METERING WITH

GEAR PUMPS

Created in conjunction with:

IN THIS eBOOK
This eBook, created in conjunction with Viking Pump,
describes how Viking gear pumps can be used in
metering applications. Also, learn about specific parts of
the metering process.
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

About the Source

Viking Pump, Inc. has been a leader
in positive displacement pumping
solutions for over 100 years. Viking
Pump always looks for innovative
new pumping solutions, like custom
designs, to provide several thousands
of customers with the best possible
pump in some of the toughest
applications.

2
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Content Inside
Overview
A short discussion about metering applications within manufacturing.

Terminology You Should Know

A review of vocabulary that is essential in understanding metering with gear pumps.

What You Need To Know About Liquid Compressibility

Liquid compressibility is an important concept when discussing metering applications.
This chapter covers what it is, and why it’s important.

Types of Metering Pumps

Gear pumps work exceptionally well for metering applications, but there are also others.
Read about your options.

Metering Applications For Gear Pumps

Learn how to apply gear pumps in metering applications.

Are Gear Pumps Right For Your Application?

Review these recommendations to make sure a gear pump is right for your process and
application.

Examples
Situations to show how gear pumps work in metering applications and the associated
calculations and logistics behind them.

3
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Metering Pumps In Manufacturing

From flavorings in food and beverage applications, to chemicals for cleaning solutions, to
filling bottles of cosmetics, metering pumps are part of many important manufacturing
processes.

This ebook from Viking Pump is everything you’ll need to learn about metering with gear
pumps. Learn the intricacies of metering, terminology, plus real life examples of how gear
pumps are applied in metering applications.

5
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

A metering pump may be defined as a device that is used to accurately displace a

predetermined volume of liquid in a specific time period and is driven by power from an
outside source applied to the pump mechanism.

Since positive displacement pumps, by definition, deliver a fixed volume of liquid per
revolution or stroke of the pumping element(s), it is logical that a wide variety of rotary
and reciprocating types of positive displacement pumps have been developed and used for
metering purposes.

Here are a few examples of positive displacement pumps that could be used for metering
purposes:

Peristaltic or Hose Pumps Solenoid Driven Diaphragm

Gear Pump Progressive Cavity Pump

6
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Terminology you should know.

In order to discuss metering pumps and metering pump applications it will be necessary
to define certain terms and the use of these terms. Here are some terms that will be used
throughout this book.

Capacity
The capacity of the metering pump is the volume rate of liquid flow discharged from the
pump at maximum rated speed and displacement. Capacity may be stated in various units
of volume per period of time. For example, milliliter per hour, cubic meters per hour, U.S.
gallons per minute or per hour, etc.

Capacity is sometimes referred to as rated capacity, discharge flow, or pump delivery.

It should be noted that the capacity of a metering pump may be changed in a variety of

7
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

means, normally either thru variation of operating speed or displacement of the pump
element(s) or, a combination of variation of speed and displacement.

Speed
The speed of a metering pump is the number of cycles of the pumping element(s) per unit
of time and is usually expressed in revolutions or strokes per minute. As applied to pumps
featuring reciprocating operating principles, speed is sometimes referred to as stroke rate,
stroke speed, or plunger speed.

Repetitive Accuracy
The ability of a pump to repeatedly deliver a consistent measured capacity within a specified
percent of the average recorded capacity when operating under constant conditions. These
conditions include operating temperature, liquid viscosity, inlet and outlet pressures and
speed.

Linearity
The relationship between the actual pump capacity and an ideal straight capacity line drawn
thru plotted capacity points determined during calibration tests. Linearity deviation is
generally expressed as a percent of maximum rated capacity of the pump.

Range
The speed settings or displacement settings between which specified accuracy factors will
be maintained by the pump.

Volumetric Efficiency
The calculated percentage ratio of the actual measured capacity pumped, divided by the
theoretical capacity of the pumping element(s) at a given operating speed. The value of the
volumetric efficiency of a metering pump is determined by any or all of the following factors:
slip, cavitation and/or fluid compressibility.

8
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Slip
The capacity which flows back through the
pump from the discharge side to the suction
side through necessary internal operating
clearances. The actual quantity of slip capacity
is determined by differential pressure across
the pump, viscosity of the liquid, and/or internal
clearance locations and size.

Internal clearance size and locations may

depend upon the design of the pump,
manufacturing tolerances on specified
dimensions, eccentricity and run-outs, the effects of temperature upon the dimensions of
the pump components, distortion induced by mounting or piping strain, and perhaps long
term effects of dimensional changes due to corrosive or abrasive wear.

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

The pressure on the fluid, in excess of the liquid’s vapor pressure, measured at the pump
suction connection. NPSH may be expressed as a height of a column of liquid (head) which
would develop a force per unit area or, in units of force per area (pressure) which may be
absolute pressure (for example: pounds per square inch absolute – psia) when less than
atmospheric or gauge pressure (for example: pounds per square inch gauge – psig) when
greater than atmospheric.

Under fixed operating conditions, all pumps exhibit a requirement for a minimum NPSH in
order to avoid cavitation. This is a function of a pump design and can be determined only
by testing of the pump under these conditions. This NPSH value is frequently referred to as
Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR). The Net Positive Suction Head available to the
pump from the system is referred to as Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHA).

9
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

The value of Net Positive Suction Head available can be determined by measurement or
calculation of pressures, elevation factors and friction loss characteristics of the suction side
of the pumping system or by gauge measurement when a pumping system is actually under
operation.

Cavitation
The phenomenon of the formation of vapor bubbles or pockets on the suction side of the
pump due to insufficient NPSHA. It may occur when Net Positive Suction Head available is
less than the NPSHR by the pump under a given set of operating conditions.

Upon transfer to the discharge side of the pump the vapor bubbles collapse, and return to
a liquid state. The result of this phenomenon may be noise, vibration or physical damage to
the pump parts resulting from impingement of liquid upon the surfaces of the pump interior
as liquid rushes to replace the volume of the vapor bubble or pocket.

In addition to the above objectionable features of cavitation, a significant decrease in the

expected capacity may be observed. This is due to the fact that a given weight of fluid
occupies a far greater volume as a vapor than as liquid. Accordingly, every effort should be
made to avoid cavitation by providing sufficient NPSHA to the pump in excess of the pump’s
NPSHR.

10
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

What you need to know about

LIQUID COMPRESSIBILITY
Most liquids are considered to be essentially incompressible, however, some liquids do
have a compressible nature or may have substantial amounts of entrained air or other
gasses which will result in compressible nature. When such liquids are subjected to low
absolute pressure regions on the suction side of the pump, they expand and upon reaching
the discharge side of the pump, they contract, resulting in a measurable reduction in the
expected capacity of the pump at a given operating speed. For purposes of illustration
we can use a hypothetical and highly exaggerated graphical illustration of metering pump
performance curves. Please refer to Figure 1 and note the various information presented.

11
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

To simplify illustration, we will assume the

following conditions:

1. The liquid is incompressible

2. Adequate net positive suction head is

available throughout the full operating
speed or displacement range to
prevent cavitation

3. Fluid viscosity and temperature are

constant

4. No substantial mounting or piping

strains are imposed upon the pump

In actual practice the above set of conditions

Fig. 1
will seldom be encountered, however,
to illustrate the terms involved these assumptions will fit our purposes nicely. Notice
that when operating at 75% of rated speed or displacement, the pump illustrated would
theoretically be expected to deliver a capacity represented by the value Y and that by
actual measurement it delivers a capacity as represented by the value X. Accordingly the
volumetric efficiency of the pump operating under these conditions may be calculated as
X/Y x 100% = volumetric efficiency.

12
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

By definition the deviation from linearity may be calculated as:

Z / Maximum Rated Capacity x 100 = Linearity Deviation

Note that at less than 50% of rated speed or displacement, the pump capacity falls outside
the acceptable linearity band and thus establishes the range of the pump as from 50-
100% of rated speed or displacement. Repetitive accuracy is not illustrated in this example,
however, we may assume that this pump is capable of delivering X capacity within a
specified plus or minus percent of X, repeatedly, when operating at 75% of rated speed or
displacement and other operating conditions remain fixed. The difference between the
actual delivered capacity, X, and theoretical capacity, Y, may be due to slip, cavitation or
liquid compressibility and may involve any one or any combination of these three factors.
Since we have assumed that the liquid is incompressible and that there is adequate NPSH
available throughout the full operating range, the difference in this case, is slip.

13
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Types of Positive Displacement Metering

Pumps
As mentioned previously, a wide variety of reciprocating and rotary types of positive
displacement pumps have been developed specifically for, or have been applied successfully
as metering pumps.

When two or more metering pumps are operated together to mix different liquids the
complete unit becomes what is called a proportioning pump.

Reciprocating Pumps
As a class of pumps, reciprocating types feature either piston or diaphragm actuation.
Piston pumps may be single or double acting and feature on (simplex), two (duplex), three
(triplex) or more than three (multiplex) pistons or plungers. Diaphragm pumps may also have
on or more pumping elements and the diaphragm may be fluid operated or mechanically
operated.

14
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Generally speaking, reciprocating metering pumps are capable of extremely accurate

capacities, and are capable of very small or very large capacities. They can handle very
high discharge pressures, and can be designed to vary their capacity through variable
displacement devices while operating in a constant input rotational speed. Through the use
of special design features and proper selection of materials of construction, liquids can be
handled that feature wide variations in temperature, abrasiveness or corrosiveness.

Reciprocating metering pumps are relatively large, expensive to manufacture, and feature a
pulsating flow characteristic which may or may not be objectionable on a given application.
In addition, they all feature the requirement for valving in the form of check valves in order
for the pump to perform properly. Selection of the proper type of packing for piston pumps
and the durability and liquid compatibility of the material of the diaphragm in diaphragm-
type pumps is a definite requirement in order for the pumps to successfully handle
troublesome metering jobs.

Rotary Metering Pumps

Rotary metering pumps may feature single or multiple (usually two) rotors. Single rotor
rotary pump types may feature a vane, flexible member or screw operating principle.

Multiple rotor rotary pump types may feature gears, lobes, circumferential pistons, or
screws (two or more) as operating elements.

There are exceptions, however, few rotary

type positive displacement pumps have
been developed specifically for metering
applications. The majority of rotary type
positive displacement pumps have been
developed for liquid transfer applications or
hydraulic power applications.

As a class, rotary pumps generally are quite

Viking Pump Universal Mag Drive
compact and economical. They can be designed to

15
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

handle very small to very

large capacities and can
generate medium discharge
pressures. Through proper
selection of design features
and materials of construction,
a wide variety of hot, cold,
thick, thin, abrasive and
corrosive liquids may be
handled by rotary pumps.

Rotary pumps generally do

Viking Pump Universal Seal Internal Gear Pump not require valving and most
types, depending upon design characteristically feature a smooth and essentially pulseless
discharge flow. Most rotary pumps rely upon changes in speed through variable speed input
drives to accomplish the variation in capacity settings which are frequently required on
metering applications.

Viking Pumps, for example, are classified as a positive displacement, rotary, internal or
external gear pump. It features a fixed displacement of liquid per revolution of the pump
elements to permit a flow rate that is essentially directly proportional to operating speed,
permitting them to operate as metering pumps.

Because these gear pumps feature a fixed displacement design, change of capacity is
accomplished by speed variation.

16
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Metering Applications for Gear Pumps

Gear pumps have been used for a
wide variety of metering jobs including
dispensing, batching and blending jobs in
many industries including chemical and
petrochemical, petroleum refinery, food and
beverage, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics,
paint, pulp and paper, plastics, asphalt, ice
cream and dairy, soap and detergents and
the rubber and tire industries.
A few typical applications involve the
addition of chemicals to flow processes,
packaging and dispensing in the food
and beverage industry, injection of paint
pigments in the paint industry, application
of liquid foam insulation in a variety of
manufacturing processes (manufacture of
refrigeration equipment, automobile bodies),
metering asphalt onto roadways during road
construction and the metering of precise
amounts of viscose in the manufacturing of
casings for food products including sausage,
bologna, etc.

17
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS
Gear Pumps in Metering Applications
We will now illustrate how metering pump
terminology applies to gear pumps, and
we will discuss points to examine when
considering gear pumps on metering jobs.
We will also illustrate and discuss two typical condition of 15 inches of mercury. Refer to
applications where gear pumps have been
used for metering purposes in liquid handling
systems.
Fig. 2
18
For illustration, we will use a performance
curve for a Viking Pump, Model KK124A
pump handling a liquid of 100 SSU viscosity
with varying speeds, two discharge
pressures illustrated, and a constant suction
Figure 2.
Note that a blue line has been added to
the capacity versus speed
portion of this illustration.
This line represents the
theoretical capacity that
this pump could deliver
under the ideal conditions
of atmospheric inlet and
discharge pressures, or
under conditions of zero
differential pressure.
Note that the other two
capacity versus speed
curves illustrate operation
at constant discharge
pressures of 25 and 200
psig discharge pressure.
We may assume that the
maximum rated capacity
for this pump occurs at an
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS
operating speed of 640 RPM and equals 85
USGPM, when operated at 25 PSI gauge
discharge pressure and 15 in. hg. suction.
The “range” of this pump under these
conditions may be assumed to be from 190
to 640 rpm, or from 24 to 85 USGPM.
The lower limit of the range is not
necessarily 190 RPM or 24 USGPM,
however, the wide variety of sizes of Viking
Pumps available would tend to encourage
a selection of a smaller pump for capacities
lower than 24 GPM in order to maintain a
maximum amount of metering accuracy.
Under the above conditions of operation, a
model KK124A pump has frequently been
found to be within a repetitive accuracy
of plus or minus 1%, sufficient for many
19
metering jobs. Many users have reported
repetitive accuracies of plus or minus ½ of 1%
under these conditions.
Linearity, as defined earlier – is the
relationship between the actual pump
capacity and an ideal straight capacity line
drawn thru plotted points during calibration
tests. It is difficult to illustrate with this type
of performance curve; however, it could be
expected to vary from plus or minus 2 to
3% at the low end of the operating range up
to plus or minus 1% at the maximum rated
capacity or speed.
Experience has shown that, for most
metering pump applications where Viking
pumps have been used or considered,
repetitive accuracy is far more important
than the accuracy of linearity.
For customers requiring specific accuracy
requirements, it is recommended that
certified performance testing or calibration
testing be performed by the manufacturer,
or preferably at the customer’s facility, under
actual operating conditions.
Simple vs. Complex Metering Applications
Metering applications can be very simple and
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

straightforward or very complex. 4. Corrosive or abrasive liquid

An example of a simple metering application
would be the operation of a gear pump at
a fixed speed to deliver a constant flow of
a clean, lubricating liquid under constant
temperature, viscosity, suction and
discharge pressure conditions.
The metering ability of a gear pump, used
under the above conditions, requires full
understanding of all the variables of the
application and abilities of the pump to
perform under these conditions.

Under these conditions, once a desired

flow rate has been established by setting
the correct speed of the pump, repetitive
accuracy of the flow rate from the pump has
been found to be excellent. Examples might
include metering molasses into animal feed,
applying glue to coating rollers, extrusion
of viscose meat casings and proportioning
additives into constant flow processes.

A complex metering application would,

perhaps include a combination of any or all
of the following factors: Fig. 3

1. A requirement for a wide variation in Typical examples of metering jobs involving

flow rates and accordingly, operating
speed.
2. Wide variations in suction and/or
discharge pressure conditions.
3. Wide ranges in viscosity of the liquid or
temperature changes.
such variable factors would include the
manufacturing of cellophane, batching
operations in resin manufacturing, paint
manufacturing, polyurethane foam
applications, etc.
While it is impossible to predict with extreme
accuracy, the effects of a combination of the

20
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

above application variables upon the actual flow rate of a given pump, we can illustrate the
effect of variations of each significant variable, assuming that all other factors are constant.
For illustration, please refer to figure 3.

Line A is a plot of the theoretical capacity versus operating speed. This line is very closely
approximated by an actual pump in service when the differential pressure is very low.

Curve B represents a typical Viking pump operating in a fixed system with a given fluid
viscosity. Note that the deviation of this line from line A is due to “slip” and the curve of line
B away from line A is due to increasing differential pressure resulting from increasing pipe
friction losses at the high flow rates on both the suction and discharge side of the pump.

Curve C represents the operating line which would be typical of the same pump if any of the
following conditions were to be changed independently of all other conditions:

1. An increased suction condition requirement

2. An increased discharge pressure

3. Reduced liquid viscosity due to change of the liquid or an increase in the same liquid’s
temperature.

4. An increase in internal operating clearances due to long term abrasive or corrosive

wear or deliberate application of “extra clearances” to accommodate such application
conditions as high operating temperature, etc.

Note: Figure 3 is highly exaggerated and is presented for illustration purposes only.

21
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Are Gear Pumps Right for Your

Application?
Gear pumps aren’t right for every metering application. Before proceeding with a gear pump,
review these recommendations.

1. Determine if metering accuracy requirements are realistic. Unnecessary and extreme

accuracy specifications may rule out many economical solutions to the metering
problem.

2. Consider all possible conditions under which the pump may be required to perform. It
is very difficult and expensive to rectify problems resulting from application conditions
which have been minimized or overlooked.

3. Minimize differential pressure to reduce “slip”. Short, ample sized suction and
discharge lines with a minimum number of fittings, vertical suction lift and discharge
head are helpful here. Be sure there is sufficient Net Positive Suction Head Available
(NPSHA) to avoid cavitation under all operating conditions. Reduce pump speed for
high viscosities in accordance with established practices.

4. Carefully consider applications which require very slow operating speeds with respect
to the pump’s normal operating speed. At extremely slow speeds, “slip” becomes an

22
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

increasingly large proportion of deviation from the expected theoretical flow to the
detriment of metering accuracy.

5. In discussing possible applications, be sure to point out that the pump is being
considered for a metering job. Frequently it is desirable to forego “extra clearances,”
normally applied to pump parts for high liquid viscosity, at the expense of slightly
higher drive horsepower requirements in the interest of greater metering accuracy.

6. Consider the long term effects of abrasive or corrosive wear on the pump’s internal
parts.

7. Carefully consider metering applications that involve elevated temperatures that

require the use of “extra clearances” within the pump. Frequently, high temperature
metering applications feature a very low fluid viscosity. If substantial differential
pressure is present, the “slip” factor must be carefully considered to make a
satisfactory recommendation and application.

8. Consider the accuracy of speed variation and repeatability of the type of drive used to
power the pump. Obviously the pump cannot be more accurate than its drive.

9. Follow recommended mounting and piping practices. In spite of rugged construction,

mounting and piping strains upon a pump casing can have serious effects upon the
pump’s ability perform satisfactorily.

23
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Here’s a couple of examples where Viking Pumps have been used for metering jobs.

Photo No. 1 illustrates the use of a special Viking asphalt pump as a component of a
metering system found on a modern asphalt distributor truck. Metering accuracy is required
in this application to permit the economical application of a specified minimum gallonage of
asphalt per foot of roadway.

Photo No. 1- A transparent view of an asphalt distributor showing the auto-

matically controlled Viking asphalt delivery pump.

BAR
METER POWER TAKE-OFF HYDRAULIC
PUMP
HYDROSTATIC VIKING ASPHALT
HYDRAULIC HYDRAULIC
SHOT CONTROL PUMP
RESERVOIR MOTOR
METER

Notice that the source of power for this system is a transmission PTO, however, the capacity
of the pump can be varied by the vehicle operator independently of the engine speed or the
transmission ratio through the use of an infinitely variable ratio hydrostatic drive system.

Through the use of charts developed by the manufacturer of this equipment, the operator
can vary the speed of the pump to deliver a specified gallonage of asphalt through the
varying lengths of spray bar attached to the rear of the vehicle in accordance with road

24
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

construction contract requirements. It is the essentially constant ratio of flow rate with
respect to operating speed that permits the gear pump to perform well in applications of
this type.

We will now discuss some of the industries that use gear pumps, more specifically, Viking
Pumps, for metering jobs and typical applications with details and comments. The material
presented is intended to be representative in nature.

Example 1: Batch Preparation of Commercial Molassesized Livestock Feed

Our first example concerns the use of a gear pump in batch preparation of commercial
molassesized livestock feed. The feed was prepared in 4000lb batches and used a gear
pump speeded at 292 RPM to deliver 35 GPM of molasses until 200 to 240 lbs had been
added to each 4000 lb batch of feed.

They originally considered the installation of a motor starter connected to an adjustable

interval timer of the reset type to control the operating cycle of this molasses pump.
However, they subsequently decided upon manual start stop operation of the pump in
conjunction with a stop-watch or sweep second hand wrist watch and a chart of pounds
of molasses delivered to the batch versus seconds of pump operating time (for example
29 seconds of pump operation at 292 RPM would deliver 200 lb of molasses to the batch).
They are pleased with the way this arrangement has worked out and feels the accuracy of
this arrangement is completely satisfactory for his purposes and has saved the added cost
of the timer and hook up expense.

As in most molasses applications, reduced operating speeds and steel fitted pump
construction are recommended. Obviously this is a very simple type of metering application
that does not require extreme accuracy but does require rugged pump construction in
addition to a low installed cost.

25
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Example 2: Metering Viscous Liquids, Sensitive To Heat

Many manufacturers of products made from viscose (sometimes referred to as rayon
viscose) have used gear pumps for metering jobs in the manufacture of such items as
cellophane, rayon, seals for jar caps and whisky bottles and various casings used in the
meat packing industry to stuff prepared meat products such as hotdogs, bologna, sausages,
etc. These applications typically involve a highly viscous liquid which is sensitive to heat.

Accordingly, most applications involve slow speed operation (1/4 to 1/3 of rated speed) and
oversize ports to reduce suction problems and discharge pressures due to the high liquid
viscosity.

In the interest of metering accuracy, “extra clearances” which are normally applied to high
viscosity applications are not applied on pumps intended for viscose metering pumps. Care
should be taken to be sure sufficient additional drive horsepower is available to overcome
the higher than normal torque resulting from the viscous drag in the reduced clearances in
these pumps.

Because of the full size internal parts and the high viscosity of the viscose liquid, the
metering accuracy of Viking gear pumps can be extremely good in spite of reduced operating
speed and substantial discharge pressures. Of course sufficient care should be taken to
provide adequate NPSHA at the suction port to avoid starvation or cavitation problems.

Air bubbles in viscose film products are very objectionable. Accordingly, many manufacturers
resort to submerging the pump in water to prevent air from entering the stuffing box shaft
seal.

Flow rates may be varied through the use of variable speed drive arrangements, however,
some manufacturers of viscose products prefer to use interchangeable pumps of various
displacements mounted on the same constant or varying speed drive set up to achieve
varying pump flow rates.

26
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Example 3: Manufacturing Polyurethane Foam Rubber

Gear pumps are used extensively by many manufacturers of polyurethane foam rubber
products. In addition to transfer type applications, they are used on combination circulation
and metering jobs. They are commonly utilized by manufacturers of seats and seat
components for industrial, agricultural, and military vehicles and furniture manufacturers.

Figure 1, illustrates a schematic flow diagram of the system used in this process. Note that
a total of eight gear pumps are included and that four of the pumps serve as combination
circulating and metering pumps handling Polyol, T.D.I. (toluene diisocynate), catalyst and
Freon.

All four of these pumps are equipped with variable speed drives so pump capacity and flow
rate can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the various product manufactured.

During the metering portion of the cycle, control actuated three-way valves in the discharge
lines direct the flow to a mixing head for a precise number of seconds.

Note that this example illustrates essentially standard pumps and drive arrangements.

3-WAY VALVE

MIX FEED FEED

POLYOL BULK TANK TANK TANK
NO. 1

(b) POLYOL MIX & (c) POLYOL (d) CATALYST

POLYOL BULK TRANSFER PUMP METERING PUMP METERING PUMPS
NO. 2 MIXING HEAD

POLYOL BULK FOAM

FEED FEED
NO. 3
TANK TANK

(a) BULK POLYOL (e) T.D.I. (f) FREON

TRANSFER PUMPS METERING PUMP METERING PUMP

Fig. 1

27
 METERING WITH GEAR PUMPS

Example 4: Metering Oil In Food Applications

This example involves the use of a gear pump used in a tuna fish cannery to deliver a small
quantity of olive oil into each can of tuna prior to the time the can lids are applied and final
cooking, labeling and packaging operations are performed.

The pump circulates the olive oil continuously and upon the presence of a can at the olive
oil delivery point in the conveyor system, a signal operates a timed valve which permits the
pump to deliver a precisely measured quantity of oil into the waiting can of tuna.

Conclusion
The above brief descriptions cover but a few of the numerous uses of gear pumps for
metering purposes. There are many metering jobs for which a standard or special gear
pump would provide a simple, rugged, economical and sufficiently accurate solution.

A large portion of applications, for which positive displacement pumps are selected, are
metering jobs, because the customer expects essentially a constant rate of flow at a given
operating speed regardless of variations in operating pressure. It is the degree of accuracy
of pumping operation that determines a pump’s ability to meet stated metering job
requirements. Gear pumps are an excellent choice for metering accuracy in a broad range of
applications.

28
 Need help selecting a Viking Pump for your metering application?
Ask us about it!
Crane Engineering is Wisconsin’s oldest, and largest distributor of Viking Pumps. Come to us
for technical advice, expert sizing and selection, and precision repairs.
CONTACTUS
Phone: 920-733-4425
Website: www.craneengineering.net
Address: 707 Ford Street, Kimberly, Wisconsin 54136