What is the purpose of wear rings in a pump system?

Wear rings in a pump system serve a critical role in preventing water from recirculating through the impeller. They are typically positioned between the impeller and the pump casing and help maintain a tight clearance that minimizes backflow. By ensuring that water flows in one direction, wear rings enhance the efficiency of the pump's operation and maintain the hydraulic performance by directing flow effectively.

If there were no wear rings, some fluid could leak back around the impeller, which would reduce the overall efficiency of the pump. This backflow could lead to increased energy consumption and potentially damaging cavitation. Therefore, the primary function of wear rings is to improve the performance and longevity of the pump system by providing a structured flow path and preventing recirculation.