What does it mean to run a pump empty?

Idling is an undesirable condition that affects the design of most pumps and is characterized by the pump operating without sufficient fluid volume. In most pump technologies, this causes cavitation and serious damage to internal pumping components such as impels, blades, gears, housings, seals, and bearings.

Why do idling pumps occur?

Idling is often related to the way the pump is operated, monitored and controlled, which is often the result of human error. Companies typically rely on their operators to monitor the pumps on the pipeline, but problems can arise when the pump is unintentionally running for an extended period of time after the intended operation is complete. For example, during tanker unloading, the operator may leave the pump unattended while the tanker is vacuuming, and the pump may run in overdrive when the tanker is empty, resulting in internal damage to the pump.

Why shouldn't I dry run my pump?

If the manufacturer instructs you that the pump cannot idle, there are a number of reasons why it is important to avoid this.

1, idling will lead to rapid wear of mechanical seals, resulting in pump leakage. This will allow potentially dangerous fluids to overflow, putting pump operators at risk.

2, idling can damage your pump, which can cause your production line to stop immediately, which means loss of production - delay and cost to your business.

3, expensive spare parts, because the parts will be damaged and quickly wear out.

4, if long idling, there may be a risk of cavitation, if the impeller in the pump is seriously damaged, you may need to replace the entire pump.

Idling can be extremely costly for your business, so check with your supplier or pump manufacturer to see if the pump you purchase can be idled before running.

How to avoid idling

When using most pump designs, such as Rotodynamic and reciprocating and rotary positive displacement pumps, most companies need to install protection and controls on the pump and system to ensure that the pump stops immediately after the pumping operation is complete, or that there is no fluid at the pump inlet or source.

In general, there are 3 different methods used to prevent the pump from drying out:

1, pressure or level switch protection: pressure switch installed in the suction pipe or pump port or float switch/electrode relay in the supply tank

2, pressure transmitter protection: Measure the inlet pressure of the pump by simulating the pressure transmitter

3, level transmitter protection: through the ultrasonic level sensor and other analog level transmitter to measure the level of the supply tank.

Field engineers and operators spend a lot of time making sure the pump is properly installed and started, significantly increasing the cost and complexity of installation. However, despite all these efforts, the ever-present potential for human error, control and monitoring equipment failures, unpredictable events and improper use of equipment means that empty operation can never be completely eradicated. As a result, plant owners are constantly looking for technologies and solutions to prevent or avoid the costly and disruptive effects of dry operation to reduce maintenance costs, increase production and reduce the pressure on operators to continuously monitor, control and protect them. Equipment online.

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