What is a way to stop pump slugs?

To address the issue of pump slugs effectively, proper priming of the pump header is crucial. When a pump is not primed correctly, it can lead to air pockets or vapor bubbles, causing instability in the flow, which may result in slugs — sudden bursts of liquid or gas that can disrupt the system's operation.

By ensuring that trained operators follow a standard operating procedure (SOP) for proper priming, the pump is filled with the liquid it needs to operate smoothly. This action minimizes the chances of air being introduced into the system, thereby preventing the formation of slugs caused by inconsistent flow or air contamination.

The other options address different operational aspects. Opening the cooling loop primarily regulates temperature and does not directly prevent slugs. Monitoring vibration can help in identifying mechanical issues but does not prevent the root cause of slugs. Draining condenser sumps is important for preventing flooding or backpressure but is not specifically related to pump slugging prevention.