Power WCB Mini-Gear Oil Pump

All Metal Gear Pump

This pump was originally designed for pumping diesel fuel. It may be used for pumping oily liquids such as diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, and warm vegetable oil or cold vegetable oil if started up properly (see below). This pump works excellent for biodiesel processor applications.

This pump can handle viscous fluids such as vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, the pump handles it without any problems. If the oil is cold, typically less than 70°, the pump may need a small jump start to get it running up to full speed. In order to do this, install a ball valve somewhere on the suction side of the pump. Close the ball valve and turn on the pump. Once the pump is up to full rotation (1 second or less) the ball valve can be opened and it will pump the oil with no problem. This may also be done by removing the suction line from a tank of oil. Allow the pump to suck air first to get up to speed, then dump the suction hose into the tank and it will suck the oil through easily. The pump has a high rotation rate, so if the pump starts with viscous fluid already in the lines, the pump will struggle to get up to speed and will use too many amps and overheat. Allowing the pump to get up to full speed prior to introducing thick fluids is recommended. Typically, this pump does not need any sort of assistance for fuel oils such as diesel fuel.

The mini-gear pump is a pump attached to the motor by a shaft. The pump itself is all metal (metal gears) and can pump hot fluids without overheating the separate motor which is connected by a metal shaft coupling. The motor is high power and has thermal protection, which will automatically shut off the pump in case temperatures reach levels which risk overheating of the motor.

The motor is manufactured to most USA Specifications.

These pumps create powerful suction and are self-priming. They can run dry for intermediate amounts of time, allowing for the use of a suction hose for collecting fluids from a tank. The metal gears which drive the pumping action can handle a lot of fluids, even if partially dirty. In the case of vegetable oil, any soft particles will pass right through the pump with no problems, and are often pulverized by the gears themselves. Hard materials, such as metals, should not be allowed to pass through the pump to prevent damage.

WVO Collection:

These pumps have high suction power and are great for collecting vegetable oil (when warm enough) from tanks. Whether simply transferring oil or collecting oil, these pumps deliver fast pumping with no need for priming the suction hose.

Biodiesel:

These pumps are considered to be much safer for biodiesel production than the harbor freight clear water pumps since the pump is separate from the motor. The advantages of the continuous functionality and high flow rates make this an excellent pump for a biodiesel processor. It will pump the waste vegetable oil, biodiesel and even glycerin without any trouble.

Viscous & Cold Oils:

This pump can handle viscous fluids such as vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, the pump handles it without any problems. If the oil is cold, typically less than 70°, the pump may need a small jump start to get it running up to full speed. In order to do this, install a ball valve somewhere on the suction side of the pump. Close the ball valve and turn on the pump. Once the pump is up to full rotation (1 second or less) the ball valve can be opened and it will pump the oil with no problem. This may also be done by removing the suction line from a tank of oil. Allow the pump to suck air first to get up to speed, then dump the suction hose into the tank and it will suck the oil through easily. The pump has a high rotation rate, so if the pump starts with viscous fluid already in the lines, the pump will struggle to get up to speed and will use too many amps and overheat. Allowing the pump to get up to full speed prior to introducing thick fluids is recommended. Typically, this pump does not need any sort of assistance for fuel oils such as diesel fuel.

Operation Tips:

Although the pump can run dry for the case of priming, it is best not to run the pump dry continuously for a long period of time to prevent the risk of damage to the pump from lack of lubrication. Fluids should be kept clean to avoid clogging of the gears. Coarse strainers (400+ micron) can be used on the suction end to prevent large particles from entering the pump. Do not use fine filters on the suction side or the restriction will prevent adequate flow.

Users who pump vegetable oil should also be aware of that sometimes when cold oil sits in the pump, the pump can have trouble getting up to speed. If this occurs, the pump should be started with air on the suction line or with a ball valve on the suction line completely closed. Once the pump is up to speed (a matter of 1 or 2 seconds) the ball valve can be opened or fluid introduced to the pump and it will pump as normal.

Connections:

Our Power WCB Mini-gear Pumps come with a flange attachment and a fitting to expand the size of the port. We use the flange to prevent pressure drop going into the head of the pump. This flange has a fluoroelastomer (like Viton®) gasket for a biodiesel compatible seal. This flange can be replaced with another flange of your choice if need be.

Stainless Steel Pump Heads: For pumps with stainless steel heads, we currently do not have flanges available, and the connections are made directly to the expansion fittings. Some pressure loss leading to the head may occur on these pumps and partially reduce flow of the fluid from specifications unless a flange is attached.

Lubrication

This pump can only be used for pumping oily liquids. It cannot be used for liquids that are non-lubricating or the gears in the pump will lock up and corrode.

Piping:

Use a solid pipe or strong hose that will not collapse under the high vacuum produced from the suction of the pump. The pump comes with fittings, which adapt to the appropriate size of piping/tubing required for adequate flow. it is best not to size down the suction side except in the case of the WCB75, where it can be sized down to 1-1/4" piping for better suction as opposed to better flow rate.