Gear Flow Dividers

The primary function of a gear flow divider is to divide the flow into two partial flows. This division occurs independently of the operating pressure at the two working ports. Gear flow dividers, also referred to as flow divider valves, are self-regulating devices. In addition to dividing the volume flow, gear flow dividers are capable of maintaining equal partial flows and combining them into a total flow.

Fundamentals of Gear Flow Dividers

The essential components of a conventional gear flow divider are two or more gear modular elements, also called sections, and a shaft. This internal shaft mechanically connects the individual sections to each other so that they rotate at the same speed.

In contrast to multiple pumps with mechanical input power, the input power in a gear flow divider depends on the flow. The flow is represented by an oil flow under a specific pressure, which feeds the modular elements in synchronization. The gear modular elements are in turn connected to the hydraulic supply circuits of the drives.

The flow portion consumed by an element is determined solely by its nominal flow rate. As a result, gear flow dividers operate without losses and with significantly greater precision. The use of gear flow dividers reduces the number of pumps required in the respective hydraulic system. Fewer mechanical power take-offs and complex mechanical transmissions are needed, resulting in lower losses. In a gear flow divider, the input power at any given time equals the sum of the distributed powers.

Applications of Gear Flow Dividers

A common application of a gear flow divider is feeding two or more independent hydraulic circuits through a single pump. The pump’s delivery capacity must equal the sum of all powers. Examples of this application include platforms, lifting platforms, lubrication systems, hydraulic jacks and bending presses, hydraulic drives on automatic machines, woodworking machines, systems in the food industry, and military installations.

Another application is pressure intensifiers. In machine tools or presses with accelerated operation, the respective user requires a significantly higher operating or peak pressure than in the other pressure stages. Instead of redesigning the entire system for a higher pressure, a gear flow divider for supply is recommended in this hydraulic system. A gear flow divider with two elements, in which the outflow of one element is diverted, exhibits a significantly higher pressure in the other element than the pressure in the pump feeding the system.

Gear Flow Divider Classification

Gear flow dividers are classified into different groups according to size.

Group 0 gear flow dividers feature low flow rates, dimensions, and displacements of 0.24 to 2.28 cm³ per revolution.

Gear flow dividers with medium flow rates and dimensions as well as displacements of 0.91 to 9.88 cm³ per revolution belong to Group 1.

Large Group 2 gear flow dividers with high flow rates and dimensions, with displacements of 4.2 to 39.6 cm³ per revolution, are among the largest flow divider valves in use.

Furthermore, gear flow dividers can be supplied with or without stroke phase compensation valves. These valves correct the minor phase deviations that may occur between two or more hydraulic cylinders during each cycle.