Engineering components supplier BMG’s SF series of Steimel lubricant and feed gear pumps, introduced four years ago, is used mainly on oil lubrication systems in mines, steelworks, power stations and in general industry.

“The SF series, which offers pulsation-free pumping delivery, is designed to pump any grade of lubricating oil, including high viscosity oils. These pumps are particularly suitable for transporting media that has minimal lubricity, is chemically compatible and does not contain solids,” says BMG pumps national product manager Joe Pinheiro.

The SF series of gear pumps are used as circulation pumps in oil lubrication systems, kidney systems and for transferring – offloading or dispensing – oils. He explains that the compact pumps are easy to assemble and to detach from pumping systems.

“The standard design is supplied with a clockwise rotation, which is easily altered to anticlockwise, by rotating the end cover plate by 180º. The direction of delivery flow will change simultaneously.”

Pinheiro points out that an optional feature of the SF series is an adjustable pressure relief valve built in the housing for short-term protection against pressure spikes. Further, the optimum integration, with minimal tolerances of the pinions and gear wheels results in quiet, smooth running.

He explains that the use of gear wheels with 12 teeth reduces delivery flow pulsation and noise during operation. Shaft journals are mounted in composite bearing bushes to ensure continuous duty and extended service life.

All pumps sizes can be equipped with an antifriction bearing at the driving end to accommodate radial and axial forces. Pinheiro explains that standard pumps have a maximum rotational speed of 1 800 rpm, for a maximum viscosity of up to 380 centistoke (cst) and differential pressure of up to 25 bar. The maximum permissible rotational speed depends on the viscosity or lubricity of the medium.

“The higher the oil viscosity, the lower the speed. These pumps can handle media with a viscosity range from 5 cst to 50 000 cst and can withstand a temperature range between –40 ºC and 250 ºC,” he says.

Also in the Steimel range, the SF Atex gear pumps provide a high degree of safety in potentially explosive environments. Type SF M feed pumps, with a magnetic coupling, are hermetically sealed and can operate safely in applications at elevated temperatures.

BMG also supplies the Steimel feed pump T series on request. “These rotary gear pumps, which are designed to transport almost all media, can be used to maximum rotational speeds of 1 500 rpm, at pressures of up to 16 bar.”

The Steimel Model B lubricant and feed pumps are designed to efficiently handle highly fluid media, like waste oils, greases, hardening and hydraulic oils, resins, lubricating greases and oils, as well as turbine and thermal oils.