Working Principle of a Single-Acting Vane Pump

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.

1.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.

2.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.