

Pumps | 2 min read

4 REASONS YOU HAVE

ENTRAINED AIR IN
YOUR PUMPING
SYSTEM
Written by Jesse Sage
February 5, 2015


It's a well known fact that centrifugal waterfall_effect_screenshot
pumps intended to move fluids do a
rather poor job moving air. Pumps with entrained air can experience a myriad of issues,
not to mention headaches for their operators. Think you may have an issue with air in
your pump? Read on to learn the symptoms, and some of the most common reasons air
may be entering your system.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AIR IS IN THE PUMP

Generally characterized by noisy operation, and excessive vibration, air inside a pump can
have some seriously undesired results.

As the percentage of gas by volume increases, the performance of the pump decreases.
According to the Goulds Pump Care Manual, a mixture of only 2% gas by volume will
cause a 10% drop in capacity. If you've noticed a drop in performance, or "gravel" type
noise when the pump is in operation, you may have air inside.

Not only will pumps with entrained air experience a drop in performance, serious cases
will cause shaft breakage, seal failure, or accelerated corrosion.

A SHORT LIST OF HOW AIR GETS IN THE SYSTEM

So how did air get inside of the system? Below is a list of just some of the ways air could
be creeping inside.

FREE FALLING DISCHARGE


Free falling discharge, or the waterfall effect, is when liquid is discharged into a pit or
tank near the pump suction line that draws fluid from the tank/pit. The bubbles created
when the fluid enters the water are pulled into the suction line, causing problems for the
pump. The illustrations below, from the Goulds Pump Care Manual show suggestions for
discharge line configurations to avoid this effect.

This video from Gorman Rupp illustrates how free falling discharge can cause water to
enter the suction line.


 Self-Priming Applications Pt. 3: Air Entrainment

LEAKY SUCTION LINE

Air can easily enter pumps through leaks in the suction line at elbows, joints, etc. It's safe
to say, if fluid is coming out, air is definitely getting in.

NOT MEETING MINIMUM SUBMERGENCE

Submersible, immersible, or pumps in suction lift applications can be prone to air
entrainment when the minimum submergence level in the tank/pit are not met. When
the fluid level in the tank or pit meets a certain level, a vortex can form.

This video from Gorman Rupp does a good job showing how a vortex can form on the
surface of the water and make its way all the way up the suction line to the self-priming
pump above.


 Self-Priming Applications Pt.4: Vortexing

PRODUCT WITH ENTRAINED AIR

This is problem is very common in paper stock applications, but could be seen in other
industries where air pockets in the product being pumped are present. There's not much
you can do to change the product to appease the pump, but there are ways to modify
your pump or process to keep your pump happier. Be sure to talk to an engineer
experienced in fluid processes to help you make those decisions.
The amount of air that can be handled by a pump varies from pump to pump. But one
thing is certain, all fluid handling pumps operate better when no air is present.

If you're experiencing issues with a pump making too much noise, or vibrating
excessively, ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in
Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

   

 P R E V I O U S S T O R Y

← 4 Reasons Why Bearings Fail

N E X T S T O R Y

Gold Rush! Gorman-Rupp Opens Up About Mining And Pumps On Hit TV Show →

You May Also Like

These Stories on Pumps

how-to-read-a-pump-curve.jpg

PUMPS

How To Read A Centrifugal Pump Curve

August 15, 2023 | 6 min read


beginners-guide-to-puming-slurry.jpg

PUMPS

A Beginner's Guide To Pumping Slurry

June 20, 2023 | 4 min read

viking pump internal gear pump

PUMPS

The Quick Guide to Internal Gear Pumps

May 29, 2023 | 3 min read

Talk To Our Team

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*


 Phone number*

Company name*

Street address*

City*

State/Region*
Please Select

How can we help?*

SEND REQUEST NOW

PRODUCTS
Pumps, Drives & Monitoring
Valves & Valve Automation 
Seals & Couplings
Filters & Strainers
Mixers
Water/Wastewater Processing Equipment
Skid Systems
Sanitary Cleaning Systems
Heat Exchangers

PUMP SKID SYSTEMS

Skid System Packages
Skid Systems By Market
Our Team
Success Stories
Skid System Store
Skid System Repair Services

SERVICES
OEM Repair
Installation & Startup
Predictive & Preventive Maintenance
Water/Wastewater Treatment Equipment Repair
Emergency Repair
Flex Support Program
John Crane Seal Repair
Root Cause Analysis
Skid System Refurbishment
Valve Automation
Floor Coatings

RESOURCES
Resource Library
Video Library
Blog
Success Stories

ABOUT US 
News
Careers
Leadership
Media Kit
Events
Contact Us

REQUEST A QUOTE

CONTACT US
Headquarters and Service Center
707 Ford Street
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-733-4425

OptiFlow Design and Build Center

1002 Truman Street
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-733-4425

Burnsville Service Center

12265 Nicollet Avenue
Burnsville, MN 55337
952-444-1949

Grand Rapids Service Center

26489 Industrial Blvd
Cohasset, MN 55721
952-444-1949