Self Priming Pumps Key Terms

Get acquainted with self priming pump key terms

By Howard Robertson

A self priming pump has a vacuum level that is strong enough to draw fluid without any external help. Self priming pumps are very useful for various applications ranging from overhead tanks, pressure boosting systems, treatment plants and even transporting highly viscous products like cream and butter.

Whether you want to use self priming pumps for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, you will need to be conversant with various technical terms related to these pumps. This guide will familiarize you with the key terms related to self priming pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, peristaltic pumps, sewage pumps, GPM, RPM and pump impeller.

Centrifugal pump

A centrifugal pump is a pumping device that works on the simple principle of centrifugal force. Centrifugal pumps are very popular in the industry by virtue of their wide range of applications. A self priming pump is an example of a centrifugal pump.
Try: You can read through basic information on centrifugal pumps at Pump World, an online knowledge resource.

Peristaltic pump

A peristaltic pump is a type of fluid transfer pump. These pumps use rollers to squeeze a tube and thus force the fluid along a hose and into the discharge pipe. Peristaltic pumping systems use self priming pumps very extensively.
Try: Machine Design, a knowledge resource, provides detailed information about peristaltic pumps.

Sewage pump

A sewage pump lifts wastewater to a gravity sanitary sewer line. Self priming pumps are very common in sewage systems.
Try: wiseGEEK, an online information resource, provides detailed information about sewage pumps.

GPM (Gallons Per Minute)

GPM is the measuring unit of discharge flow of a self priming pump. It is one of the most important criteria for choosing the right self priming pump.
Try: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers detailed information on GPM.

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute)

RPM is a term related to electric and electronic rotating devices. RPM is a measure of the rotational speed of a motor. It measures the revolutions the spindle of a motor makes in one minute.
Try: You can read through the definition of RPM at Convertworld.com.

Pump impeller

In a self priming pump, you will need a pump impeller, a rotating device that pushes liquids, gases or vapors into a desired direction. Axial and radial are the most common type of pump impellers.
Try: Learn more about pump impellers and the various types of impellers at Engineers Edge, a useful resource for technical information on engineering components.

Viscosity

Viscosity of the fluid is an important parameter for the design and performance of a self priming pump. Viscosity indicates the resistance of the fluid to flow.
Try: To understand the meaning of viscosity, read through information at STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Additionally, Eaton Corporation offers a hydraulics glossary that explains various terms, including viscosity.

Pump head

When a self priming pump operates, the liquid moves rapidly inside the pump. The force of this moving liquid exerts tremendous pressure. This pressure, measured in feet, is pump head.
Try: At impeller.net, you can read through basic information on pump head and the formula to calculate it. PlumberSurplus.com, a supplier of valves, water heaters and pumps, also provides detailed information about pump head and its various types.

Pump curve

Pump curve evaluates the efficiency of all pumps including self priming pumps. In a pump curve, the fluid flow is plotted on the X-axis and the pump head on the Y-axis.
Try: You can read through detailed information on various aspects of a pump curve at Cole-Parmer, a leading supplier of pumps.