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internal gear pump working principle

How To Choose Internal Gear Pumps For Chemical Plants?  

This blog explains how to choose the right internal gear pump for chemical plant applications, covering working, selection factors, and key performance considerations. 

Chemical plants handle a wide range of fluids, including acids, solvents, resins, and other process chemicals. Many of these fluids can be corrosive, thick, or sensitive, making smooth and safe transfer critical to daily operations. 

To manage this, selecting the right pump is key. The internal gear pump is commonly used in chemical plants because it offers stable flow, good control, and reliable handling of various process fluids. It helps reduce flow issues, leakage risks, and performance variation in continuous operations. 

Understanding how to choose the right pump for chemical applications is important for ensuring safe operation, improved efficiency, and long-term system reliability. 

 

Why Internal Gear Pumps Are Suitable for Chemical Plants 

The use of internal gear pumps in chemical processing units is very common owing to their ability to handle a wide range of fluids consistently. The basic yet effective construction of internal gear pumps makes them well-suited for continuous processes. 

It is suitable for use because of the constant supply of flow, which means no fluctuations will be experienced during the process of managing the fluid. In addition, it is also able to handle both viscous and semi-viscous fluids.

There is yet another advantage: good sealing properties that reduce the risk of leakage, thereby improving safety. With this in mind, the hydraulic gear pump is a reliable choice for handling chemicals. 

 

Internal Gear Pump Working Principle in Chemical Applications 

The internal gear pump working principle is based on the smooth movement of the gears, which creates a continuous flow of fluid through the pump. 

  • The inner gear rotates inside a larger outer gear 
  • This movement creates small sealed spaces between the gears 
  • Fluid enters these spaces from the suction side 
  • The trapped fluid moves along the casing as the gears rotate 
  • Finally, it is pushed out from the discharge side in a steady flow 

This simple mechanism ensures smooth and controlled transfer even for thick or sensitive chemicals. In applications involving high-viscosity fluids, the Internal gear pump working principle for high-viscosity oil transfer helps maintain consistent flow without interruption or pressure drops.

 

How to Choose Internal Gear Pumps for Chemical Plants 

Pump selection in a chemical plant does not only concern the pump’s size and price. The selection must be appropriate to meet the process requirements. Proper pump selection ensures increased safety and reduces equipment failures in the future. 

Step 1: Identify the fluid type clearly 

Identify the nature of the fluid being used. The fluid could be corrosive, abrasive, or sensitive in some other way. It directly influences the materials that should be chosen for the pump assembly and seals. 

Step 2: Check viscosity and flow behavior 

There are chemicals with low and high viscosities or those that are semi-solids or solids. A pump for such fluids must ensure constant flow without dropping off. 

Step 3: Define flow rate and process demand 

A pump must meet the system’s output requirements to achieve balanced operation. 

Step 4: Evaluate pressure requirements 

Chemical plants often operate under controlled pressure conditions. The pump must be able to handle system pressure without affecting flow stability or safety. 

Step 5: Ensure material compatibility 

The components used to make the pump need to withstand chemical reactions. In case of chemical incompatibility, the pump may corrode and leak. 

Step 6: Consider temperature and operating conditions 

In some cases, chemical processing involves very high or variable temperatures. The pump must be able to operate well in such environments. 

Following this systematic process helps to ensure that a better internal gear pump is selected for use in chemical operations. 

 

High Pressure Internal Gear Pump Applications in Chemical & Hydraulic Systems 

High-pressure performance is important in systems where fluids need to move steadily under load without fluctuations. 

  • Hydraulic press applications 

It is used in presses to maintain a smooth flow of force without any pressure drop during continuous cycles. 

  • Chemical plant pressure systems 

Helps maintain consistent flow in pressurized pipelines, improving safety and process control in chemical handling. 

  • Hydraulic Gear Pump systems 

Used in industrial hydraulic systems to provide steady pressure and reliable performance in heavy machinery. 

These applications make the high-pressure internal gear pump for hydraulic presses suitable for demanding industrial environments where stability and control are critical. 

 

Common Applications in Chemical Plants 

Internal gear pumps are used in various chemical processes because they can handle a wide range of fluids with smooth, controlled flow. 

  • Chemical transfer systems 

They are used for transferring chemicals from one tank to another without causing any damage to the product. 

  • Resin and polymer handling 

Suitable for thick materials, ensuring smooth transfer without disturbing material consistency. 

  • Marine industry system

Internal gear pumps are also used in the marine industry for transferring fuel oils, lubricants, and other high-viscosity fluids, ensuring reliable performance in demanding onboard operations. 

  • Solvent and adhesive transfer   

Ensures the safe, controlled transfer of liquids to prevent mixing or reactions. 

  • Dosing and mixing systems 

Supports accurate flow control, helping maintain proper chemical ratios in process operations. 

  • Plant lubrication systems 

Used for equipment lubrication to ensure smooth machine operation and reduce wear. 

 

Importance of Internal Gear Pump Manufacturers in Selection 

Choosing the right pump is not only about the product, but also about the support and expertise behind it. The role of internal gear pump manufacturers is important when selecting a pump for use in chemical plants. 

  • Correct sizing and selection support 

Helps match pump capacity to actual plant requirements, avoiding underperformance or overload. 

  • Material and chemical compatibility guidance 

Ensures the pump can safely handle corrosive or reactive fluids used in chemical processes. 

  • Engineering expertise 

Supports better system design decisions for stable and efficient long-term operation. 

  • Service and maintenance support 

Reduces downtime by ensuring proper guidance during installation and servicing. 

A reliable manufacturer helps improve safety, efficiency, and long-term performance in chemical plant operations. 

 

Better Pump Selection for Safe and Efficient Chemical Operations 

Selecting the right internal gear pump is essential for maintaining smooth and safe chemical plant performance. A properly chosen pump ensures stable flow, reduces operational risks, and improves overall process efficiency. 

When the pump is selected based on fluid type, pressure needs, and working conditions, it delivers consistent performance with fewer breakdowns. This helps chemical plants maintain better process control and achieve long-term reliability in daily operations. 

Delta PD Pumps provides reliable internal gear pumpsolutions designed for industrial applications. They have strong expertise in positive displacement pumps, ensuring reliable fluid handling for chemical and process industries. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

An internal gear pump consists of two interlocking gears of different sizes: a smaller inner gear (pinion) that rotates inside a larger outer gear. Both gears rotate in the same direction. As the gears unmesh on the suction side, they create an expanding cavity that draws fluid in. A crescent-shaped divider between the gears separates the suction and discharge zones. As the gears remesh on the discharge side, the volume is reduced and fluid is expelled under pressure. The design delivers smooth, near-pulsation-free flow that is particularly well-suited to viscous or shear-sensitive fluids. 

Chemical plants deal with a wide range of fluid types corrosive acids, viscous resins, solvents, and high-temperature process oils. Internal gear pumps are preferred because they can handle this viscosity range effectively (from thin solvents to highly viscous polymers), maintain consistent flow regardless of pressure fluctuations, and can be built with material combinations stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze that resist chemical attack. Their fewer bearing surfaces in the fluid path compared to external gear pumps also reduce the number of wear points, making them more robust for demanding process environments. 

Material selection depends entirely on the fluid being handled. Stainless steel (SS 316) is the standard choice for corrosive acids, food chemicals, and water-based fluids. Cast iron suits oils, fuels, and non-corrosive hydrocarbons. Bronze is used in marine or seawater-adjacent applications. For abrasive fluids such as inks or pigment slurries  hardened or coated internals are necessary. Always check seal compatibility as well: PTFE, Viton, and mechanical seals each suit different chemical profiles. 

Internal gear pumps are better suited for high-viscosity fluids, offer quieter operation, and have fewer bearing surfaces exposed to the process fluid reducing wear risk with viscous or slightly aggressive media. External gear pumps are simpler, lower in cost, and perform better at higher pressures with moderate-viscosity fluids. For chemical plants where fluid properties vary batch to batch, or where the fluid is corrosive and viscous, internal gear pumps are generally the more versatile and reliable choice. 

Internal gear pumps effectively handle fluids from very thin (water-like solvents under 1 cSt) to highly viscous materials above 100,000 cSt. As viscosity increases, the pump’s internal slip decreases, which actually improves volumetric efficiency. This makes internal gear pumps one of the few pump types that become more efficient not less  as fluid viscosity rises, unlike centrifugal pumps which lose performance rapidly with thicker fluids. 

Key parameters include fluid viscosity (at operating temperature), specific gravity, required flow rate (LPM or m³/hr), discharge pressure (bar), NPSH available, and temperature range. Also consider whether the pump needs to handle varying viscosities across process batches, which affects speed and pressure settings. Matching these parameters to the manufacturer’s performance curve ensures you avoid operating the pump in regions that cause cavitation, excessive wear, or seal failure. 

Reliable manufacturers will provide material test certificates, performance test data at rated conditions, and documented conformance to applicable standards. Ensure they carry experience in chemical or pharma applications not just general industrial and can offer application-specific seal configurations. Availability of spares in India (not just imported) and a service team familiar with your process conditions are critical for minimising unplanned downtime. 

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Since our inception in 1968, Delta has been committed to manufacturing high-quality Positive Displacement Pumps with a focus on reliability, engineering precision, and long service life. Our early collaborations with leading European manufacturers and our pioneering introduction of screw pumps in India laid the foundation for our technical strength.

Over the decades, we have continuously evolved by understanding the challenges faced by industries — from handling low-viscosity fluids to meeting higher pressure and reliability demands. With advanced metallurgy, precision screw profiles, and a dedicated team of experts, we strive to deliver not just pumps, but complete pumping solutions.

Pumps operating reliably for over 65 years stand as a testament to Delta’s commitment to engineering excellence and long-term performance.