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Self Priming Pump Troubleshooting Guide

Self Priming Pump Troubleshooting Guide

If you are experiencing issues with your Self Priming Pump, the below guide can help you diagnose any issues, or speak to one of our Technical Sales Engineers for further assistance:

ProblemPossible CauseRemedyPump not PrimingCasing is Empty or level of fluid is insufficient Fill pump with FluidLiquid temperature in casing overheated Add additional fluid, as liquid has recirculated within pump head for too longAir Ingress Check all pump seals, shaft clearance, suction pipework for possible air entry pointsPressurised Delivery Line Ensure air can escape from delivery lineLow Speed Ensure pump speed is correct and any inverter settings are correct. Check data against performance curveImpeller worn / broken Check impeller conditionVolute worn Check volute / casing for wear and that the leading edge (cutwater) is intact. Volute/casing should be replaced with impeller to maintain efficiencyStrainer blocked Check any suction strainers for blockageSuction lift requirements Excessive Check suction pipework friction losses and vertical liftSuction / Discharge lines blocked Clear all blockages, check all filters and valvesZero fluid deliveryPump not primed See above sectionBackpressure too high Required pressure is beyond capability of pump. Evaluate system specification & design against supplied pump.Friction losses Check friction losses of all componentsImpeller Clogged Clear impeller and cleanSuction / Discharge lines blocked Clear all blockages, check all filters and valvesFlow Rate InsufficientAir Ingress Check all pump seals, shaft clearance, suction pipework for possible air entry points. Check inlet tank for vortex formations.Impeller worn / broken Check impeller condition or wear plate. Wear plate replacement may not lead to original pump performance being restored.Select a design where changing the volute will lead to original performance being resored as in our XR SeriesSuction Line Diameter Suction line diameter too small, viscosity of fluid higher than expected, level of fluid in inlet tank too lowPump Pressure InsufficientLiquid ViscosityLiquid viscosity is higher than expectedHigh Absorbed PowerRotational Speed Check Rotation speed is in line with design, it could be too highCavitation Head is too low, or delivery pressure requirements too highLiquid Density Liquid Density is higher than expectedMisalignment Check alignment of pump, coupling and check coupling rubberInternal Friction Friction between the pump rotating and non-rotating partsParticles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs of particle ingress. Check inlet filters are sized correctlyVibrationPump delivery too low Check NPSHR is being met. Place pressure gauges on discharge and compound gauges on suctionPump or pipework not fixed Check Pump is correctly fixed to baseplate, and pipework is not looseCavitationCheck NPSHR meets NPSHAParticles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs of particle ingress. Check inlet filters are sized correctlyPump JamsMechanical Breakdown Check shaft, coupling, motor, pulleys belts and gearboxes for damageParticles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs of particle ingress. Check inlet filters are sized correctlyShort Bearing LifeLubrication Ensure bearings are lubricated in accordance with procedureCavitation Check NPSHR meets NPSHAParticles within bearings Replace bearingsBearings Rusty Replace bearingsMechanical Seal LeakageParticles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs of particle ingress. Check inlet filters are sized correctly.Cavitation Check NPSHR meets NPSHAParticles within pump Check fluid and pump for signs of particle ingress. Check inlet filters are sized correctly.Seal overheats Low Fluid level in pump. Check system and operating procedure. Fluid is recirculating for too long

If you are looking for more information on Self Priming Pumps read our complete self-priming pump guide on how self-priming pumps work