Can I use an axial piston motor as a pump?

It is possible to use an axial piston motor as a pump, but there are several technical and practical aspects that must be considered. Because of their similar design and operational principles, axial piston motors and pumps belong to a family of hydraulic devices that are often interchangeable. But there are subtleties that need to be dealt with.

Technical Aspects:

1. Design Similarities: Cylinders blocks containing multiple pistons, drive shafts and swashplate or bent axis designs constitute the similarities in their designs.
2. Function Reversal: A motor can essentially act as a pump and vice versa since it converts fluid power into mechanical power (rotational motion) while a pump changes mechanical power into fluid power. To convert an axial piston motor into a pump, change the direction of fluid flow and adjust control mechanisms.
3. Efficiency Considerations: While feasible technically, an axial piston motor used as a pump may not be efficient enough. Pumps are typically designed for maximum flow rates and minimum leakage whereas motors are optimized for converting fluid power into torque and speed.
4. Sealing and Lubrication: For their purpose specific purposes the seals and lubrication systems in motors differ from those in pumps. In case of reversed roles, increased wear or reduced efficiency due to suboptimal lubrication or sealing could result.

Practical Considerations:

1. Application Suitability: The choice of using an axial piston motor as a pump should depend on specific requirements. At times interchangeability can be very helpful especially when the demand for efficiency is not stringent or in temporary setups.
2. Modification Requirements: Some modifications might be necessary to optimize the motor for pump operation. This could include control system changes, porting variations as well as internal adjustments perhaps.
3. Cost-Benefit Analysis: One needs to balance between altering axially positioned piston motors for pumping against buying dedicated pumps. Most cases end up with dedicated pumps being cheaper with regards maintenance expenses incurred during such alteration procedures.
4. Maintenance and Lifespan: Using a motor as a pump could potentially affect its maintenance needs and lifespan. These factors should be considered especially for critical applications.
5. Manufacturer Recommendations: Always consult the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some axial piston motors are designed with dual functionality in mind, while others are not.

Conclusion:

Although an axial piston motor can be used as a pump, technical and practical considerations must take place. The decision should be based on specific application needs, cost implications and how it would impact on performance and maintenance. In some cases this may provide a viable solution while in others it is more appropriate to use a dedicated pump.