Why would a Dredge Pump Loose Prime ?

Recently we got some client feedback :

Why the dredge pump not working ?

Why not suction water or sand ?

Why discharge so near ?

Why sand capacity is smaller ?

We think this dredge pump loose prime ? why does this happen ?

A dredge pump can lose prime for several reasons.

Here are some common causes:

Air leakage

If there is air leakage in the suction line or any other part of the pump system, it can cause the pump to lose prime. Air can enter the system through loose fittings, damaged seals, or cracks in the suction line. When air enters the pump, it displaces the liquid and prevents proper priming. So need to make a discharge valve at the top of the pump and pipeline to let air out .

Clogging

If the suction line or the pump itself becomes clogged with debris or tyre or branches it can obstruct the flow of liquid and cause the pump to lose prime. This can happen if the dredge encounters large or solid objects that cannot pass through the pump system. Yes just to remove that .

Insufficient water supply

Dredge pumps require a continuous and adequate water supply to maintain prime. If the water level in the source or sump drops too low, the pump may not have enough water to create the necessary suction, leading to prime loss. Need to supply enough water let this dredge pump to suction enough water and slurry .

Improper installation

Incorrect installation or misalignment of the pump components can cause prime loss. If the pump is not properly sealed or if there are misalignments between the pump and the suction line, it can result in air leaks and subsequent loss of prime. Just to according the drawing and instruction book to do the checking .

Mechanical issues

Faulty or worn-out components within the pump, such as worn impellers, damaged seals, or malfunctioning valves, can affect the pump's ability to maintain prime. These mechanical issues can disrupt the flow of liquid and cause the pump to lose prime. After long time working ,t his dredge pump will with some worn parts ,change the new one that is possible to solve this problems .

Operating conditions

Certain operating conditions can contribute to prime loss. For example, if the dredge pump operates at a higher elevation than the water source, it may struggle to maintain prime due to increased suction lift. Additionally, excessive vibrations, temperature variations, or changes in the viscosity of the pumped material can impact the pump's performance. Because the dredge pump is centrifugal pump ,which shuold be less than the water level ,so using a pontoon to let the pump as lower as the water level can pump water easily .

Cavitation

Running a pump at the edge of cavitation invites all kinds of problems. The hammering vibration beats the hell of out of the packing and opens the gap between the shaft sleeve and the packing. Water sprays out and air can enter. When the vacuum on the cavitating pump inlet increases further it is likely to quit pumping due to the combination of air entry and choking off. How to solve that ?

1.Turn down the discharge valve to change the pump performance curves and change the working point for flow capacity and pump head

2.Lift up the suction head to lower the slurry capacity density ,reduce the pump pressure .

3.Change the rotation speed to change the pump rotation speed to change the performance curves .

4.Cutting impeller diameter

To resolve the issue of prime loss, it is necessary to identify the specific cause and address it accordingly. This may involve inspecting the pump system for leaks, obstructions, or mechanical faults, ensuring proper installation, and maintaining an adequate water supply. Consulting the pump manufacturer's guidelines or seeking assistance from a qualified professional can also be helpful in diagnosing and resolving the problem.

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Written by Taian OCEAN Pump Co.,ltd

Doris Chen

Mobile: +86 18562293319

e-mail: oceanpump12@gmail.com