WFB Series Sealless Self-Controlled Self-Priming Pump – Installation Guide & Specifications

Overview: The Sealless Advantage in Chemical Transfer

The WFB Series Sealless Self-Controlled Self-Priming Pump represents a significant advancement in leak-free fluid transfer. Designed around a-type multi-face centrifugal dynamic sealing device (-type multi-face centrifugal dynamic sealing system), this pump eliminates the packing seals and mechanical seals found in conventional pumps — addressing the persistent “run, emit, drip, leak” problems that plague chemical plants, refineries, and industrial facilities worldwide.

Unlike traditional self-priming pumps, long-shaft submerged pumps, or submersible sewage pumps, the WFB series achieves stable self-priming through a vacuum-principle mechanism combined with an electric air control valve. The result: prime once on installation, and the pump self-primed reliably for its entire service life.

Key Features & Engineering Benefits

1. Sealless Centrifugal Dynamic Sealing

The heart of the WFB pump is its multi-face centrifugal dynamic sealing device. During operation, the sealing assembly experiences zero friction — a design that extends service life by up to 10 times compared to conventional mechanically sealed pumps. By removing the mechanical seal entirely, the pump eliminates the most common failure point in chemical transfer applications.

2. “First Prime, Permanent Self-Priming” Principle

When the pump stops, an electric air control valve at the inlet opens instantly, allowing outside air to enter the suction line. This breaks any siphon effect and ensures the pump chamber retains sufficient liquid for the next start. The system operates as a fully integrated mechatronic unit — no manual priming required after the initial fill.

3. Low Vibration, Low Noise Design

Optimized hydraulic design and balanced rotating components keep vibration and noise at minimal levels. The pump is mobile, easy to disassemble, and straightforward to install in both fixed and temporary setups.

4. Superior Self-Control Capability

The WFB series integrates seamlessly with high-level automation systems, offering automatic level control, dry-run protection, and remote monitoring compatibility. It pairs naturally with PLC-based process control architectures.

5. Material Flexibility for Different Media

Depending on the fluid being handled, the pump body can be manufactured in cast steel, stainless steel, or other corrosion-resistant alloys. This makes it suitable for clean water, corrosive acids, alkaline solutions, and slurries with suspended solids.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Speed 2960 r/min / 1480 r/min
Suction/Discharge Port 50 mm – 400 mm
Rated Flow 5.6 – 1600 m³/h
Rated Head 10 m – 125 m
Self-Priming Height 4 m – 6 m (at ambient temperature with pressure)
Ambient Temperature ≤ 40 °C
Medium Temperature ≤ 50 °C

Model Designation Explained

Example: 80WFB50-32

  • 80 – Inlet Diameter (mm)
  • WFB – Sealless Self-Priming Pump
  • 50 – Rated Flow (m³/h)
  • 32 – Rated Head (m)

Installation Guidelines

Initial Priming (One-Time Only)

  1. After installation, fill the pump with the transfer medium through the “priming port” or the ball valve on the pump body. This is the only priming operation ever required.
  2. Tighten the priming port cap or close the ball valve securely to prevent air leakage that would affect self-priming performance.
  3. If handling concentrated sulfuric acid, never use water for priming — this creates a safety hazard.

Piping Requirements

  • Do not rest pipe weight on the pump inlet/outlet flanges. Use independent supports (provided by the user).
  • All pipe connections must be tight and airtight — any leak compromises self-priming and reduces flow/head.
  • Install a 0.5–1 meter vertical section at the pump outlet before any bend.
  • Do not increase the suction pipe diameter beyond design specifications, and avoid shared suction headers for multiple pumps — this increases priming time and reduces self-priming height.

Operational Checks Before Start

  1. Verify the pump shaft rotates freely using jog-mode testing.
  2. Confirm rotation direction matches the arrow mark (clockwise when viewed from the motor end).
  3. Check that liquid level inside the pump is sufficient. If low, refill before starting.

Application Scenarios

The WFB Series Sealless Self-Priming Pump is widely deployed across demanding industries:

  • Petrochemical & Refining: Transfer of corrosive acids, alkalis, and hydrocarbon products without seal leakage risks.
  • Power Generation: Circulating cooling water, chemical dosing, and wastewater handling.
  • Steel & Metallurgy: Scale water, acid pickling solutions, and slurry transfer.
  • Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical: Clean and corrosive fluid transfer with no contamination from seal wear particles.
  • Environmental Protection: Wastewater treatment, sludge transfer, and leachate handling.
  • Municipal & Civil: Water supply, drainage, and fire protection systems.
  • Mining & Mineral Processing: Slurry transfer, tailings handling, and process water circulation.

Operational Precautions

  • Never run the pump for extended periods with the discharge valve closed — this causes vibration and potential liquid vaporization.
  • Do not use the suction line gate valve to regulate flow — this risks cavitation.
  • Do not operate continuously below 30% of design flow without a bypass line.
  • Do not operate continuously above 120% of design flow — cavitation and motor overload may occur.
  • For outdoor winter installations, provide hot water or steam tracing, or drain the pump when idle to prevent freeze cracking.
  • When transferring fluids with crystallization or precipitation tendencies, drain the pump chamber through the drain port during idle periods to prevent solid buildup.

Self-Priming Height Correction

The stated self-priming heights (4–6 m) apply under standard conditions (1 atmosphere, ambient clean water). When site altitude (H) and water temperature (T) differ from standard conditions, apply the correction formula:

[Hs] = Hs − Hh − Ht

Where Hh is the difference between standard atmospheric pressure and local altitude pressure, and Ht is the difference between vapor pressure at site temperature and vapor pressure at ambient clean water temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does the WFB pump require priming before every start?

No. The “first prime, permanent self-priming” design means you fill the pump once during initial installation. After that, the electric air control valve automatically manages the priming cycle before each start — no manual intervention needed.

Q2: Can this pump handle corrosive chemicals like sulfuric acid?

Yes. The pump body is available in cast steel, stainless steel, and other corrosion-resistant materials. However, when handling concentrated sulfuric acid, never use water for the initial priming — use the medium itself or a compatible fluid.

Q3: What is the expected service life compared to conventional pumps?

Because the sealing assembly operates with zero friction during normal running, the WFB pump typically achieves a service life 10 times longer than comparable mechanically sealed pumps in the same service conditions.

Q4: What flow and head ranges are available?

The WFB series covers flows from 5.6 to 1600 m³/h and heads from 10 to 125 m, with port sizes from 50 mm to 400 mm. Speed options are 2960 r/min and 1480 r/min depending on the model.

Q5: Can multiple WFB pumps share a common suction header?

This is not recommended. Shared suction headers increase priming time and reduce effective self-priming height. Each pump should have its own dedicated suction line for optimal performance.

Why Choose Chaodun Pump?

Chaodun Pump manufactures the WFB Series Sealless Self-Priming Pump with strict quality control and engineering expertise. Our pumps are designed to replace traditional self-priming pumps, long-shaft submerged pumps, and submersible pumps across a wide range of industrial applications. We provide comprehensive technical support, installation guidance, and after-sales service to ensure reliable operation throughout the pump’s service life.

For technical inquiries, sizing assistance, or pricing, contact our engineering team today.

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