Abstract: A gear pump includes a housing, at least one gear set and a plurality of end plates. The gear set may be positioned between the end plates so that side surfaces of the gears face corresponding side surfaces of the end plates. The side surfaces of the end plates may have a plurality of spiral grooves positioned directly adjacent the side surface of the gears. The plurality of spiral grooves may have a logarithmic shape. Thus arranged, when the gears rotate, fluid in the pump is forced along the lengths of the spiral grooves, creating a local high pressure region that forces fluid between the side surfaces of the gears and the end plates, minimizing or eliminating contact therebetween. In some embodiments the plurality of spiral grooves may be positioned on bearing surfaces of the pump instead of end plates.

Abstract: A gear pump includes a housing, at least one gear set and a plurality of end plates. The gear set may be positioned between the end plates so that side surfaces of the gears face corresponding side surfaces of the end plates. The side surfaces of the end plates may have a plurality of spiral grooves positioned directly adjacent the side surface of the gears. The plurality of spiral grooves may have a logarithmic shape. Thus arranged, when the gears rotate, fluid in the pump is forced along the lengths of the spiral grooves, creating a local high pressure region that forces fluid between the side surfaces of the gears and the end plates, minimizing or eliminating contact therebetween. In some embodiments the plurality of spiral grooves may be positioned on bearing surfaces of the pump instead of end plates.

Abstract: An asymmetrical bearing is disclosed for use in a gear pump. The bearing may have first and second opposing faces, and first and second bores in communication with the first and second opposing faces. The first and second bores may be configured to receive first and second shafts of a gear pump. The bearing may have a first flat side surface and a second curved side surface, where the second curved side surface includes first and second curved portions associated with the first and second bores, respectively. The first and second faces and the first flat side surface may also include a plurality of grooves configured to direct a flow of process fluid over the bearing during operation of the pump. Self-aligning features can be provided on one or more sealing elements to ensure desired alignment of the sealing components during assembly. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An asymmetrical bearing is disclosed for use in a gear pump. The bearing may have first and second opposing faces, and first and second bores in communication with the first and second opposing faces. The first and second bores may be configured to receive first and second shafts of a gear pump. The bearing may have a first flat side surface and a second curved side surface, where the second curved side surface includes first and second curved portions associated with the first and second bores, respectively. The first and second faces and the first flat side surface may also include a plurality of grooves configured to direct a flow of process fluid over the bearing during operation of the pump. Self-aligning features can be provided on one or more sealing elements to ensure desired alignment of the sealing components during assembly. Other embodiments are described and claimed.