Crafting Innovations for Over a Century

Custom Gerotor Design & Manufacturing

A Gerotor Pump Manufacturer Built on a Century of Innovation

Nichols Portland, Inc. designs and manufactures precision gerotor sets for pumps, motors, and fluid-handling systems. We support OEMs with standard and custom gerotor designs, application engineering, performance testing, and production options ranging from low-volume billet components to high-volume powder metal gerotors.

Our gerotor expertise dates to 1927, when William H. Nichols and Myron Hill collaborated to pioneer the world’s first gerotor pump. Today, Nichols Portland, Inc. continues that tradition through advanced engineering and U.S.-based manufacturing.

What is a Gerotor?

A gerotor is a positive displacement device that consists of an inner rotor and an outer rotor. The term "gerotor" is derived from "generated rotor."

Gerotors are unique in that the inner rotor has one less tooth than the outer rotor. As the inner rotor turns within the outer rotor, the space between the gears changes, allowing the device to draw in and expel fluids or gases. This design ensures smooth, pulse-free flow with minimal noise and vibration.

Gerotor Pumps

Gerotor pumps leverage the principles of the gerotor design to transport fluids. They function by using the varying space between the inner and outer rotors to create chambers. As the rotors turn, these chambers grow on the intake side, drawing fluid in, and shrink on the discharge side, pushing fluid out.

The result is a continuous, smooth flow of fluid. Due to their efficiency, gerotor pumps are commonly used in various applications, including automotive oil pumps, hydraulic systems, and fuel transfer systems.

Geroter Pump Diagram

What Is a Gerotor Pump and
How Does it Work?

  1. Fluid enters the pump and becomes trapped between the rotor teeth and housing, creating a seal.

  2. As the rotors turn, the trapped fluid is carried around the outer rotor.

  3. The fluid then moves into the inner rotor before being discharged through the outlet.

  4. The volume pumped per revolution depends on the size and shape of the rotors and housing, as well as the rotation speed.

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Industries Served

Automotive

The automotive industry thrives on precision and innovation. Our specialized gerotor technologies are at the heart of excellence, ensuring everything from seamless engine lubrication to effective fuel delivery.

Industrial

The industrial sector demands robust and reliable solutions that can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty operations. Our gerotors ensure optimal performance, durability, and efficiency, driving productivity in the most challenging environments.

Heavy Duty Truck

From highways to off-road, the heavy duty truck industry demands robust performance. Our gerotor designs enhance circulation and oil transfer with top efficiency and reliability. NPI's gerotors deliver excellence, ensuring superior performance in every mile.

Energy

In the energy sector, our gerotors deliver essential fluid handling for oil, gas, and renewable operations. They enhance efficiency and safety in fuel transfer, lubrication, and cooling, supporting the industry's move towards sustainable energy solutions.

Agriculture

Our gerotors are engineered for the agricultural industry's precision needs in irrigation, fertilization, and pesticide application. They offer durability and easy maintenance, optimizing crop management and supporting global food production.

Marine

Tailored for the marine industry, our gerotors excel in fuel transfer, hydraulic systems, and engine lubrication, withstanding sea conditions. They ensure operational reliability and corrosion resistance for commercial, naval, and leisure vessels.

Solutions for every size:

One Gear

Low-Volume Customers

or our low-volume customers (less than 1,000 pcs per year) we offer a wide variety of “standard” billet product offerings which minimize both upfront costs and time to market.
Low-Volume Customers
Two Gear (1)

Mid-Volume Customers

For our mid-volume customers (1,000 to 50,000 pcs per year) we offer a variety of solutions, from fully “standard” to complete custom product offerings.  You can design around us, or we can design around you.
Mid-Volume Customers
three gear

High-Volume Customers

For our high-volume customers (more than 50,000 pcs per year) we recommend powdered metal products customized to the unique requirements of your application.  This minimizes the installed costs while simultaneously maximizing product performance.
High-Volume Customers

Download the Gerotor & Pump Design Guide

Make more informed gerotor design and selection decisions.

Download the guide for a practical framework to evaluate the factors that influence gerotor selection, pump design, and overall performance. Explore how application requirements, standard versus custom designs, porting, construction, clearances, materials, efficiency, cavitation, speed, and noise can shape the performance of your system.

Learn More
gerotor & pump design ebook ipad

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