The oil pump in the lubrication system is a vital component to throw the engine oil to the different parts of the operating system. In this article, I will discuss the function and the types of lubricating oil.
The function of Oil Pump in Lubrication System
The oil pump is generally located inside the crankcase below the oil level. The function of the oil pump is to supply oil under pressure to the various engine parts to be lubricated. The pump itself pressurized the engine oil and supply to the various parts of the engine.
There are different types of oil pumps used in the engine lubrication system. All the pumps have the same intention to provide high-pressurized oil to the moving parts. The pumps are responsible for better engine performance and long running life. Let’s talk about the function of the engine parts-
The main function of an oil pump is to provide high pressurized lubricating oil to all engine parts so that corrosion does not occur.
* The Primary function of an oil pump is to circulate the oil through the oil passages to the moving parts.
* The oil pump pressure is too high to pressurize the oil and supply it to the engine.
* The oil pump draws the oil from the oil pan and pressurized it into it, for breaking the particles for better lubrication.
* The pump adequately provides the oil to all engine parts and saves the engine from damage.
* By reducing friction, the oil pump helps protect engine components from excessive wear and tear.
* In some cars, the engine oil pump acts as a balancing weight for the engine bearings.
* The oil pump ensures a continuous flow of fresh oil through the engine, helping to maintain the lubricant’s viscosity and effectiveness.
Types of Oil Pumps Used in Lubrication Systems
In an engine, depending on the design or the model of the car, there are many types of oil pumps are used to lubricate all the engine parts. The main purpose of these pumps is to supply an adequate amount of engine oil to the moving parts. So these pumps are-
- Gear Pump.
- Rotor Pump.
- Plunger Pump.
- Vane Pump.
1. Gear Pump
 |
| Gear Pump Diagram. |
The gear pump consists of two meshed spur gears enclosed in a housing. There is very little clearance between the gear teeth and the housing. One gear is attached to a shaft which is driven through suitable gears from the camshaft and the crankshaft of the engine. The other gear is free to revolve on its own bearing. When the pump is in action, the oil is driven between the gear teeth from the inlet side, carried around between the gears and pump housing, and forced out the outlet side. The pressure and the quality of the oil supplied by the pump depend upon the speed of the gears.
This type of pump is almost universally used in the automotive engine, due to its simplest design, it can deliver oil at a pressure of about 20-40 Ncm^2. A pressure relief valve is also provided in many oil pumps to relieve the excessive pressure due to high engine speeds or clogged oil lines.
2. Rotor Pump
 |
| Rotor Pump Diagram. |
It consists of an inner and outer rotor within the pump body in place of gears, that is, two gears mesh internally. The eternal gear has the number of teeth one more than the internal gear. The oil is displaced from the inlet to the outlet side in the same way as in the gear pump.
3. Plunger Pump
 |
| Plunger Pump Diagram. |
It consists of a plunger that reciprocates in the pump body while moving up, the plunger sucks oil from the inlet, and while moving down it forces out the oil from the outlet. This type of pump is used to deliver oil under low pressure to the troughs of the splash system.
4. Vane Pump
 |
| Vane Pump Diagram. |
It consists of a cylindrical casing with an outlet, inlet, and drum. The drum is mounted eccentrically in the casing and contains two veins with springs. When the drum rotates, the veins sweep the oil from the inlet to the outlet side. Because the drum is mounted eccentrically, the volume between the drum and the casing constantly decreases and oil pressure increases at the outlet.
Conclusion
In this article, I have discussed the oil pump function, types, and examples.
Read more-