Key Factors Need to be Taken into Account When Purchasing Slurry Pumps

There are many key factors that should be taken into consideration when purchasing a slurry pump, and these factors will directly affect the pump’s performance, servicing life and operation efficiency. Following are some main factors:

1. Medium characteristics

Particle size: Different pumps are used for slurry with different particle sizes. Bigger solids may need more abrasion resistant slurry pumps with bigger passage;

Concentration: According to different slurry concentration, select suitable pump series such as light duty slurry pumps, medium duty slurry pumps or heavy duty slurry pumps;

Viscosity: Slurry viscosity will affect the pump’s discharge head and flowrate. Suitable pumps should be selected to match the slurry viscosity to ensure the high efficient operation of slurry pumps.

PH Value: Medium PH value is critical for the selecting of the pump material and its ability to resist corrosion. Under applications with bigger corrosion, corrosion resistant materials should be selected.

2. Process requirements and operation specifications

Flowrate: Determin the required flowrate based on the needs of the transferring system. Flowrate is the volume being transferred per unit time, and is usually expressed in cubic per hour (m3/hr) or liter per minute (L/min);

Head: Head refers to the liquid pressure that a slurry pump can provide, and is usually expressed in meter (m). Resistance from the transporting system and the lifting height of the liquid should be considered when determining the head;

Transferring distance and height: With the increase of the transporting distance and height, the pump’s consumption power and discharge requirements will increase accordingly.

3. Structure and materials of the pump

Abrasion resistance: A pump’s abrasion resistance is of key importance due to the fact that the slurry contains solids. The common known abrasion resistant materials include abrasion resistant cast iron, stainless steel, high chrome alloy, rubber, polyurethane and ceramics etc..

Sealing performance: Slurry pump with good sealing performance should be selected to protect foreign solid particles from entering into the pump which may cause the pump’s damage. Common sealing methods include mechanical seal and gland packing seal;

Construction and design: Pump’s construction and design will also affect their performance and stability. For example, the design of the bearings, material and shape of the impellers and so on will both affect the pump’s working efficiency and life.

IV: Operation environment and working conditions

Temperature: Temperature of the medium will affect the pump’s sealing effect and the durability of the materials. Right pump models and materials should be decided based on the medium temperature;

Corrosion: Considering the medium corrosion to the pump, select corrosion resistant materials and structure;

Installation environment: Size of the pump room, layout of the pipeline and other installation conditions will directly affect the pump’s section and installation scenario.

V: Economy and reliability

 Cost: When purchasing a slurry pump, purchase cost, operating cost, and maintenance cost. Should all be taken into account. Evaluate the performance of different models and brands of pumps in these aspects to ensure the most economically reasonable selection.

Reliability: Choose pumps with reliable quality and long service life to reduce maintenance costs and improve their reliability.

Maintenance and care: Select pumps that are easy to maintain and care for to reduce operating costs and improve their reliability.

To sum up, when purchasing a slurry pump, multiple factors such as medium characteristics, process requirements, pump structure and materials, operating environment and working conditions, and economy and reliability, should all be considered. Before choosing, it is best to consult with a professional engineer or pump manufacturer, to obtain personalized advice and technical support.