Vane Pump vs Gear Pump - A Comprehensive Comparison

5 Reasons Why Vane Pumps Outperform Gear Pumps

While the sliding vane pump and internal/external gear pump operating principles have set the standard in reliable, efficient, and safe positive displacement pump operation for centuries, sliding vane pumps will functionally outperform their gear pump cousins in a number of important ways. These include internal clearances, component lifespan, system functionality, relief valve cracking pressure, and liquid compatibility.

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Internal Clearances

Vanes self-compensate for wear based on the sliding vane pump design, ensuring volumetric consistency throughout the life of the pump. Can gear pumps do that as well?

Component Life

A between-the-bearing design for vane pumps prevent shaft deflection, which helps keep the mechanical seal safe. Do gear pumps have this same protection?

System Functionality

Vane pumps can run dry without damaging the pump. This allows vane pumps to excel at self-priming, suction lift, line stripping, and accidental dry run. What would happen if a gear pump ran dry?

Relief Valve Cracking Pressure

Vane pumps have the same value for set points, which means no motor upsizing and full operational capacity. What does that mean for gear pumps that have two different set points?

Liquid Compatibility

In addition to handling viscous fluids, vane pumps can also handle ultra-thin liquids, fluids with suspended solids, and multi-phase vapor/liquid mixtures. Gear pumps do very well with viscous fluids, but what about other types of fluids?

Vane Pumps vs. Gear Pumps

5 Reasons Why Vane Pumps Outperform Gear Pumps

Internal Clearances

Component Life

System Functionality

Relief Valve Cracking Pressure

Liquid Compatibility

Make sure you’re using the right pump for your application.

Download our full Vane vs. Gear whitepaper to learn more.

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