How does a gear pump generate flow?

A gear pump generates flow primarily by the rotation of gears that trap and move fluid. In a gear pump, two gears intermesh and rotate within a casing. As one gear turns, it creates a void that pulls hydraulic fluid into the pump through an inlet port. As the gears continue to turn, they carry the trapped fluid between their teeth and along the pump's casing to the outlet port, from where the fluid is discharged under pressure.

This mechanism allows for a consistent flow of fluid, making gear pumps particularly effective for applications requiring a steady supply. The design enables high efficiency and can generate significant pressure as the fluid is displaced through the system.

Other mechanisms of fluid movement, such as oscillation of a diaphragm or the reliance on centrifugal forces, do not apply to gear pumps. These pumps also do not operate by compressing hydraulic fluid, as that would be characteristic of a different type of pump. Understanding how gear pumps work is crucial for applications in hydraulic systems where precise flow control is necessary.