BA series centrifugal pumps are equipped with a vacuum system and are therefore dry self priming. These vacuum-assisted centrifugal pumps are used for sewer bypassing, dewatering and flood control. The high head pumps are suitable for a variety of applications. The BA pumps are driven by either a diesel engine or an electric motor and are assembled as a pumpset in a sound attenuated canopy or open frame.

How does a dry prime pump work?

Dry prime means that the centrifugal pump doesn’t need to be filled with water. After the engine has started, the vacuum pump starts to prime immediately. A non-return valve closes the discharge side of the centrifugal pump so that a vacuum is created on the suction side. Liquid is then quickly drawn and when the centrifugal pump is filled with water the pumping process starts. At the same time, the water level in the float tank rises and a float blocks the supply to the diaphragm pump.

The video priming with MP50 vacuum pump shows just how fast the system works.

Key facts about vacuum assist pumps

• The centrifugal pump is fitted with a special oil chamber for cooling the mechanical seal during dry suction. The pump housing does not have to be filled with water during start-up.
  
  
• It’s OK if the BA pump runs dry for 5 minutes during start-up. However, please try and avoid running dry for longer than this, even if there is still little chance of damage to the mechanical seal.
  
  
• BBA Pumps produces two types of vacuum pumps: the MP50 and MP100. The difference is the respective maximum air capacity of 50 m³/h and 100 m³/h.
  
  
• A diaphragm pump is the best quality choice for suction. It is highly reliable; a diaphragm pump will not fail if water escapes past the float seal. It’s also environmentally friendly as there is no chance of an oil leakage. Further, it’s cheap to maintain due to the long service life of the diaphragm and valves.
  
  
• The vacuum range of a diaphragm pump is a maximum of 8 mwc.
  
  
• The diaphragm pump is driven by a toothed belt running through the centrifugal pump. As the diaphragm pump runs without a vacuum the energy consumption is minimal.
  
  
• The maximum flooded suction with a dry priming BA pump is 2 mwc. We recommend placing a valve in the hose between the float tank and the vacuum pump to shut off the supply to the flooded suction. 

 Contact us for advice on selecting the right pump.