Why Must a Screw Pump Never Run Dry? Causes of Stator Damage Explained
Why Must a Screw Pump Never Run Dry? Causes of Stator Damage Explained Screw pumps are widely used for transferring high-viscosity liquids, sludge, wastewater, chemicals, food products, and other difficult-to-handle media. Compared with many conventional pumps, they can maintain relatively stable flow even when handling viscous or particle-containing fluids. However, there is one operating rule that should never be ignored: A screw pump should not be started or operated without sufficient medium inside the pump. Why is dry running so dangerous? The main reason lies in the working relationship between the rotor and stator. How Does a Screw Pump Work? In a typical single screw pump, also known as a progressive cavity pump, the main pumping elements are: A metallic rotor An elastic stator As the rotor rotates inside the stator, a series of sealed cavities is formed. These cavities continuously move from the suction side toward the discharge side, carrying the medium through the pump....