Gear Pump Size Calculator
To calculate the size of a gear pump, several factors need to be taken into account, including flow rate, pressure, and the type of fluid being pumped. Here's a basic formula and an outline of the steps for gear pump sizing:
Formula:
The basic formula for the size of a gear pump is:

Where:
- Q = Flow rate (in liters per minute or gallons per minute)
- N = Number of gear teeth (typically 2 for a basic gear pump)
- D = Pitch diameter of the gear (in inches or mm)
- L = Length of the gear teeth (in inches or mm)
- RPM = Speed of the pump (in revolutions per minute)
Steps for Sizing:
-
Determine the desired flow rate (Q):
- This is typically given in liters per minute (LPM) or gallons per minute (GPM).
-
Determine the operating pressure:
- The pressure at which the pump will operate affects the pump's displacement. Higher pressures may require more robust materials and designs.
-
Determine the fluid characteristics:
- The viscosity of the fluid affects the pump's performance. More viscous fluids will require more power to pump.
-
Select the pump material and tolerances:
- Depending on the fluid being pumped (e.g., oil, water, chemical), the materials for the gears, casing, and seals should be chosen appropriately.
-
Choose the correct gear profile:
- Gear profiles include external, internal, or planetary configurations. Each has advantages depending on the application.
-
Adjust based on efficiency:
- Pump efficiency typically ranges between 85-95%, depending on design and operating conditions. This can be used to adjust the flow rate if necessary.
Example:
If you're given the following values:
- Desired flow rate: 30 LPM
- Gear diameter (D): 5 cm
- Gear length (L): 3 cm
- Pump speed (RPM): 1500