Self-priming process pumps play a critical role in a wide range of fluid transfer applications where dry starts, suction lift, or intermittent flow present challenges. Unlike standard centrifugal pumps, self-priming pumps can evacuate air from the suction line without the need for external priming systems, making them ideal for installations where reliability, speed, and ease of maintenance are paramount. From wastewater management to chemical processing, these pumps reduce downtime, simplify startup, and improve operator safety.
Illinois Process Equipment (IPE) supports a full lineup of high-performance, self-priming pumps from trusted pump manufacturers, including Peerless, Pioneer, Ampco, Finish Thompson, MP Pumps, and Price Pump. Each series offers unique design advantages for specific flow requirements and operational environments.
What Makes a Pump “Self-Priming”?
A self-priming pump is designed to evacuate air from its casing and suction line, creating a vacuum that draws fluid into the pump without needing manual priming or additional vacuum-assist systems. The pump retains enough liquid in its casing after shutdown to reinitiate priming during the next cycle. This capability is especially beneficial in installations with irregular flow, suction lift conditions, or where frequent pump starts are required.
Self-priming pumps typically feature:
- An enlarged casing or volute to retain liquid
- Air-handling capability to separate air from fluid in the impeller eye
- Sealing systems that support dry-run or intermittent flow without damage
By eliminating the need for external priming equipment, self-priming pumps enhance system uptime, reduce complexity, and lower the total cost of ownership. Learn more about Maximizing Efficiency with Vacuum-Assisted Self-Priming Pumps: Key Benefits and Applications.
Key Applications Across Industries
Due to their adaptability and air-handling capabilities, self-priming process pumps are used in a variety of demanding environments:
- Municipal and Industrial Wastewater – Ideal for sewage lift stations, sludge handling, and raw water intake
- Chemical Processing – Suited for corrosive, abrasive, or high-viscosity fluids; available in stainless or non-metallic materials
- Food & Beverage – Used in clean-in-place (CIP) loops and fluid transfers where hygiene and easy maintenance are essential
- Pulp & Paper – Handles fibrous slurries and liquids with suspended solids
- Mining and Aggregates – Effective for dewatering, slurry transfer, and abrasive material pumping
- Construction and Temporary Dewatering – Enables fast setup and relocation without external vacuum systems
These pumps are also commonly used in systems that require above-ground installation or experience frequent start-stop operation. For further technical detail, readers can explore this article from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) on pump types and performance.
IPE Offers Self-Priming Process Pumps from Leading Manufacturers
Self-priming process pumps are available in a wide variety of models, each designed to meet specific operational demands across various applications, including water, chemical, industrial, and sanitary uses. Below are key product lines from trusted pump manufacturers, all of which are available through Illinois Process Equipment.
Peerless LaBour LHLA/LPLA Series
The Peerless LaBour LHLA/LPLA Series features heavy-duty, self-priming centrifugal pumps engineered for handling corrosive and abrasive process fluids. Designed with a recessed impeller and thick-walled casings, these pumps are ideal for chemical processing, petrochemical, and pulp & paper applications requiring high reliability and consistent flow.
Explore the LHLA/LPLA Series | IPE’s Peerless Manufacturer Page
Pioneer Pump GS Series
The Pioneer GS Series offers wet-prime, vacuum-assisted self-priming pumps optimized for handling solids-laden fluids and wastewater. With high flow capabilities and rugged construction, the GS Series supports municipal, construction, and industrial applications where dependable suction lift is critical.
Explore the GS Series | IPE’s Pioneer Manufacturer Page
Pioneer Pump GT Series
The GT Series expands Pioneer’s self-priming line with high-efficiency performance and enhanced priming capabilities. Designed for durability and ease of maintenance, GT pumps are well-suited for dewatering, mining, and general fluid transfer tasks in demanding environments.
Explore the GT Series | IPE’s Pioneer Manufacturer Page
Price Pump SP Series
The SP Series by Price Pump provides reliable self-priming operation in a compact, cost-effective design. These pumps are commonly used in light industrial, agricultural, and utility water transfer systems. Available in various materials of construction, the SP Series adapts to diverse chemical and temperature conditions.
Explore the SP Series | IPE’s Price Manufacturer Page
MP Pumps Flomax Series
MP Pumps’ Flomax Series includes a range of self-priming centrifugal pumps engineered for agricultural, marine, and industrial fluid movement. Known for ruggedness and priming efficiency, Flomax pumps can handle both clean and slightly abrasive fluids with ease.
Explore the Flomax Series
Ampco Pump SP Series
Ampco’s SP Series delivers reliable self-priming performance in sanitary applications. These pumps are ideal for CIP return, unloading, and beverage handling processes that require low-shear pumping with a hygienic design. The SP Series ensures FDA compliance while maintaining consistent flow characteristics.
Explore the SP Series | IPE’s Ampco Manufacturer Page
Ampco Pump R Series
For liquid ring applications, Ampco’s R Series offers self-priming capability with enhanced air-handling and vacuum performance. These pumps are particularly useful in dairy and beverage operations where complete evacuation of pipelines is essential.
Explore the R Series | IPE’s Ampco Manufacturer Page
Finish Thompson SP Series
Finish Thompson’s SP Series features high-performance, self-priming magnetic drive pumps built for safe, leak-free chemical transfer. Their sealless design prevents emissions and eliminates mechanical seal maintenance, making them ideal for corrosive or hazardous fluid handling.
Explore the SP Series | IPE’s Finish Thompson Manufacturer Page
Self-priming process pumps offer unmatched convenience and reliability for fluid transfer systems where air evacuation and suction lift are critical. With advanced designs that minimize downtime and simplify maintenance, these pumps enable operators to meet demanding performance standards across various industries, from wastewater treatment to food production. Partnering with Illinois Process Equipment ensures access to expert guidance, high-performance pump solutions, and strategic partnerships with the right manufacturers to keep your systems running at peak efficiency.
Illinois Process Equipment (IPE) delivers engineered fluid handling solutions backed by decades of industry expertise. We offer a full range of self-priming process pumps from leading manufacturers, with comprehensive support for selection, installation, and maintenance. Contact us today to discuss your application and find the ideal self-priming process pump.
