What is air locking in pumps

Air Locking
  
- An air lock is trapped air or dissolved gases inside the pump impeller.
- This air or gas is compressed and becomes high pressure as the pump runs.


Causes of Air Lock:

- Leaks in the suction side
- Switch failure
- Entrained air mixed (dissolved) in the liquid


Dangers of air lock:

- overheating
- pump inability to start
- reduced flow of liquid
- pump unable to move fluid


How to prevent air lock in pumps:

- air relief valves
- repair leaks
- replace worn gaskets and seals
- operate within allowable limits