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Dry Running

Dry running refers to the operating condition of a pump in which no pumped medium is provided. Since many pump types depend on continuous lubrication and cooling by the medium, dry running can cause significant damage to the pump components. 

Seals, bearings and lobe rotors are particularly affected, as they overheat or experience increased wear without sufficient lubrication. Whether a pump can run dry depends on its design and materials. While some displacement pumps, such as peristaltic pumps, can tolerate dry running without damage, others require protective measures like dry-running sensors or automatic shutdowns. Therefore, it is essential to take appropriate measures to avoid unwanted operating conditions and failures in sensitive applications.