Submersible slurry pump is a submersible pump designed for handling abrasive, high-density liquids. It is widely used in mining, construction and wastewater treatment, which usually involve large amounts of sand, gravel and other solid particles suspended in water. Correct installation can ensure that the pump can operate stably and in the best condition for a long time.There are three main types of installation for submersible slurry pumps: dry installation, submersible installation and raft installation.

Dry Installation

A dry installation, or dry pit installation, is a specific installation in which the submersible slurry pump is placed outside the liquid being pumped. This installation is common in applications where frequent maintenance or inspection of the pumping equipment is required.In a dry installation, the pump is placed in a separate pump room or dry pit.

The significant advantage is easy maintenance, as the pump does not come into contact with the mud, allowing technicians to easily access pump components, reducing downtime and lowering operating costs.

At the same time, dry installation helps to prolong the use of the pump, reduces the wear of mud on external parts, and extends the overall life of the pump.

Before starting a submersible pump, it is necessary to ensure that it is filled with water, which is usually done by vacuum filling or special water filling equipment. The pump room design needs to consider sufficient space to accommodate the pump, pipes, wires, and ensure air circulation to prevent overheating. In certain cases, it may be necessary to add a cooling system to keep the pump running at a suitable temperature.

When choosing a dry installation, it is necessary to consider space, maintenance requirements and mud characteristics. Dry installation is easy to maintain and prolongs the life of the pump, but the initial infrastructure and startup system investment are large.

Submerged Installation

Submersible installation, also known as wet pit installation, is a common method for submersible mud pumps. The pump is fully or partially immersed in the liquid, which is suitable for environments with limited space or close to the mud source. Its advantages are simple installation, no need for additional water diversion devices, and the self-priming function ensures continuous operation of the pump, reducing the risk of dry operation and component damage.

In addition, submersible installation has a cooling effect on the pump motor. The surrounding liquid naturally acts as a cooling medium, effectively dissipating the heat accumulated during the operation of the pump. It is suitable for occasions where high-temperature media are pumped or long-term continuous operation is required.

Submersible installation is also space-saving. Because the pump is in the liquid being pumped, there is no need for a separate pump room or extensive surface facilities. This is particularly convenient where space is limited or temporary installations are required.

However, there are some challenges with submerged installations. For example, pump components may wear faster in abrasive slurries. To address this, manufacturers use special materials and coatings to enhance pumps’ resistance to wear and corrosion.

Another challenge with submerged installations is that they are difficult to maintain. If the pump needs to be inspected or repaired, it is usually necessary to lift it out of the pit, which may require the use of tools such as a crane, which may increase downtime for maintenance.

When choosing a submerged installation, factors such as immersion depth, the composition of the slurry, and the expected maintenance needs must be fully considered. Cable management must also be done to ensure that electrical connections are secure and not affected by the liquid environment.

Despite these challenges, submersible installations are popular because of their simple, compact design and their ability to cope well with changes in liquid levels. They are particularly suitable for applications such as mining, construction, and wastewater treatment that require a rugged and reliable pumping solution.

Raft Installation

Raft installation is a special installation method for submersible slurry pumps, which combines the advantages of dry installation and submerged installation. In this installation method, the pump is installed on a floating platform or raft, which allows the pump to automatically adjust its position as the liquid level in the pumping area changes.

The core advantage of raft installation is that it can adapt well to changes in liquid level. As the floating platform rises or falls with the liquid level, the pump can always maintain a relatively ideal position relative to the slurry surface, which can ensure the stability of pumping performance, and also greatly reduce the risk of damage to the pump due to drying out or excessive submersion.

This installation method is particularly suitable for applications with large fluctuations in liquid levels, such as mining, dredging or flood control operations, and can effectively pump under various conditions without multiple pump fixes or frequent pump position adjustments.

Compared with fully submerged installation, raft installation is easier to maintain. The floating platform provides technicians with a stable base for inspection and minor maintenance without having to completely remove the pump from the liquid.

Raft installation also helps to optimize the position of the pump suction inlet, avoiding the inhalation of floating objects or sediments at the bottom of the pit by maintaining a constant distance from the liquid surface, reducing wear on pump components and improving pumping efficiency.

However, raft installation also has its challenges. The design and construction of the floating platform needs to ensure stability and durability in harsh environments, taking into account factors such as waves, wind forces and weight distribution.

In addition, complex anchoring systems such as rails, flexible hoses or special mooring devices may be required to maintain the position of the pump and allow vertical movement.

Maintenance of raft installations also requires attention, and regular inspections of the floating platform for corrosion, damage or water ingress should be carried out to ensure long-term reliability.

When selecting a raft installation, factors such as the range of liquid level fluctuations, pumped slurry characteristics and environmental conditions need to be evaluated. Although this method has advantages in flexibility and adaptability, it may require higher initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

About Us

Tianjin Kairun's technical team has the expertise to independently develop, design and produce multiple series of pump products, and can go beyond the scope of standard products and customize non-standard products for customers' specific needs. This flexibility enables them to effectively meet the unique challenges of multiple industries such as mining, construction, and wastewater treatment.

The company attaches great importance to research and development to ensure that submersible slurry pumps use the latest pump technology and are committed to providing high-efficiency and durable products in harsh mud environments.

Tianjin Kairun has a complete pump manufacturing process and can customize solutions according to actual needs. It is an ideal choice for companies seeking reliable and efficient mud pumping solutions.

If you are interested in learning about Tianjin Kairun's submersible mud pump series or discussing customized solutions, please contact us by email at catherine@kairunpump.com. Our experts will help you choose the most suitable pump based on factors such as your mud composition, flow requirements and installation conditions.

References

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2. KSB. (2022). Submersible motor pumps.

3. Sulzer. (2023). Submersible dewatering pumps.

4. Weir Minerals. (2021). Submersible pump installation guide.

5. Tsurumi Pump. (2022). Submersible pump installation methods.