Brief description

An oil pump is a pump adapted to move viscous petroleum liquids and residues safely and steadily. It is optimized for thick fluids that do not flow well by gravity.

Use / Function

• Transfer crude: Move crude oil between settling tanks and stills.
• Handle heavy fractions: Move warm bitumen or heavy residues.
• Process control: Maintain steady feed during refining.
• Spill recovery: Lift oil from pits or sumps.
• Scale: Workshop and industrial.

Operating principle

Oil pumps usually rely on positive displacement so thick fluids move at low speed without losing prime.

1. Inlet: Oil enters the pump chamber through a check valve or inlet port.
2. Sealing: Tight clearances or flexible seals prevent backflow.
3. Displacement: A piston, gear, or screw pushes oil toward the outlet.
4. Outlet: The outlet valve opens as pressure rises, sending oil to the line.

How to create it

Minimum functional version (piston oil pump)

1. Cylinder: Use a metal tube with a smooth interior.
2. Piston and seal: Fit a piston wrapped in Leather and lubricated with Animal Fat.
3. Valves: Add two one-way valves to control intake and discharge.
4. Short suction line: Keep the inlet pipe short and wide to reduce flow resistance.
5. Warming: Warm the pump body and inlet line to reduce oil viscosity.

Required technological level

Intermediate. Basic metalwork and valve fitting are needed for reliable seals.

Materials needed

• Essential: Iron or Steel body, piston, valves, Leather seals, Animal Fat lubricant.
• Tools: Drill or auger, file, hammer, and a heat source for fitting.
• Possible substitutes: Hardwood body lined with clay, rope packing for seals, manual lever drive.

Variants and improvements

• Gear pump: Smooth flow and strong suction for warm oil. See Gear Pump.
• Screw pump: Excellent for very viscous residues.
• Double-acting piston: Increases output without increasing size.
• Heated jacket: Keeps heavy fractions flowing.

Limits and risks

• Viscosity: Cold oil can stall the pump or tear seals.
• Leakage: Poor seals allow air in and reduce output.
• Fire risk: Warm oil and vapors are flammable.
• Wear: Abrasive grit in crude oil shortens valve life.