esipumppaus

Esipumppaus, also known as pre-pumping or priming, is a crucial step in the operation of many types of pumps, particularly centrifugal pumps. It refers to the process of filling the pump casing and the suction line with the fluid to be pumped before the pump is started. This is essential because most centrifugal pumps are not self-priming and rely on the presence of liquid to create the necessary low-pressure area that draws more fluid into the pump.

If a centrifugal pump is started without being primed, it will attempt to pump air. Air is much less dense than liquid, and the impeller will not be able to generate enough pressure difference to create suction. This can lead to cavitation, where vapor bubbles form and collapse, potentially damaging the pump. It can also result in the pump running dry, which can cause overheating and severe wear on seals and bearings.

Various methods are employed for esipumppaus. One common technique involves manually filling the pump casing and suction line with the fluid using a hose or by opening a priming valve. Another method uses a vacuum pump to draw air out of the suction line and pump casing, allowing the fluid to fill the void. In some systems, a foot valve with a built-in check valve is installed at the end of the suction line, which helps to retain liquid in the line after the pump has stopped, simplifying the priming process for subsequent startups. For applications where continuous operation is critical or where manual priming is impractical, self-priming pumps or systems with automatic priming mechanisms are often utilized. Proper esipumppaus ensures efficient and safe operation of the pump.