What is the primary cause of wear on pump impellers?

The primary cause of wear on pump impellers is grit in sewage. When wastewater is transported, it can contain various particles, including sand, silt, and other abrasive materials that settle in the sewage. These gritty substances can significantly impact pump performance as they come into contact with the impeller during operation.

As the impeller spins, the abrasive nature of these particles can erode the material of the impeller over time, leading to a reduction in efficiency, increased friction, and ultimately potential failure of the pump's components. This wear can manifest as pitting, surface roughness, or even complete wear-through in severe cases, necessitating repairs or replacement.

While excessive pressure, age of the pump, and chemical corrosion can all affect pump performance and longevity, they are not as directly influential on the wear of the impellers as the presence of gritty materials in the sewage. Grit impacts the moving components of the pump more directly and immediately, making it the foremost cause of wear on pump impellers.