What are the hazards of operating a pump in a low-flow range for extended periods?

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The minimum flow rate for a typical centrifugal pump is 30% of its rated flow rate. The hazards associated with operating the pump at low flow rates for an extended period include: 1. An increase in temperature inside the pump due to low flow rates, which can lead to cavitation and cause damage to the impeller. A solution could be to install a return pipe and use a valve on this pipe to control the actual flow rate, thereby preventing the pump from operating at low flow rates and thus achieving a protective effect. 2. Operation at low flow rates for extended periods keeps the pump under pressure, resulting in excessive vibration and a reduced lifespan of the pump. A deviation that is too large from the pump’s optimal operating range will inevitably lead to damage to the pump. A solution can be to cut the impeller (the most economical and practical approach). 3. Reduced efficiency, wasted electrical energy