Pump has same power and capacity but is 20% smaller
A new gear pump and drive unit has been developed that is 20% smaller than its predecessor but which boasts similar power and capacity. Dean Palmer reports
A new gear pump and drive unit has been developed that is 20% smaller than its predecessor but which boasts similar power and capacity. Dean Palmer reports
A new, innovative gear pump and drive unit has been developed that is 20% smaller than its predecessor without sacrificing power or torque capacity.
The patented I-Drive, part of the 'Micropump Gear Pump' range (distributed in the UK by Woking-based firm Michael Smith Engineers), is designed for liquids transfer and dispensing duties in OEM, laboratory and R&D applications, and combines a pump head, a brushless DC motor and an electronic controller into a single, compact unit with smooth pulseless flows.
The 20% reduction in size was achieved by incorporating over-moulded NdFeB magnets, the latest surface mount technology and an enhanced heat sink.
Engineers are offered a choice of 40W or 70W motors, which drive the pump electromagnetically, eliminating all physical contact with the motor to ensure excellent service life as there are no moving parts.
The thermal and overload protected electronic controller provides variable speed drive options of 0 to 5VDC, 4 to 20mA remote control signal or local manual control. Mounting options include a motor flange attachment or a removeable bracket.
The unit is available in standard or custom OEM configurations with flow rates up to 3.2 litres/min at differential pressures up to 7 bar. The company says that the simplicity of the unit's built-in speed control and tachometer output signal "allows easy integration into PLC or PC-controlled systems or end user installations".
Sam Smith, chief engineer at Michael Smith Engineers, told Eureka: "The unit was launched in November 2004 and is selling well into industries such as medical devices for dialysis machines and lasers."
