Among many pump equipment, self-priming pump and non-self-priming pump are two common types. They have their own characteristics and play an important role in different application scenarios. Understanding their relevant knowledge is very important for us to correctly select and use pump equipment.
What is a Self-Priming Pump?
A self-priming pump is a pump with unique functions. It can automatically discharge the air in the suction line without external assistance at startup, and then inhale and transport liquid.
The reason why the self-priming pump can achieve such a function is that its internal structure has a special design. Usually it has a pump chamber that can store a certain amount of liquid. At startup, the liquid in this pump chamber will begin to circulate under the action of the rotation of the impeller, etc. Gradually bring out the air in the suction pipe, and as the air is continuously discharged, the external liquid can be smoothly inhaled and continuously transported.
What is a Non-Self-Priming Pump?
Non-self-priming pumps are different. They do not have the ability to automatically discharge air from the suction line like self-priming pumps.
If you want a non-self-priming pump to work properly, before starting it, you must first manually or through other auxiliary equipment to evacuate the air in the suction line. Then let the liquid fill the entire suction line.
Most common centrifugal pumps are non-self-priming pumps. When using a centrifugal pump, if you do not prepare to evacuate the air in advance, it will not be able to pump up the liquid and transport it out smoothly.
In some chemical production processes, when using a centrifugal pump to transport liquid raw materials, the staff must first use a special pump filling device to fill the suction pipe and the pump body with liquid. Make sure there is no air left inside, and then the centrifugal pump can operate normally.
Key Differences Between Self-Priming and Non-Self-Priming Pumps
Differences in starting methods
The self-priming pump is relatively worry-free when starting. Just connect the power supply and other related lines and press the start button. It can handle the problem of air in the suction pipe by itself, and then start to transport liquid normally.
Non-self-priming pumps require additional operations to evacuate the air before starting. If this step is forgotten, the pump will not be able to work normally. This undoubtedly increases the complexity and labor costs of the operation.
Different structural designs
The self-priming pump has a structure specifically used to store liquid and assist in evacuating air. Like the pump chamber mentioned above, these structures give it a self-priming function.
Non-self-priming pumps are relatively simpler in structure. It does not have these complex structural designs specifically for self-priming. It mainly relies on the outside world to create a good suction condition full of liquid to work.
Differences in applicable scenarios
Due to its self-priming characteristics, self-priming pumps have advantages in some occasions where the water source is not fixed, air is easily mixed in the suction pipeline, or it needs to be moved frequently. For example, it is very suitable for temporary irrigation operations in rural areas and drainage of some small construction sites.
Non-self-priming pumps are more used in fixed places where the liquid supply is stable and the air can be emptied in advance. Like the liquid delivery link in a large chemical production workshop. As long as the pump is filled in advance according to the process, it can complete the delivery task stably and reliably.
How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Needs?
Consider the use scenario
If the use scenario changes frequently. For example, irrigation is carried out in different farmland areas, and the place where water is collected may be different each time. It is easy for air to enter the suction pipe. Then the self-priming pump is a good choice.
But if it is in a fixed factory workshop. The liquid delivery pipelines are fixedly installed. And there are conditions to prepare for evacuating the air in advance. Non-self-priming pumps may be able to meet the needs. And it can also have certain advantages in terms of cost.
Pay attention to the convenience of operation
If you want the operation process to be simple and don’t want to spend some effort to evacuate the air before starting the pump, then the self-priming pump is obviously more suitable.
But if there is a dedicated person responsible for the operation and is familiar with the operation process. And the preparations before the start of the non-self-priming pump can be completed according to the specifications. Then the non-self-priming pump can also be considered.
Weighing the cost factors
Generally speaking, self-priming pumps have a relatively complex self-priming structure. So their prices are often higher than non-self-priming pumps of the same type and specification.
Under limited budget. It is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as usage scenarios and ease of operation. The trade-off is whether to choose a self-priming pump that is slightly more expensive but easy to use. Or choose a non-self-priming pump that is less expensive but requires additional operations to start.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Common problems with self-priming pumps
Sometimes, a self-priming pump may take too long to self-prime. This may be because there is a leak in the suction pipe, causing air to continuously enter. At this time, you need to carefully check the pipe connection parts. Check if there are any places with loose seals and seal them in time.
Self-priming pumps may also have the problem of insufficient flow after self-priming. This may be because the impeller is worn or there are debris stuck inside the pump chamber. You need to check the wear of the impeller, clean up the debris in the pump chamber, etc.
Common problems with non-self-priming pumps
The most common problem with non-self-priming pumps is that they cannot be started. The high probability is that they are not prepared to evacuate the air. At this time, you have to re-prime the pump according to the correct process. Make sure that the suction pipe and the pump body are full of liquid.
In addition, unstable flow may also occur. This may be related to factors such as unstable power supply voltage and abnormal impeller speed. It is necessary to check the power supply and check whether the impeller rotates normally. Then solve the problem in a targeted manner.
Conclusion
Self-priming pumps and non-self-priming pumps have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. When actually choosing to use it, we must fully consider factors such as usage scenarios, ease of operation, and cost.
At the same time, understanding their common problems and corresponding troubleshooting methods will help us better maintain the equipment during use. Ensure that the pump can operate stably and efficiently to meet our production and living needs.
