can slurry pump run dry?

 

No, slurry pumps should not run dry as it can cause significant damage to the pump and its components. A slurry pump is designed to handle abrasive and viscous fluids containing solid particles. When the pump operates without any fluid, the impeller and casing can experience severe wear and tear due to the absence of lubrication and cooling.

 

Running a slurry pump dry can cause the following issues:

 

Excessive heat generation due to friction and high RPMs, leading to damage to the bearings, seals, and other components.

 

Increased vibration levels, which can cause the pump to fail prematurely.

 

Cavitation, which occurs when the pump's suction side experiences a low-pressure condition, leading to the formation of vapor bubbles that implode when they reach the higher pressure areas, causing damage to the impeller, casing, and other components.

 

To prevent these issues, it's essential to ensure that the slurry pump is always primed before starting it and that there is always a sufficient amount of fluid in the pump during operation.