As a room moderator at our Milwaukee Fluid Power Conference & Expo, I was able to sit in many sessions, including this session that was very informative and interesting. P.K. Guha, from Attica Hydraulic Exchange, provided a detailed look at hydraulic vane pumps. As a non-engineer, I truly learned exactly what a vane pump does, how it operates, and what can make it fail.

The session demonstrated how users could obtain better life out of their pumps, and directed them to sources to assist in that endeavor. P.K. discussed the reasons pumps fail, from things like aeration, cavitation, contamination, excessive pressure, misalignment, inadequate hydraulic fluid and reservoir design. He also showed images of vanes that have been damaged by each of those causes.

This session was definitely useful for anyone involved in installation, operation, and maintenance of vane pumps, from beginners to more advanced technicians because often failures can stump them. P.K.'s clear images and explanations could be used as a clear guide for many fluid power professionals.

What are your thoughts on pump operation and failure? Do you see problems like those listed above in your plants and how do you deal with them on your pumps?

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