Gear Pump
The best pump for simplicity and affordability
A gear pump contains two internal gears that drive most of its functioning. Through the mechanical movement of these gears, vacuum pressure is generated that propels fluid movement through the pump.
Gear pumps are one of the simplest and most compact types of liquid pumps available, with fewer moving parts than other types of pump. Due to their compactness and simplicity, they can be serviced and repaired far more cheaply and easily.
Though they do not have the ability to equal the pressure produced by reciprocating pumps or the centrifugal pump’s flow rates, they do offer higher pressures and better throughputs than lobe or vane pumps.
The best pump for transferring oil and other viscous liquids
Though they can move water, gear pumps are most commonly used for pumping high viscosity fluids that other types of pumps have difficulty moving, as gear pumps are less affected by fluid density and viscosity. Examples of these fluids are oil, paints, resins, and foodstuffs. If your business specialises in any of these products, then gear pumps may be your best logistics solution!
Gear pumps are versatile as well
Gear pumps are also self-priming and have the ability to dry-lift, although wetting the gear beforehand improves its priming. Overall, though, the gears need to be lubricated by the pumped fluid and running them dry for prolonged periods of time should be avoided.
In addition to their low cost, ease of use, and allowance for viscous fluids, some gear pump designs have the capability to move liquid in either direction, adding to their versatility. For example, a single gear pump of this type can be used to both load and unload a vessel without needing to move the pump in any significant or time-consuming manner.
Quality Gear Oil Pumps Supplied in Singapore well
Gear pumps are a simple and effective solution when facing the need to transport liquids of greater consistency than water, or when one needs a low-cost but reliable pumping solution.
Winston Engineering is ready to serve as a supplier, installer, and servicer of gear pumps for any purpose. Our professional engineers will ensure that your pumping needs are met with no compromise in quality.
Contact us for more information.
FAQ
Why is a gear pump critical for maintaining accurate flow rates in high-pressure chemical or dosing applications?
Gear pumps are essential for high-precision liquid transfer due to their predictable, non-slippage flow characteristic, which is highly beneficial for chemical or high-pressure dosing.
- Metering Accuracy: Since a fixed volume of fluid is displaced with every revolution, the flow rate is directly proportional to the shaft speed (RPM). This characteristic is crucial for chemical mixing, blending, and dosing, where accuracy must be maintained for product quality or safety.
- High-Pressure Capability: The compact, rigid design allows the pump to generate high differential pressures, necessary for injecting viscous fluids into pressurised process lines or for demanding transfer applications like those adapted from high-pressure piston pumps used in testing.
- Reduced Product Shear: Due to the low internal velocity and controlled nature of the fluid movement, the pump minimises shear, preserving the molecular integrity of sensitive materials like polymers and emulsions.
How does the local fabrication of a high-specification gear pump in Singapore reduce lifecycle cost and downtime?
Opting for a locally supported and fabricated gear pump in Singapore ensures faster maintenance response and lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Winston Engineering offers this essential local advantage:
- Spares Availability: The most common cause of downtime in high-viscosity service is seal or gear wear. A local supplier can guarantee stock of critical wear parts (gears, bearings, shaft seals) for all custom builds, ensuring replacement parts are available in a few dats instead of weeks.
- TCO Advantage: While the initial cost of a custom-built, API-compliant pump may be higher than a standard off-the-shelf unit, the reduction in unscheduled downtime delivers a superior return on investment (ROI) over the pump’s lifespan
Commissioning: Local engineers provide specialised installation and commissioning, correctly setting up the pump-motor alignment and system piping to prevent premature wear and ensure smooth startup
What specific design features ensure the safety and longevity of an oil pump in hazardous service?
The design of an industrial oil pump must account for both the fluid's flammability and its abrasive nature. This is achieved through strict material and component specifications.
- Explosion-Proof Compliance: For applications handling flammable liquids (e.g., fuel oil, solvents), the pump must be fitted with certified explosion-proof motors and instrumentation that comply with international standards (ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 or 2), a critical requirement in Singapore's petrochemical facilities.
- Material of Construction: For corrosive or high-temperature service, materials are critical. While cast iron is common for standard oil pump duties, using stainless steel (e.g., 316 Stainless Steel) ensures maximum corrosion resistance and prevents premature failure when handling chemicals, resins, or food-grade products.
- Heating/Cooling Jackets: Many viscous fluids require temperature control. High-performance gear pumps are often specified with steam or hot oil jacketing to maintain the fluid’s optimal viscosity for pumping, preventing seizing and damage.
When is an external gear pump preferred over an internal gear pump, and what determines the correct motor choice?
The choice between external and internal gear pumps depends mainly on pressure and fluid type, while the motor choice is driven by efficiency and control.
| Factor | External Gear Pump | Internal Gear Pump | 
| Pressure | High (up to 250 Bar) | Medium (up to 20 Bar) | 
| Fluid Type | Low-viscosity fluids (clean oils, solvents) | High-viscosity fluids (asphalt, adhesives, chocolate) | 
| Shear Rate | Higher shear, best for clean, non-abrasive fluids. | Lower shear, better for sensitive products. | 
For motor selection, industrial operations prioritise efficiency and speed control. As with other pump technologies, the use of IE3 or IE4 energy-efficient motors is standard practice, as they significantly reduce electricity consumption over the pump's lifetime, especially when paired with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for precision flow control.
Who provides comprehensive services, including customisation and skid package integration for industrial gear pumps?
Reliable suppliers, such as Winston Engineering, are not just component dealers; they are solution providers capable of engineering and supporting the entire system.
- Custom Pump Skids: Many heavy-duty applications require a full pump skid package – a pre-engineered assembly including the pump, motor, gearbox, coupling, valves, and instrumentation on a single base plate. Winston Engineering specialises in custom-building these skids locally to meet specific footprint, pressure, and regulatory requirements.
- Full Service: A reputable partner provides a full lifecycle service, beginning with installation and commissioning on-site, followed by training, planned preventative maintenance, and rapid breakdown response. This integrated approach ensures single-source accountability for the entire pumping solution.








