Design Analysis and Testing of a Gear Pump

Nigeria depends heavily on importation of goods and machines. A shift from this trend requires the development of locally available technology. The design analysis of a gear pump that aimed at delivering 4.0913x10-4m3/s (24.55litres/min) of oil was carried out in this work. Available technology was utilized in the design and fabrication of the external gear pump. The design considered relevant theories and principles which affect the performance of a pump. The parts of the pump were produced locally from available materials. The performance of the pump was characterized and the test results showed a volumetric efficiency of 81.47 per cent at a maximum delivery of 20litres/minute. The discharge dropped with increase in pressure head at a rate of 0.344Litres/m.