Understanding WFB Series Sealless Self-Priming Pump
The WFB Series Sealless Self-Priming Pump (also known as WFB) is an innovative self-priming centrifugal pump that eliminates traditional sealing methods. This non-seal self-priming pump features a unique centrifugal dynamic sealing device that completely prevents leakage, making it ideal replacement for conventional self-priming pumps, long-shaft submerged pumps, and submersible pumps.
The air-proof self-priming pump is widely used in petroleum, power, chemical, steel, pharmaceutical, coking, electroplating, environmental protection, fire protection, municipal, water purification, national defense, textile, mining, and civil construction industries.
Key Features of Sealless Self-Priming Pump
- Leak-Free Operation: Uses centrifugal dynamic sealing device instead of traditional packing or mechanical seals
- High Reliability: Seal device has no friction during operation, extending service life by 10 times compared to similar products
- Permanent Self-Priming: Achieves “first priming, permanent self-priming” through vacuum pump principle
- Low Vibration & Noise: Flexible movement, easy disassembly, and simple installation
- Intelligent Control: Can be integrated with advanced automation systems
- Multiple Materials: Available in cast steel, stainless steel, and other materials based on medium requirements
Technical Specifications
- Rotational Speed: 2960 r/min, 1480 r/min
- Inlet/Outlet Diameter: 50mm – 400mm
- Rated Flow: 5.6 – 1600 m³/h
- Rated Head: 10m – 125m
- Self-Priming Height: 4m – 6m (at normal temperature with pressure)
- Ambient Temperature: ≤40°C
- Medium Temperature: ≤50°C
Installation and Usage Precautions
Initial Priming Procedure
- After installation, fill the pump with the medium to be pumped through the “priming port” or pump body ball valve
- This is the “first priming” – no additional priming is required for subsequent use
- Tighten the “priming port” cap or close the ball valve to prevent air leakage that would affect self-priming
Pipeline Installation Requirements
- Do not support pipeline weight on pump flanges: The weight of suction and discharge pipelines must be supported by brackets (user-provided), not on the pump inlet/outlet flanges
- Ensure tight connections: All pipeline connections must be tightly sealed and leak-proof, otherwise self-priming function and flow/head performance will be affected
- Vertical pipe section: Add a 0.5-1 meter vertical pipe section at the pump outlet, then make a turn
- Do not enlarge inlet pipe diameter: Increasing the pump inlet pipe diameter or having multiple pumps share a common suction pipe will increase self-priming time and reduce self-priming height
Pre-Startup Checks
- Check that the pump main shaft rotates freely
- Use jog mode to verify rotation direction matches the steering mark
- Rotation direction: clockwise when viewed from the motor end
- Install buffer plate structure filter at the suction inlet (optional) to prevent oversized particles from damaging the pump
Operation Restrictions
- Do not operate with discharge valve closed: Long-term operation with closed discharge valve will cause pump vibration and may vaporize the liquid, potentially causing equipment damage and personal injury
- Do not use suction gate valve to adjust flow: This will cause cavitation
- Do not operate below 30% of design flow continuously: Unless a bypass pipe is added
- Do not operate above 120% of design flow continuously: This will cause cavitation and motor overload
Special Medium Handling
For concentrated sulfuric acid: Never use water for priming, as this can cause personal injury and equipment accidents.
For liquids with crystallization or sedimentation:
- If the pump is not used for a period of time, drain the priming liquid from the pump chamber through the “drain port”
- This prevents crystallization or sediment from remaining in the pump chamber
- Before next use, perform priming again according to the initial priming procedure
For liquids without crystallization or sedimentation:
- If the pump is not used for a period of time, check if the stored liquid in the pump is sufficient before startup
- If insufficient, replenish before starting
Winter Operation
For outdoor use in winter:
- Equip with hot water or steam tracing pipe to prevent freezing
- Alternatively, drain all liquid from the pump to prevent freezing and cracking
Self-Priming Height Correction
The self-priming height values in the specifications are measured under standard conditions (pumping at one atmospheric pressure) without cavitation within the operating range. The smaller the flow, the greater the self-priming height value.
If the pump installation site conditions (altitude H and water temperature T) differ from standard conditions, the self-priming height value Hs must be corrected using the formula:
[Hs] = Hs – Hh – Ht
Where:
- Hh: Difference between standard atmospheric pressure and local altitude
- Ht: Difference between vaporization pressure at site water temperature and vaporization pressure of
When to Contact Professional Support
Contact qualified technicians if you encounter:
- Self-priming function failure after proper priming procedure
- Unusual vibration or noise during operation
- Sealing device leakage (though rare with centrifugal dynamic sealing)
- Performance significantly below rated specifications
- Uncertainties about medium compatibility with pump materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the WFB Series Sealless Self-Priming Pump achieve leak-free operation?
A: The pump uses a centrifugal dynamic sealing device instead of traditional packing or mechanical seals. This seal device has no friction during operation, completely eliminating “running, emitting, dripping, and leaking” problems.
Q: What does “first priming, permanent self-priming” mean?
A: After initial installation, you only need to fill the pump with liquid once through the priming port. The pump’s vacuum principle and electric air control valve ensure that the pump chamber retains sufficient liquid for self-priming during subsequent startups.
Q: Can the WFB self-priming centrifugal pump handle corrosive liquids?
A: Yes, the non-seal self-priming pump is available in various materials including cast steel and stainless steel. Select the appropriate material based on your medium’s chemical properties.