Dry Running Pump Stators and Loss of Lubrication: Why Should These Be Avoided?

May 1, 2019

Cavity pumps are highly effective at pumping different types of substances as long as you keep them in ideal working condition. One main reason for these pumps to malfunction is when they lose the necessary lubrication to keep the stators operating correctly. Dry running stators can cause these pumps to completely fail. For this reason, we explain more about pump stators, and how to prevent loss of lubrication with them in the following details.

What Are Pump Stators?

A progressive cavity pump typically contains a twin helix and a helical rotor. The rotor is tightly sealed against the pump stator during its rotation, and this is what forms the specific sizes of cavities in between the parts. As the rotor rotates, the cavities move without losing their volume or shape. Any substance moved by these pumps are inside the cavities. Usually, the pump stators are custom-moulded to ensure that they fit the pumps correctly. These parts come in single-part and two-part versions, depending upon your needs. They also include a steel casing and an elastomer. Both ends of the stators are sealed securely.

Loss of Lubrication Presents a Significant Problem

If there is insufficient lubrication for the stators, excessive friction will happen and cause the surface temperature to rise on the stator. These two problems together can lead to the pump failing to operate at all. To prevent these issues from happening, you must use protective measures, which we cover in the next section.

How to Prevent Dry Running Pump Stators

The most effective way to prevent dry running pump stators is by using a variety of detectors to alert you to a loss of lubrication, higher temperatures or an abnormal increase in pressure. Examples of these detection devices include:

• Temperature probes will detect a rise in temperature in the stator, which is a sign that loss of lubrication may be the issue. If the temperature gets too hot the pump turns off before any damage can occur. This should not be the only method that you use to prevent dry running, though, since the stator and rotor can operate in a dry state for a while before the heat rises.

• Presence/absence detectors monitor the flow of liquid to the stators. When the supply of this liquid goes too low or is not detected, the system shuts down the pump to prevent dry running from occurring.

• Pressure detectors are another viable means to prevent loss of lubrication and the problems that it causes. Numerous areas are checked to ensure that the pressure is where it should be.

For further facts about dry running pump stators and loss of lubrication, contact Parker Pumps. One of our specialties is supplying replacement parts for a wide assortment of pump models.

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