Minimum Pump Flow

Why (and when) a Levitronix pump can be operated at very low flows

Minimum required flow rates are common for many pump technologies: Conventional centrifugal pumps require a minimum flow due to wear of the mechanical bearing. Peristaltic pumps have a minimum rotation speed of the motor and thus a minimum flow.
Levitronix bearingless pumps can operate with no minimum flow required. Since there’s no mechanical bearing, the impeller will simply continue to rotate in the head, even at high system loads. However, there are limitations when pumping very low flows such as inefficient energy transfer.

In this lesson, you will learn…

• …why other pump technologies require a minimum flow rate
• …why a Levitronix pump can operate at very small flows without pump damage
• …what the limitations are of running at very flows for an extended period