Did you know that not priming a pump, or priming a pump incorrectly, are the two main causes of pump malfunction? This can be a costly endeavour due to system downtime while you wait for your pump to be repaired or replaced. So, what is pump priming exactly? It refers to the process of removing air and filling the pump casing with fluid before starting the pump.
Why do pumps need to be primed? The reason is simple: centrifugal pumps are not self-priming. They need to be filled with fluid in order to function correctly. Without proper priming, the pump will not create enough suction to draw fluid, leading to performance failure. Indeed, priming gets the pump ready for use and ensures smooth operation.
So, how to prime a pump correctly? To prime a pump, you need to fill it with fluid before starting it up. The pump won’t be able to function without this important first step. If vapor or gas gets inside the casing, the pump won’t work. Priming maintains the pump’s functionality because water, or the pumped fluid, acts as a coolant which prevents the pump from overheating. If you don’t fill the pump with fluid, it will run dry, which leads to mechanical seal failure or damage to the pump’s components. For more insights on how to make a pump run for a long time, check out this helpful guide on pump maintenance.
Many people ask, why do you prime a pump before starting it? The main reason is to eliminate air pockets in the pump casing that could prevent it from operating effectively. Air acts as a barrier and stops the pump from creating the suction needed to draw liquid. Without priming, especially in centrifugal pumps, you risk severe damage or complete failure.
A pump might not need manual priming depending on various factors. Should the suction port of the pump be lower than the level of the pumped liquid, the pump would already be filled with fluid (and is therefore primed).
If the suction port is higher than the level of the pumped liquid, priming becomes more difficult, and a pump with suction lift is important. Positive displacement pumps are often useful in this case as these are generally self-priming and have suction lift capabilities. Moreover, they allow flexibility in the system layout that eliminates the need for suction priming systems.
In any pump operation whether you’re running centrifugal pumps that must be primed before starting or positive displacement pumps that are self-priming—you should always verify the need for priming before use. When in doubt, refer to the operation manual for best practices.
The phrase “prime the pump” meaning involves preparing the pump for operation by filling it with the required fluid. It’s a critical process to remove air from the system and ensure the pump can start and run efficiently. In industrial settings, priming isn’t just a one-time task—it’s part of routine maintenance and start-up procedures.
If you want to make sure you understand how and when to prime your pumps, call our toll-free number 1-800- 367-4180. We have experts on hand to help you choose, install, and maintain a variety of equipment. Whether you’re wondering “why do you prime a pump” or need practical help with the process, we’re here to assist.
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