Vacuum priming system for close-coupled pumps

A system comprising:

• a main pump including a volute casing with an opening;
• a vacuum pump;
• a motor coupled to the vacuum pump;
• a suction assembly, wherein the suction assembly includes:
• a tube providing fluid communication between the vacuum pump and the opening of the volute casing,
• a prime sensor configured to detect a primed state in the volute casing and send signals to a controller for the vacuum pump, and
• a solenoid valve configured to selectively permit fluid flow through the tube;
• and
• the controller for the vacuum pump, the controller including logic to:
• start the motor and open the solenoid valve to provide suction through the suction assembly when the controller does not receive signals from the prime sensor that indicate a primed state, and
• stop the motor and close the solenoid valve to prevent suction through the suction assembly when the controller receives signals from the prime sensor that indicate a primed state.