What is the correct flow path for an external gear pump?

The flow path for an external gear pump is correctly described as moving around the gears and against the housing. In this type of pump, two gears mesh together; as one gear rotates, it creates a cavity that draws fluid into the pump. The fluid then travels around the gears, entering through the suction side, and is directed out through the discharge side after being trapped and moved by the action of the gears against the pump housing.

The design allows for a consistent flow while maintaining a pressure differential. The displacement is proportional to the volume between the gear teeth and the pump casing, which is why the fluid travels in this distinct path around the gears rather than through their center.

Understanding this flow path is crucial for maintaining proper function and efficiency in the operation of external gear pumps, as it relates directly to the pump's ability to generate pressure and move fluids effectively.