In mining operations, slurry pumps are typically used to transfer slurry. Slurry is one of the most challenging fluids. It is highly abrasive, viscous, sometimes corrosive, and contains high concentrations of solids. There is no doubt that pumping slurries is challenging.

submersible slurry pump

However, selecting the appropriate pump for these material applications can have a substantial long-term positive impact. But how exactly do they work? Let's find out!

What is a slurry pumps?

Slurry pumps are designed to pump media containing abrasive particles, enabling the transfer of solid materials and solid-liquid mixtures. The final product is pumped during the process. Therefore, they are commonly used in dredging, mining, and mineral processing applications. Additionally, wastewater treatment operations commonly use them.

Slurry pumps are typically larger in size and, due to their lower efficiency, generally require more horsepower to operate compared to pumps designed for low-viscosity liquids. Bearings and shafts must also be stronger and more durable.

Slurry pumps typically line the pump casing with either metal or rubber to prevent wear and tear.

A factory makes metal casings out of carbide. These housings can withstand erosion caused by increased pressure and cycling.

The engineer selects the casing to suit the specific application. For example, pumps used in cement production handle fine particles at low pressure. Therefore, a lightweight housing construction is acceptable. If the pump handles rock, the pump housing and impeller require a thicker and more robust housing.

How  to choose a slurry pump?

• When pumping abrasive slurries, it is essential to use wear parts that have a high chromium content. However, more is not always better. Chromium content above 25% can cause impellers to become brittle.
• Hydraulic efficiency is as important as material, as efficiency is related to wear. The swept back design of the impeller blades minimizes the separation of solids from the carrying fluid, resulting in a more uniform flow. This results in slower wear.
• By increasing the size of the worm shell, the velocity of the media movement can be reduced. Lower velocities mean less wear.

Pumping slurry can present some challenges and problems, but with proper engineering and equipment selection, you can achieve trouble-free operation for an extended period of time. It is important to work with a qualified pump engineer when selecting a slurry pump, as slurry can cause significant damage to a pump if not chosen correctly. Please feel free to contact AIPU!

In oil drilling, solids control system including many pumps. Slurry pump is one type among them. Lets find more information on slurry pumps

Slurry pump introduction

Slurry pump is heavy-duty constructed centrifugal pump, which is able to deal tough and abrasive duties. The term slurry pumps is consider a generic term, to separate from other type centrifugal pump, this one mainly use to intended for clear liquids.

Why submersible slurry pump is popular with many solids control users? Submersible slurry pumps can be used to transfer fluids with big particles. It is single stage and single suction slurry pump. The pump shell and impeller no bearing, no shaft seal, which can pump medium with quantity of solid particles at lower maintenance cost

Slurry pump

Submersible slurry pumps in solids control

Submersible slurry pumps have a very simple structure to ensure maximum performance, minimum energy consumption, long operating life and minimum maintenance. Many different designs can suit various transportation request in process application of grinding circuits, hydrocyclone feed and slurry transfer.

Vertical slurry pumps are widely used in many solids control systems. This kind of pump can be divided into two kinds, the tank pump and cantilever/sump pumps. The tank pump is considered as dry installed pumps and the sump is incorporated in the pump. It opens inlet to prevent air blocking and operate smoothly. The cantilever structure is single stage and suction with housing bearing, supporting the intermediate pipe connect it to pump’s hydraulic components. The water is exit out from the drainage. The impeller is semi-shrouded with the agitation vane on the extension. The main point on this pump is underwater shaft part contain enough rigidity, the impeller and pump should not have bearing and seal so it can be deliver greater medium of the solids cutting.

Slurry pumps for solids control

The submersible slurry pumps can be installed in mud tank or mud pit to transfer drilling fluid to shale shaker or centrifuge, so it can be in HDD jobsite. Very easy and convenient to operate.To provide users more convenience we can also provide control panel, cable connection between slurry pump motor and panel

Other applications of submersible pump

In many industries, slurry pumps are used to keep liquid and solids in mix with large spectrum of usage, such as mine drainage, dredging of setting lagoons and pumping of drilling mud. Slurry pump purpose can be pump the medium where abrasive particles are available. It also transfers as much solids as possible, hydraulically. It pumps the final product in the process. Many industrial segment use this pump like iron and steel, power generation, paper industry, oil and gas, wastewater treatment, mining, process mineral and other few

Please feel free to contact Aipu solids control for any question. No matter on submersible pump or other solids control equipment.