Characterises the varying capability of displacement pumps to draw the required flow rate from a tank.
Apart from the type of pump, the intake characteristic is determined by the magnitude of the vacuum produced during the suction phase. In addition, the intake characteristic also depends on the rotation speed of the pump, the intake cross-section and the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid. The higher the rotation speed and the viscosity become, the worse the intake characteristic.
If the intake characteristic is inadequate such that cavitation occurs, either the hydraulic fluid must be fed to the pump (pump under the tank) or it must be supplied with pressure (charge pump)