What are two symptoms of wear from contamination in gear pumps?

In the context of gear pumps, wear from contamination manifests in various ways, and the symptoms associated with this wear can provide critical insights into the health of the pump. The presence of wear plates that are scored and sharp edges on the tips of gear teeth is a clear indication of abrasion caused by particulate matter in the hydraulic fluid. These contaminants can lead to increased friction and wear, which compromise the efficiency and reliability of the pump.

Scoring on the wear plates suggests that the contaminants are hard enough to cause surface damage, which can further exacerbate wear rates and accelerate the deterioration of the pump's performance. This symptom highlights the importance of maintaining clean hydraulic fluids and regular inspection of pump components to mitigate wear and extend service life.

In contrast, while increased noise and vibration, exterior pitting on the casing, and overheating are significant concerns for pump performance, they do not specifically point to the wear patterns or physical changes in the gear teeth that are indicative of contamination-related damage. Understanding these relationships is crucial for effective maintenance and troubleshooting in hydraulic systems.