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. Pump Manager identifies the following hazards that arise when the pump operates at low flow rates for an extended period of time: 1. The temperature inside the pump increases over time due to low flow rates, which can lead to cavitation and cause damage to the impeller. The solution could be: installing a return pipe and using a return pipe valve to control the actual flow rate, thereby preventing the pump from operating under low-flow conditions, thus achieving the purpose of protection. 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 significant deviation from the pump’s optimal operating range will inevitably lead to pump damage. One possible solution is to trim the impeller (the most cost-effective and practical method). 3. Reduced efficiency, wasted electrical energy