Pumping down the volume

The design evolution of low-noise spur and helical gear pumps.

Balancing noise reduction with high-efficiency hydraulics has been one of the biggest challenges of recent years for industrial vehicle manufacturers. David Brown Hydraulics' strategy in the constant battle to cut pump noise is its Q Series range of spur and helical gear pumps.

In any system to which hydraulic pumps are likely to be fitted, there are two principal sources of noise: one is the prime mover, the other is the pump. The noise from the pump is from both airborne noise and fluid-borne noise. Airborne noise is emitted directly from the pump and is usually very low compared to the noise emitted from the fluid. Fluid-borne noise is emitted through the pumped media and is the major area of concern.