Slurry pumps are robust and heavier
versions of centrifugal pumps that are utilized to handle abrasive or tough
applications. A typical centrifugal pump is used mainly for pulling out
liquids, whereas slurry pumps are used for hydraulic transportation of solids.
"Slurry Pump" is essentially a device used in transporting clay, mud,
sand and silt in the size range of up to two millimeters. Sand pumps handle
gravel and shingle transportation in the two to eight millimeter range, while gravel
pumps can transport solids of up to fifty millimeter size. Dredge pumps, on the
other hand, are used to handle solids up to or more than fifty millimeters.
Installation:
Depending
on the use, the pump can be installed wet, semi-dry or dry. Almost all horizontal
slurry pumps are fitted dry with the drive and bearings protected from
the slurry. Vertical tanks are also fitted dry. The pump casing, in such cases,
is mounted right under the tank. Slurry is expelled horizontally and is fed
from the tank. No sunken bearings are needed in such designs.
Semi-dry
pumps come with special configurations. Some of them are used with flooded
bearings. However, special sealing considerations have to be made for flooded
bearings in such pumps. On the other hand, wet installations are required when
there is a need for a completely submersed pump. These machines are used for
lifting slurry from the sump where there is a highly fluctuating slurry level.
Before
buying a slurry pump, it is important to consider the kind of application so
that you choose a model that will perform efficiently in different conditions. It
is also important to buy these pumps from genuine manufacturers and retailers,
who offer guarantee and expert advice to make the selection process easy.
The slurry pump usage
and conditions, under which it can function, must be carefully understood
before determining the exact pump to utilize for the application.
This piece of information is created and shared by Peter Moraitis. He is the National Sales Manager at Fura Inc. He loves to share his knowledge about booster pumps and Industrial Pump repair through his writing.