Single-acting vane pumps are widely used in medium-pressure hydraulic systems due to their smooth flow output and stable operation.
Understanding their working principle helps optimize system design and maintenance.
What Is a Single-Acting Vane Pump?
A single-acting vane pump is a type of positive displacement pump that:
• Uses a rotor mounted eccentrically inside a cam ring
• Contains multiple sliding vanes installed in rotor slots
• Produces one suction and one discharge cycle per revolution
It is commonly used in machine tools, injection molding machines, and industrial hydraulic stations.
Working Principle
1. Rotation & Centrifugal Force
When the shaft rotates:
• The rotor spins
• Vanes slide outward due to centrifugal force and hydraulic pressure
• Vanes maintain contact with the inner surface of the cam ring
This forms sealed chambers between adjacent vanes.
2. Suction Process
As the rotor turns toward the larger cavity area:
• The volume between vanes increases
• Pressure inside the chamber decreases
• Hydraulic oil is drawn in through the inlet port
This completes the suction phase.
3. Discharge Process
As rotation continues toward the smaller cavity area:
• Chamber volume decreases
• Oil is compressed
• Pressurized oil exits through the outlet port
This completes one working cycle.
In a single-acting vane pump, this process happens once per rotation.