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What You Need to Know About Self Priming Pumps

How Does the EDDY Pump Self-Prime?

When someone refers to a pump being self-priming they mean that, before there is fluid running through the pump (dry), the pump draws the initial fluid into the inlet port of the pump, then pumps that fluid through the pump and downstream to its final destination.

The key to designing a self-priming pump is creating the ability for the pump to pull a vacuum at the inlet port where the fluid enters the wetted housing (volute). Self-priming pumps utilize centrifugal pump technology to automatically evacuate air from the suction line, enabling them to establish a liquid flow without manual intervention. The vacuum at the inlet port of the pump is what draws the fluid into the pump so that the fluid can be pumped downstream. The pump casing plays a crucial role in creating this vacuum and retaining liquid, ensuring a gas-tight seal and preventing air from returning from the discharge line to the suction line.

The process of how the EDDY Pump creates a vacuum at the inlet port of the pump originates from the spinning of the rotor inside the pump. As the rotor spins it creates turbulence, which in turn creates a vortex. The vortex creates a low pressure area that, in turn, develops what is referred to as vacuum. This vacuum is what makes the EDDY Pump self-priming. Initial priming is required before the pump can automatically evacuate air and establish efficient operation.

Most EDDY Pumps are submersible, as opposed to a self-priming unit in which the pump and power unit are not submerged. The suction hose attached to the inlet port of the EDDY Pump goes into the material to be pumped – the unit acts like a super-sized wet vacuum that draws the material into the pump, and pumps the material downstream to its final destination. EDDY self-priming pumps are easily mounted to trailers or skids which allows for increased mobility, making it simple to pump out multiple large pits or sumps with the ability to easily handle solid, abrasive, or corrosive material.

Some Considerations When Using a Self-Priming EDDY Pump

EDDY Pumps are very versatile and designed to be applied to a very broad range of pump applications. EDDY Pumps excel in extremely difficult applications, and are specifically suited for pumping slurry, high solids, extremely viscous material, paste, high abrasives (sand & gravel) and material filled with solids. Even though EDDY Pumps are used for a wide range of pump applications, there are specifics to consider when using any industrial pump.

The following are some specifics when installing an industrial pump into an application.

• Leak Prevention – Before installing check all pump fasteners to make sure they are tight. All fittings must be airtight, or the pump’s suction abilities can be reduced or lost. Test the pumping system to ensure no leaks at piping and hose connections. Even the smallest leaks can prevent the pump from doing its job correctly.
• The best location for the pump will be the shortest and straightest hook-up of the inlet and discharge piping or hose. Pump should be placed as close to the source of fluid that is to be pumped so that the pump’s suction capabilities are not hindered. The proper diameter pipe or hose, and connections should be sized properly to keep the pipe friction losses to a minimum. Piping or hose should be the same size or larger than the diameter of the pump inlet and discharge ports. Proper connection configurations for different power sources are crucial to ensure the pump operates efficiently.
• For applications where the vacuum requirements to draw the liquid into the pump are greater than the self-priming ability of the pump, relocation of the pump could be required. In this type of situation, move the pump closer to the fluid that is to be pumped.
• If the pump must be located away from the liquid to be pumped that is greater than the self-priming ability of the pump when the pump is dry (no liquid to the pump initially), an inability to draw the fluid to the inlet port will be experienced. If this condition is experienced, an artificial means of forcing fluid to the pump could be required. Self-priming pumps eliminate the need for manual priming by automatically evacuating air and maintaining flow without requiring additional manual intervention.
• Never use a pump in an application where chemical compatibility and/or temperature limits exceed the pump’s limitations.

Net Positive Suction Head

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) is an important consideration when trying to avoid cavitation. Cavitation can cause damage to the internal components of a pump (seals, rotors, bearings, etc.), and also hinder pump performance. Cavitation is a condition where the fluid entering a pump changes to a vapor. Ensuring that liquid can effectively enter the pump prevents cavitation by maintaining a continuous flow of liquid, which avoids the formation of vapor pockets.

NPSHa is the absolute NPSH required at the inlet port of the pump. NPSHr is the required NPSH at the inlet port of the pump. When NPSHa is less than NPSHr cavitation will occur. Oftentimes, this is a result of the vacuum (suction) at the inlet port of the pump being too high. This condition is more common on centrifugal pumps, but can be inherent in the operation of other pumps as well. In extreme situations it can cause a pump to lose its prime, but most often causes areas in the wetted path of the pump to become void of fluid and the pump to run dry. Maintaining an airtight suction line is crucial to prevent air ingress and ensure effective priming.

The following are some suggestions to avoid issues caused by cavitation and NPSH at the suction area of the pump:

• Make sure that there are no obstructions in the inlet piping of the pump which can cause an increase in vacuum.
• Use inlet piping or hoses that is equivalent or larger in diameter to the inlet of the pump.
• Shorten the inlet piping or hoses by relocating the pump closer to the fluid being pumped.

Avoiding issues due to NPSH and cavitation can reduce the cost associated with mechanical failures and hindrances of performance of the pump which can equate to greater production, less product downtime, and reduced cost in pump maintenance.

Common Applications of EDDY Self-Priming Pumps

A self-priming EDDY Pump can be used for a wide range of applications in various industries. Some examples include:

• Sewage lift stations, where raw sewage is pumped using high-solids pumps into a treatment facility.
• Pumping stormwater from a facility, construction site, or dewatering a mining operation.
• Agriculture application or Irrigation for a massive land project where a significant amount of water is required.
• Transferring light fuel from the source to the destination or holding tank for oil and gas pump applications.
• Supply lines for commercial and industrial air conditioning systems.
• Fighting fires on a large scale.

EDDY Self-Priming unit

Advantages of the EDDY Pump Self-Priming Pump

Due to their unique design, there are several advantages to using a self-priming EDDY Pump. Some of the advantages include:

• Optimal Performance. Built for pumping the toughest of materials including high viscosity liquids, high-solids content slurries with a non-clogging design. The pumping action results from the rotational energy transferred from the impeller to the liquid.
• This type of pump can remove air on its own and continue operation without assistance. However, it will not operate when dry, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper liquid levels.
• The EDDY Pump can pump solids that are almost the size of the inlet port of the pump, no matter what size EDDY Pump.
• The EDDY Pump can be used in submersible, flooded suction, and application where the pump is positioned above the fluid to be pumped.
• The pump can self-prime without the use of vacuum assistance. Additionally, it can re-prime during operation after its initial filling, offering high efficiency and construction benefits.

Pump & Dredging

Flooded Suction Pumps

The fluid to be pumped with flooded suction pumps is positioned above the pump. With the pump positioned below, gravity can feed the fluid into the pump’s suction and keep the pump primed.

Submersible Pumps

Pumps that are completely submerged in the liquid are called submersible pumps. By being submerged in the fluid to be pumped, there is no need for priming the pump.

Self-Priming Pumps

With a self-priming unit, the pump and power unit are not submerged. The suction hose goes into the slurry and the unit acts like a super-sized wet dry vacuum. Can be trailer mounted for added mobility.

Using Self-Priming Pump to Replace Vacuum Trucks

Many industrial operations such as drilling, paper/pulp, manufacturing, and mining have waste that must be processed and removed on a regular basis. The solution for a lot of these companies is to continually hire vacuum truck services in order to clean and remove waste material from tanks, sumps, and pits. This costly process can now be done in-house for a fraction of the price with the EDDY Pump Self-Priming System.

By replacing vacuum trucks with a self-priming pump system, you can now pump waste material directly to the disposal areas, storage tanks, or dewatering bags nearby. This process can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on vacuum truck services. Geotextile Tubes, or containers made of interwoven high strength fabric, are used in many dewatering applications to separate solids from water in a solid-laden slurry. The bag’s interwoven holes allow water to pass through, leaving the solids behind for later removal. They are particularly effective for contaminated sediments dewatering and shoreline erosion control because they can be filled then stored indefinitely. It is a cost-effective means of dewatering, as no electricity is required.

A recent client in the manufacturing space was paying $200,000.00 every year to vacuum truck companies to dispose of the waste in their sumps. They tried using other pumps, but the pumps would constantly clog and fail because of large debris, abrasive slurry, etc. This problem was solved with a 2-inch self-priming EDDY Pump for a fraction of the annual cost of vacuum trucks. Dewatering bags are perfect for materials that can be dewatered and dispersed on site.

EDDY Pump Is Perfect for Your Liquid Transfer Applications

The EDDY Pump is unique compared to other industrial pumps available. This pump can do things that other pumps can’t, and in some cases, it would require multiple different types of pumps to perform under the same conditions, and pump the multitude of different types of materials that this pump can handle. The EDDY Pump is ideally suited for applications that require a tougher pump – a pump that can excel in environments where other pumps fail. This pump has been put to the test on countless occasions and has proven to be reliable, long-lasting, in service for long periods of time with little maintenance needed, and cost-effective due to reduced production downtime.

The design of the priming chamber ensures that enough liquid is retained for the pump to self-prime during subsequent uses, highlighting the importance of maintaining liquid levels to facilitate the pump’s operation effectively.

The EDDY Pump is perfect for pumping fluids with high solids content and viscosity, large debris, abrasives, and corrosives. To see more about the EDDY Pump go to today!

NEW – Best Applications – Industries Most Served

The EDDY Pump Corporation is a premier manufacturer of pumping and dredging equipment. If you are pumping or dredging slurry, high solids, extremely viscous material, paste, high abrasives (sand & gravel) and material filled with solids, then you found the best-suited product for the job.

Mining, Fly Ash, Coal Ash, Oil, Fracking, Gas, Wastewater, Pulp and Paper, Chemical, Energy, Water Municipalities, Irrigation, and Dredging Companies.

Dredging & Marine Construction

Mine Tailings Pumping

Oil & Gas

Chemical Pumping

Agricultural & Canal Pumping

Sand & Gravel Pumping

Sewage & Wastewater

Paper & Pulp Pumping

Why EDDY Pumps Are Better – Highlights

This video shows how EDDY Pump transports high slurry and abrasive materials. Featured dredge pump equipment includes the Remote Operated Subdredge, Diver Operated Pump and a Excavator Attachment Dredge Pump.

HD (Heavy Duty) Slurry Pumps / Dredge Equipment