Sites often rely on centrifugal pumps to provide slurry service. These pumps (and their associated piping systems) require special provisions that demand detailed knowledge of the properties of solids and slurries to prevent wear, corrosion, erosion and other adverse effects such as solids settling. Specifying the optimum combination of speed, geometry and material requires a proper balance of often conflicting pump priorities; this requires consideration of stable operation, maximum wear life, operational flexibility and minimum energy consumption.

Slurry pumps with rubber lining are the ideal pump for the mineral sand industry. They have a special rubber lining that makes them heavy duty pumps capable of withstanding high levels of abrasion.

If centrifugal, are the impellers of the right design and material?

Pumping mud is not as easy as pumping water. Depending on the type of slurry, there are many variables in choosing the right pump for the slurry. There is no formula or set-in-stone answer as to what the best slurry pump design is. You must combine knowledge and application details to select the ideal target=_blank title=Slurry Pump>slurry pump. Let's talk about how slurry pumps differ from standard pumps and how to narrow your choices.

Critical to the engineering of the pump are heavy duty bearing frames and shafts, extra thick wall sections and easily replaceable wear parts. Total life cycle cost considerations are critical when specifying pumps for severe operating conditions, such as FGD service. High chrome pumps are ideal due to the corrosive pH of the slurry.

Depending on the abrasive nature of the slurry, it is important to select the ideal seal. Slurry pump seals should have a hardened surface made of silicon carbide or tungsten carbide. Vortex pumps use patented seal technology that utilizes a double mechanical seal setup and a separate seal flushing system. This allows the sealing surface to be kept cool at all times without causing the slurry to overheat the seal and crack the surface.