dredge pump on a boat

The FGD process begins when the limestone feed (rock) is reduced in size by crushing it in a ball mill and then mixed with water in a slurry supply tank. The slurry (approx. 90% water) is then pumped into the absorption tank. As the consistency of the limestone slurry tends to change, suction conditions can occur which can lead to cavitation and pump failure.

Process speed doesn’t have anything to do with choosing slurry pump impeller, but it does have an effect on the life of slurry pump impeller. It is important to find the sweet spot that allows the slurry pump to run as slow as possible, but fast enough to keep solids from settling and clogging. If pumping too fast, the slurry can quickly erode the impeller due to its abrasive nature. This is why it is important to select a larger impeller if possible.

One of the most frequently asked questions from our team of pump experts is: How do I pump slurry? With this in mind, our team of experts have provided a useful guide to pumping slurry.

I hope this short blog has helped to clear up some of the confusion about the seal flush programme. Please always refer to the pump manual for specific details. If there are still questions, welcome to >contact us today.

Selecting the right pump for slurries is critical to get the most bang for your buck. Basic pump components, such as the impeller size and design, material of construction, and discharge configurations must be considered to ensure the pump will hold up against the wear caused by an abrasive slurry. Slurry pumps are generally larger in size when compared to low-viscosity liquid pumps and usually require more horsepower to operate because they're less efficient. Bearings and shafts must be more rugged and rigid as well.

If you have experience pumping slurries, you know it's not an easy task. Slurries are heavy and difficult to pump. They cause excessive wear on pumps and their components and are known to clog suction and discharge lines if not moving fast enough. Most importantly, it’s a challenge to make slurry pumps last for a reasonable amount of time. But, there are a few things you can do to extend the life of your slurry pump and make pumping slurry less of a challenge.