When to Use a Slurry Pump?

What we mean by slurry is basically a liquid containing solid particles. When you want to pump this slurry, there are different requirements than when pumping only dirty water. A waste water pump cannot handle the solid particles of a slurry. This is where slurry pumps come in handy. Slurry pumps are heavy duty and robust versions of centrifugal pumps, capable of handling tough and abrasive tasks.

Slurry pumps can be used to transport mixtures of liquids and solids in many industries in a wide range of applications, such as mine drainage, dredging of sunken lagoons and pumping of drilling mud.

Slurry pumps can be used for.

- Pumping media where abrasive particles are present

- transport solids hydraulically

- Pumping the final product in a process

- Keeping clean catch basins clean from solids

Slurry Pump

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.

Compared to standard centrifugal pumps, centrifugal pumps optimised for slurry pumping usually have the following features.

Larger impellers made of more material. This is to compensate for the wear and tear caused by abrasive slurries.

Fewer and thicker vanes on the impeller. This makes it easier for solids to pass through than the 5-9 vanes on a standard centrifugal pump - usually 2-5 vanes.

For pumping abrasive slurries, these types of pumps can also be made from specialised high-wear alloys. Hardened stainless steel is also a common choice for abrasive slurries.

For certain types of slurry pumping conditions, positive displacement pumps may be a more suitable option than centrifugal pumps.

These conditions include

Low slurry flow rates

High head (i.e. the height to which the pump can move the liquid)

Desire for higher efficiency than centrifugal pumps

Improved flow control

Slurry Pump

How to choose a slurry pump?

-When pumping abrasive slurries, it is essential to use wear-resistant components with a high chromium content. But more is not always better - above 25%, the impeller becomes brittle.

- Hydraulic efficiency is as important as the material, as efficiency is related to wear. The swept-back design of the impeller blades minimises the separation of solids from the carrying fluid, resulting in a more uniform flow. This results in a slower wear rate.

- By increasing the size of the worm housing, the speed at which the media moves is reduced. This lower velocity translates into lower wear.

Submersible pumps offer many advantages over dry installation or even semi-submersible sump pumps. Submersible pumps are more flexible and efficient than alternatives.

Find a professional slurry pump supplier 

Aier Machinery has strong technical force and is specially engaged in the research of abrasion resistant materials of slurry pumps, sewage pumps and water pumps and the development of new products. The materials include high chrome white iron, duplex stainless steel, stainless steel, ductile iron, rubber, etc.

We use CFD, CAD method for product design and process design based absorbing experience of world leading pump companies. We integrate molding, smelting, casting, heat treatment, machining and chemical analysis, and have professional engineering and technical personnel.

The slurry weight or consistency determines the type, design and capacity of the slurry pump required. If you have any questions about the best pump for your application, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.