Slurry pumps are usually larger than standard pumps, have more horsepower and use stronger bearings and shafts. The most common >type of slurry pump is the centrifugal pump. These pumps use a rotating impeller to move the slurry, similar to the way aqueous liquids pass through a standard centrifugal pump.

The size of slurry pump impeller must be considered to ensure it holds up against abrasive wear. Slurry pump impellers are generally larger in size when compared to slurry pumps for less abrasive liquids. The more “meat” the impeller has, the better it will hold up to the task of pumping harsh slurry mixtures. Just think of slurry pump impeller as a football team’s offensive line. These players are usually large and slow. Throughout the whole game they are beaten up, over and over again, but expected to withstand the abuse. You wouldn’t want small players in this position, just like you wouldn’t want a small impeller on your slurry pumps.

With the standard flush schedule, the flow is usually adjusted by compressing the packings until a few drops of water are observed leaking from the seals on the drive side. In a quench schedule the flow rate is set by adjusting the inlet valve, while a valve is used on the exhaust side to maintain the correct seal tank pressure. If the outlet water from the seal box is too hot, the flow rate is increased until the outlet water cools, while still maintaining the correct seal box pressure.

Caution: A common mistake is to over-pressurise the box and damage the expensive mechanical seal.

All manufacturers are consistently involved in product development in the long and short term. Customers should expect to benefit from these developments in a number of ways: increased efficiency, increased reliability, reduced operating costs, or a combination of both.

Slurry pump vs mud pump