Wastewater Pumps · Centrifugal Pumps
What Is Pump Priming?
Priming fills the pump and suction path with liquid so the pump can move flow.
Many dry-pit pumps with flooded suction remain full naturally. A self-priming pump uses a casing reservoir and special flow path to clear air from the suction line. Other pumps use a separate vacuum priming system.
A centrifugal pump usually cannot pump air the way it pumps water. If air remains in the casing, the impeller may spin without building useful pressure. Running dry can damage a mechanical seal and overheat parts.
Follow the correct priming procedure. Confirm valves, liquid supply, venting, and casing level. Never open a vent or plug on pressurized equipment. If a pump repeatedly loses prime, find the suction leak, faulty check valve, low level, or other cause.
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Wastewater Pumps, Motors, and Mechanical Equipment
This page comes from the course. It covers pumps, motors and drives, valves and piping, support equipment, maintenance and safety, one step at a time, with short knowledge checks and a certificate of completion.
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