1. What is Hydraulic Pump Flow?

The hydraulic pump flow rate (GPM - gallons per minute) is a measure of how much fluid a pump can move in a given time. It's crucial for selecting the right pump for your hydraulic system needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydraulic pump flow formula:

Where:

• \( GPM \) — Flow rate in gallons per minute
• \( Displacement \) — Pump displacement in cubic inches per revolution
• \( RPM \) — Pump speed in revolutions per minute
• \( 231 \) — Conversion factor (cubic inches to gallons)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much fluid the pump moves based on its physical displacement and operating speed.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Knowing the flow rate is essential for proper hydraulic system design, ensuring adequate fluid supply to actuators, and preventing cavitation or excessive pressure drops.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the pump's displacement (typically found in manufacturer specifications) and the operating RPM. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical displacement for hydraulic pumps?
A: Displacement varies widely, from less than 0.1 in³/rev for small pumps to over 10 in³/rev for large industrial pumps.

Q2: How does flow rate affect system performance?
A: Higher flow rates allow faster actuator movement but require larger components and more power. Insufficient flow causes slow operation.

Q3: What's the 231 constant in the formula?
A: This converts cubic inches to gallons (1 gallon = 231 cubic inches).

Q4: Does temperature affect the flow rate?
A: While the calculated flow rate remains the same, actual delivered flow may vary slightly with temperature due to viscosity changes.

Q5: Can I use this for all pump types?
A: This works for positive displacement pumps (gear, piston, vane). It doesn't apply to centrifugal pumps.