The Vickers PVB Series is a high-performance axial piston variable displacement pump designed for industrial and mobile hydraulic systems that require reliable operation, high efficiency, and precise flow control. Manufactured by Vickers, a renowned brand in hydraulic components, this series integrates advanced design concepts and robust construction to meet the demanding requirements of various heavy-duty applications.

1. Model Overview

The PVB Series belongs to the axial piston pump category, featuring a variable displacement design that allows for adjustable flow output according to system demands. It is available in multiple frame sizes (including PVB5, PVB10, PVB15, PVB20, PVB29, PVB45, etc.) and displacement ranges, covering a wide spectrum of flow requirements from small to large hydraulic systems. The pump adopts a swashplate structure, which is the core component for realizing variable displacement, ensuring smooth operation and long service life.

2. Structural Features

• Axial Piston Design: The pump is equipped with a set of axial pistons evenly distributed around the cylinder block. The pistons reciprocate along the axis of the cylinder block, driven by the rotation of the swashplate, to complete the suction and discharge of hydraulic oil. This design ensures high volumetric efficiency and compact structure.
• Variable Displacement Mechanism: The displacement is adjusted by changing the angle of the swashplate. The swashplate angle can be controlled manually, hydraulically, or electrically (optional), enabling stepless adjustment of the pump’s output flow. When the system pressure reaches the set value, the pump can automatically reduce the displacement to maintain system stability, saving energy.
• Robust Construction: The cylinder block, pistons, and swashplate are made of high-strength alloy materials,经过 precision machining and heat treatment, ensuring excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and load-bearing capacity. The pump housing is made of cast iron, providing good rigidity and shock absorption.
• Integrated Valve Configuration: Most models are equipped with integrated pressure relief valves, check valves, or flow control valves as standard, reducing the need for additional hydraulic components and simplifying the system layout. Optional valve configurations (such as proportional control valves) are also available to meet specific application requirements.

3. Working Principle

When the pump’s drive shaft is connected to a prime mover (such as an electric motor or engine) and starts rotating, the cylinder block rotates synchronously with the drive shaft. The pistons, under the action of centrifugal force and the spring force of the return plate, are closely attached to the surface of the swashplate. As the swashplate has a certain inclination angle, the pistons reciprocate in the cylinder bores during the rotation of the cylinder block.

During the half-cycle of rotation where the piston moves outward (away from the cylinder block center), the volume of the cylinder bore increases, forming a negative pressure, and hydraulic oil is sucked into the cylinder bore through the suction port. During the other half-cycle of rotation where the piston moves inward (towards the cylinder block center), the volume of the cylinder bore decreases, the hydraulic oil is compressed, and is discharged from the discharge port at high pressure. By adjusting the angle of the swashplate, the stroke of the pistons can be changed, thereby changing the displacement of the pump and adjusting the output flow.

4. Performance Advantages

• High Efficiency: The precision-machined components and optimized hydraulic circuit design ensure high volumetric efficiency and mechanical efficiency, reducing energy loss and improving the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system.
• Stable Operation: The swashplate structure with hydraulic balance design reduces vibration and noise during operation, ensuring smooth and reliable performance even under high pressure and high speed conditions.
• Wide Pressure and Flow Range: The PVB Series can operate at high rated pressures (up to 35 MPa or higher, depending on the model) and provides a wide range of flow adjustment, adapting to different working conditions of hydraulic systems.
• Long Service Life: The use of high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes, combined with effective lubrication and cooling mechanisms, extends the pump’s service life and reduces maintenance costs.
• Easy Maintenance: The pump adopts a modular design, which is convenient for disassembly, inspection, and maintenance. Wear parts (such as pistons, seals, and bearings) are easy to replace, reducing downtime.

5. Application Fields

The Vickers PVB Series axial piston variable displacement pump is widely used in various industrial and mobile hydraulic systems, including but not limited to:

• Industrial machinery: Injection molding machines, extruders, presses, machine tools, and hydraulic stations.
• Mobile equipment: Construction machinery (excavators, loaders, cranes), agricultural machinery, and mining machinery.
• Other fields: Marine hydraulic systems, offshore equipment, and aerospace ground support equipment.

6. Installation and Maintenance Notes

• The pump should be installed on a solid and flat base to avoid vibration. The drive shaft should be aligned with the prime mover’s shaft to prevent misalignment, which may cause bearing damage.
• Use clean hydraulic oil that meets the specified grade, and ensure the hydraulic system is properly filtered to prevent impurities from entering the pump and damaging the precision components.
• Check the oil level, oil temperature, and operating noise regularly during operation. If abnormal phenomena (such as oil leakage, excessive noise, or overheating) occur, stop the machine immediately for inspection and troubleshooting.
• Perform regular maintenance according to the operating manual, including replacing the oil, cleaning the filter, and inspecting the wear of key components (such as pistons, swashplate, and seals).

With its excellent performance, reliable quality, and wide applicability, the Vickers PVB Series axial piston variable displacement pump has become a preferred choice for hydraulic system designers and users in various industries.