Slurry pump is a type of centrifugal pump that is used to pump slurries. Slurry is highly abrasive liquid which contain high concentration of solid particles. It is very difficult to pump slurries with the help of normal centrifugal pump. So, special type of slurry pump is used to pump slurries.
In this write-up, I will discuss all the important things related to the slurry pump.
Table of Contents
What are Slurry Pumps?
Slurry pumps are used to pump slurries. Slurry is a specific type of liquid which contain high concentration of solid particle. A normal pump can not pump abrasive liquid like slurry that is why slurry pump is used.
There are various industries where slurry pump are used such as hydrocarbons, mining, power generation, paper industry, and metal processing industry. Slurry is a viscous liquid and contain solid particles. A heavy duty pump is required to process slurries.
How to Choose Slurry Pump?
Various things are considered while choosing right type of slurry pump. Here are some consideration while selecting a slurry pump.
- Type of slurry to be handled including the size and nature of the solid particles present.
- Slurry consist of various types of solid particles. Hence. pump material should be based on the corrosive property of the slurry.
- Pipe diameter of pump should be more than maximum particle size.
- Static head requirements available NPSH.
- Length of pipeline.
- Various operating parameters like discharge pressure and speed.
- Brand and cost of the pump. Normally a branded pump is more durable.
Main Components of Slurry Pump
It is consist of six key components as described below:
- Impeller: Two types of impellers are Used. Closed and open impeller.
- Shell: Two types of shells are used. Solid single piece and split shell.
- Drive Control: Drive control used to control the motion of the shaft.
- Suction plate liner
- Shaft seals: It is used to close the shaft
- Bearing Assembly
Types of Slurry Pumps
Basically, two types of types of slurry pumps are used based on its operation.
- Centrifugal slurry pump and
- Positive displacement slurry pump
1. Centrifugal Slurry Pumps
This is the most common type of slurry pump. It is consist of larger impeller, thicker vanes, and more horsepower. Its working is very simple. Rotating impeller generates centrifugal force. This force pushes the slurry to move through the discharge.
I have listed some important consideration while choosing a centrifugal pump.
Large impeller should be used to pump slurry because lgape impeller produce more centrifugal force.
Metallic casing should be used with rubber lining.
There should not be cavity gap otherwise pump will not work.
2. Positive Displacement Slurry Pumps
Positive displacement slurry pump is used where high efficiency and high flow control is required.
I have listed some suitable Positive displacement slurry pumps:
- Diaphragm pump
- Peristaltic pumps
- Gear pumps
- Progressive cavity pumps
- Rotary lobe pumps
Slurry pumps can be classified based on the method of installation.
- Horizontal slurry pumps
- Vertical slurry pumps
- Submersible slurry pumps.
1. Horizontal Slurry Pumps
Horizontal slurry pump is installed in horizontal direction. This lateral pump’s hydraulic end and the drive unit is located outside the sump. It is suitable for high pressure. It is compatible with diffrent flow condition and material options. A normal high efficiency electric motor with seal is used. This type of pump should not be used where there are higher chances of flood.
2. Vertical Slurry Pumps
Two common vertical slurry pumps are popular:
Tank pumps
Cantilever/sump pumps
(a) Tank pump:
Tank pump is a type of vertical slurry pump. It is dry installed and the sump is incorporated into the pump. There is air blocking due to open sump and vertical inlet. It is operates very smoothly. There is no submerged bearings or shafts seals. It is consist of a long shaft which is overhang from the lower bearing to the impeller.
(b) Cantilever/sump pumps:
Cantilever pumps or sump pumps are semi-dry installed. Its hydraulic end is into the slurry dry unit is used to support the structure. There is no shaft seals or submerged bearings. Only an overhanging shaft is installed.
3. Submersible Slurry Pumps
As the name suggest, it is submerged in the fluid. It is installed at the bottom of a tank, pond, or lagoon. Fluid is taken in the pump suction and passed through a hose linked to the discharge valve.
Conclusion: Slurry pumps are designed only to carry slurry which contain high concentrated abrasive solid particles. It is advised that do not use low efficiency centrifugal pump to transport fluid containing high concentration of abrasive particles.
I hope you enjoyed this article.
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