Engineering Reliability: How PDT Pumps Eliminate Common Failures
In the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense, every component in a system needs to be trusted to perform in a variety of harsh conditions. Aerospace pumps are tasked with circulating vital fluids, such as fuel and coolant. A single failure inside one of these pumps could easily compromise the entire craft. This is why the reliability of each component inside of an aircraft is often a major consideration.
How Do Other Pumps Fail?
One of the most common types of failures seen in pumps is bearing failures. Over time, bearings can lose lubrication, overheat, become misaligned, or wear out. Without smooth rotation, a system could see increased friction and vibration, and ultimately, this can lead to failure.
Another common failure is a leaking shaft seal. Over time, seals become worn and damaged, leading to leaks that can compromise a system’s integrity, contaminate fluids, or cause pressure loss.
How PDT Eliminated these Common Problems
One of PDT’s design innovations includes Hydrodynamic Journal Bearings. Unlike conventional roller bearings, our journal bearings are designed so that once the pump is spinning, the rotor is fully suspended by a fluid film. This means zero contact, zero wear, and virtually no maintenance. The result is a bearing system that can operate for decades without degradation.
PDT pumps are also designed without shaft seals. The motor is integrated directly into the wetted portion of the pump and is fully protected from working fluids. This eliminates dynamic seals and the risk of leaks, making our pumps completely sealed and inherently more reliable.
Field-Proven Performance
PDT’s design innovations have been validated through extensive environmental testing and real-world deployment. One of the best examples of the reliability of PDT’s products is the longevity of the Mars Rover, Curiosity. Curiosity landed on the surface of Mars in 2012 and is still operational to this day. The PDT pump aboard Curiosity is still functional, 13 years into its mission.
PDT’s pumps are also in many other commercial and military applications, pumping fuel, refrigerants, ammonia and other specialized fluids. Get in touch with PDT if you want to know more about how our reliable pumps can fit into your applications.