What occurs when a pump is said to be steam bound?

When a pump is described as steam bound, it specifically refers to the situation where the liquid that the pump is intended to move has been converted into steam. This condition prevents the pump from effectively transferring water because steam, being a gas, cannot be moved by the pump in the same way that liquid can. As a result, the pump can become unable to function properly, leading to inefficiencies or complete failure in generating the intended flow.

The notion of a pump being steam bound is particularly relevant in systems where high heat is present, causing the liquid to vaporize under pressure conditions. Understanding this concept is crucial for the operation and troubleshooting of steam systems, as recognizing the signs of steam binding can help in taking corrective actions to return the pump to normal working conditions.