Methodology based on best practice rules to design a new-born trochoidal gear pump

Abstract

The trochoidal gear pump, also known as gerotor, owing to its remarkable advantages compared to other hydraulic pumps is chosen for many engineering applications. As each application is unique, the designer ought to be knowledgeable of the required specifications as a first task but need not be an expert in the hydraulic pump design. The review of the existing research reveals significant gaps to develop a new-born project and the work presented in this paper, drawn on existing research work and the authors’ own experience and know-how, aims to overcome them. The objective of the paper is then to provide a summary of the best practice rules to design a trochoidal gear pump from scratch achieving a thorough understanding. In the conceptual stage, making decisions come according to a predetermined set of four parameters known by the designer that will lead to the complete development of the trochoidal gear set. Afterwards, in the design process, the most important characteristics of the pump such as the porting, the pump construction, and the limitations are presented based on the significant explanations, with regard to each feature, selection, effects, and good practices. As a result, the methodology presented compiles the process of engineering in designing a new trochoidal gear pump as a catalogue of guidelines aiming to overcome a vague design due to a lack of knowledge. This collection of best practice rules intends to guide the designer to take good decisions early in the design process that limit design change later in the final stage—the prototype.