Pump Seizure: Causes, Prevention, & Solutions

Pump seizure can be a frustrating and disruptive event in any fluidic application. Knowing how to handle a seized pump quickly and effectively can help operators minimize downtime and potential damage to equipment. Here's what you need to know about the causes of pump seizure and the measures that can be taken to prevent it:


Understanding Pump Seizure and Stalling

Pump Seizure
A seizure occurs when the pump head becomes physically blocked and can no longer function. The primary culprits behind pump seizures are crystallizing fluids that get lodged between the piston and liner, clogging the fluid path. The introduction of air into the system can also be a catalyst for crystal formation, increasing the likelihood of a pump seizure. Although it's sometimes possible to remedy this situation, in most cases, once a pump has seized, it may not be returned to a working state with its current components.

Stalled Pump
By contrast, stalling is a different issue (despite sometimes being mistaken for seizure). When a pump stalls, it stops rotating and emits a loud buzzing sound. Fortunately, this is often resolvable by simply turning the pump off and back on again.

Handling a Worst-Case Scenario
If a pump seizure occurs, never run the pump dry. Pumps should be operated in a wetted state to reduce the chances of further damage. While certain materials and physical features may allow a pump to be run dry or partially wetted in specific instances, keeping the pump wetted is always the safest bet.

If your pump seizes:

1. Turn off the pump and unplug it immediately as continued operation could cause irreversible damage.
2. Plug the pump back in and turn it on to determine whether the pump has stalled or fully seized.
    
   1. If restarting the pump restores functionality, the pump is no longer stalled and may be safely used.
   2. If the pump remains unresponsive, it has likely seized and will require further intervention. In this case, stop using the pump, power it off, unplug it, and contact Fluid Metering's engineering support team for further assistance.

How Fluids Can Contribute to Seizure
Certain fluid properties can lead to an increased risk of pump seizure:

• Viscosity – Highly viscous fluids can increase the chances of a pump seizing, especially those that become thicker as they are pumped (i.e.: due to temperature changes).
• Particulates – A more concentrated presence of solid particles within a fluid can causes clogging and pump failure.
  
  

Preventing Pump Seizure
Proper operation and storage play key roles in keeping your pump in good working condition:

• Use the pump as intended – Avoid operating the beyond its recommended parameters to reduce wear and tear.
• Utilize flush ports – If the fluid being handled is prone to crystallization or highly concentrated in particulates, utilizing additional flush ports may help to maintain smooth operation.
• Flush the system before storage – Never leave fluid in the pump when it's not in use, as this can increase the risk of crystallization and clogging.
  
  

Troubleshooting and Recovery
If your pump has seized, do not attempt to adjust or repair it yourself. Our trained engineering technicians specialize in restoring pump functionality and can safely assess the issue to determine the best course of action. Contact our experienced engineering team for more ways to ensure your equipment stays in tip-top shape, so you can seize the engineering opportunity - not your pump!