{"id":6586,"date":"2025-06-10T17:49:42","date_gmt":"2025-06-10T15:49:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdrpompe.com\/?p=6586"},"modified":"2025-07-16T18:51:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T16:51:14","slug":"failures-typical-centrifugal-pump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cdrpompe.com\/en\/failures-typical-centrifugal-pump\/","title":{"rendered":"Typical Failures in a Centrifugal Pump: Causes, Impacts and Prevention"},"content":{"rendered":"

As critical elements in the transfer of fluids in sectors such as chemical<\/a>, petrochemical, and water treatment<\/a>, companies are not only responsible for choosing a good pump, but also for anticipating signs of wear, predicting critical scenarios, and ensuring optimal operating conditions. Typical failures in a centrifugal pump\u2014such as dry running, cavitation, and shut off\u2014are not merely accidental events<\/strong>; they are symptoms of mechanical, thermal, or hydraulic imbalance, often stemming from non-optimized plant design, lack of monitoring systems, or out-of-spec operating cycles.<\/p>\n

A thorough analysis of these operational issues means learning to prevent them with technical precision, avoiding the progressive degradation of impellers, seals, bushings, and magnetic supports. It also means designing smarter systems capable of protecting themselves through the integration of sensors, advanced materials, and electronic controls.<\/p>\n

At CDR<\/a>, we are well acquainted with the typical failures of a centrifugal pump, and our teams are constantly working to ensure increasingly safe, robust, and efficient products.<\/p>\n

Typical Failures in a Centrifugal Pump: Criticalities and an Integrated Prevention Approach<\/b><\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to know that these failures (dry running, cavitation, and shut off) often do not occur as isolated phenomena.<\/p>\n

For example, a plant subject to cavitation may experience dry running due to the resulting lack of circulating liquid in the system. Likewise, a malfunction in the suction valve may create conditions that lead to dry running.<\/p>\n

The best form of prevention for any technical or mechanical failure lies in accurate design and continuous monitoring of the system. The use of level detection and power consumption monitoring systems, as well as bypass valves, constitutes a structured strategy to prevent uncontrolled increases in pressure, temperature, consumption, and internal degradation.<\/p>\n

Dry Running: Why It\u2019s a Problem and How to Prevent It<\/b><\/h3>\n

Dry running is one of the most common centrifugal pump<\/a> failures. It occurs when the pump operates without liquid or with inadequate lubrication. Under these conditions, the pump loses the necessary cooling, and the internal components\u2014normally lubricated\u2014suffer direct friction, leading to overheating.<\/p>\n

Most pumps, including CDR models, are not designed for this condition<\/strong>: although some configurations with excellent tolerance\u2014such as diamond-coated silicon carbide or graphite\u2014can withstand brief episodes without liquid, they are not substitutes for proper system design and usage.<\/p>\n

Typical consequences include increased power absorption up to thermal tripping, deformation of internal plastic components, and in severe cases, the breakage of the bushing itself due to extreme friction. Prolonged dry running can ultimately lead to complete pump failure.<\/p>\n

To prevent serious issues like dry running, it is essential to integrate control systems such as discharge pressure gauges, flow meters, and level switches to detect the absence or shortage of fluid. Additionally, the installation of wattmetric relays adds another layer of protection by detecting abnormal increases in power consumption\u2014an early indicator of dry running.<\/p>\n

Cavitation: The Invisible Degradation That Undermines Efficiency<\/b><\/h3>\n

Cavitation is one of the most dangerous failures for a centrifugal pump<\/strong>. It occurs when pressure in the suction line drops below the vapor pressure of the fluid, causing vapor bubbles to form. As pressure increases, these bubbles implode, generating micro-shocks that are highly erosive to internal components. Cavitation can result in severe vibration and a significant drop in operational efficiency, with major impacts on flow rate and head. Structurally, these implosions can erode the impeller blades and damage seals and housings, leading to sudden and costly breakdowns.<\/p>\n

One of the most effective ways to prevent and manage cavitation is to rely on the NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) parameter. The ideal condition is for the available NPSH (NPSHa)\u2014determined by pressure at the suction point, pipe losses, and fluid temperature\u2014to consistently exceed the required NPSH (NPSHr) of the pump. To ensure this margin, solutions range from reducing suction pipe head losses to optimally positioning fluid sources (e.g., elevated tanks), and even integrating boosters or inducers.<\/p>\n

Shut Off: The Hidden Failure Caused by a Closed Valve<\/b><\/h3>\n

Shut off, or the closing of the discharge valve while the pump is running, is another typical centrifugal pump failure that can lead to serious malfunctions.<\/strong> In this condition, the fluid\u2014unable to exit the discharge line\u2014starts to recirculate internally within the pump. This results in increased internal temperature and the gradual vaporization of the liquid. It may be caused by:<\/p>\n