theoretical flow and pressure capabilities with the actual ones generated. For motors you need to compare the theoretical torque capability of the motor with that actually being generated. From these figures can be calculated the overall efficiency of the pumps and or motors.

• Hydraulic/Mechanical Efficiency – This calculation compares the theoretical torque rate of the motor the manufacturer provides against the actual torque rate. You will need a dynamometer to measure the actual torque rate.
• Volumetric Efficiency – This efficiency is a comparison of the theoretical flow rate, at a particular pressure, the manufacturer provides against the true flow rate. A flow meter does need to be connected to the system to determine the true flow rate.

With normal “wear and tear,” these rates will start to decline over time, but, through regular monitoring, you can quickly determine when a pump or motor is no longer efficient enough to do the job required and replace it with a new one.

For all of your hydraulic motor and pump needs, or assistance in calculating torque and flow rates, please feel free to contact White House Products Ltd. at +44 (0) 1475 742500 today!