Things to Know About a Dry Vane Pump

What is a Vane Pump?

Invented by Charles C. Barnes, a vane pump is a positive-displacement pump, consisting of vanes mounted on a rotor, used as hydraulic pumps in automobiles. It usually runs on oil but there is another kind of a vane pump, known as a dry vane pump.

Dry Vane Pump

What is a Dry Vane Pump?

This one operates entirely on gas or non-greasy fluids. They are also called oil-less vane pumps, sometimes. Vane pumps can handle moderately viscose liquids but they excel at working with liquids with low viscosity ammonia, such as LP gas (propane), fuel oils, solvents, alcohol, gasoline, and refrigerants. Vane pumps are not built with an internal metal compatible contact. Hence, they maintain a steady performance on the non-lubricating fluids. Dry vane pumps are known for their capacity in dry priming, easy maintenance, and excellent suction characteristics throughout.

Applications of a Vane Pump:

A vane pump has a lot of advantages. For instance, it can handle thin liquids at high pressure and are preferred for solvents. It also creates a good vacuum. Owing to these properties, a vane pump has a lot of applications. Vane pumps are predominantly used as hydraulic pumps in automobiles. Supercharging, air conditioning, power steering, et cetera are other areas where the dry vane pump is extensively used. They are used as carbonators for soft-drink dispensers (fountain dispensers) and instant coffee machines. Furthermore, these pumps could be used in applications which require low-pressure gas, such as in secondary air injection or in low-pressure chemical vapor deposition systems. Dry vane pumps provide braking assistance in trucks, diesel run passenger cars, and are of great use in laboratory freeze dryers, as well.

Tips to Remember When Dealing With Dry Vane Pumps:

• Vane pumps are often used because they have a lower set up and maintenance cost. Additionally, they are significantly smaller than other pumps and can be used for multiple applications. Vane pumps ensure a tight seal and fully functional working parts and the gas often helps in cooling of the motor parts. Nevertheless, keep these things in mind while operating a dry vane pump.
• When using a vane pump, it is imperative to collect the evaporated vapors in the upstream of the pump. Cold Traps or condensers are most widely used to collect these vapors and to protect the pump.
• Since these oil-less pumps run on compressed gas, it is necessary to check the levels and even to change them. It is recommended that the gas be change after every 3000 hours of use. This might be a costly process in the long run.
• Checking the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of a pump is a crucial step since that will determine how many cubic feet per minute of air the pump can move. 

Dry vane pumps are known to be expensive so buyers often tend to drift towards a budget saver instead of a quality assured product. Budget savers are usually low-grade imports from foreign countries that wear off within months of use. On the other hand, quality assured vane pumps will be an investment that will not malfunction in the near future.

Oil-less vane pumps are highly useful in both big scale and small-scale industries. They are also required at homes since they can carry a large set of applications. However, it is indeed a fact that handling and maintaining a vane pump can be expensive and difficult. If the aforementioned statements are read, then it will be easier to understand the range of applications of the dry vane pump is capable of carrying and the tips that should be remembered always.