In demanding industrial applications, it is critical to select the right hydraulically driven submersible slurry pump to ensure efficient and reliable operation. These pumps play an important role in mining, construction, and wastewater treatment, and are designed to handle abrasive, dense slurries. Here are some key considerations to guide you in choosing the right pump for your needs.

Flow and head considerations

The first step is to determine the flow and head required for your application. Flow is the amount of slurry pumped per unit time, usually measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h). The head refers to the total height the pump must lift the slurry to overcome gravity, and takes into account factors such as static lift, pipe friction losses, and discharge pressure.

Examine the system requirements and accurately calculate the required flow and head. When selecting a pump, it is necessary to carefully consider the amount of slurry to be transported, the distance to be transported, and possible changes in altitude, and to pay attention to fluctuations in flow and head during different operating stages or seasons.The selected pump needs to operate efficiently within the specified range. Generally, a pump performs best when it is close to its best efficiency point (BEP), which is approximately between 60% and 80% of maximum flow. Operating away from the BEP may result in reduced efficiency, increased wear and increased risk of cavitation.

Anticipating future needs is also important. If production is expected to increase or processes will improve, it is wise to select a slightly larger pump to prepare for the unexpected. However, be careful not to oversize the pump, as this may lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption.

Understanding the pump manufacturer's performance curves is critical to ensure that the selected pump meets your flow and head standards throughout the operation. These curves provide a solid foundation for selecting the best solution by visually presenting the performance characteristics of the pump at different speeds and impeller configurations.

Material Selection

As for material selection, it is directly related to the service life and reliability of hydraulically driven submersible slurry pumps in harsh conditions. The pump body and impeller are particularly susceptible to wear and corrosion, so material selection has a decisive influence on the overall performance and durability of the pump.

The first step is to analyze the characteristics of the slurry to be pumped, including the specific conditions of particle size distribution, density and viscosity values, pH and chemical composition, temperature range, and whether it contains abrasive or corrosive components.

For highly abrasive slurries, such as those generated in mining operations, wear-resistant materials such as high-chromium alloys (such as CD4MCu and CA6NM) have become the first choice for these demanding applications due to their excellent wear resistance. In more severe applications, pumps with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or rubber linings are more suitable.

Taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to accurately select the hydraulically driven submersible slurry pump that best suits your specific needs.

For corrosive media, stainless steel alloys, especially 316L and duplex stainless steel, are highly regarded for their excellent corrosion resistance to a variety of chemicals. For extremely corrosive substances, more exotic alloys such as Hastelloy or titanium may be required.

It is also worth noting that different parts of the pump may be made of different materials. For example, when selecting the pump casing material, corrosion resistance should be given priority, while for the impeller and wear plate, materials with outstanding wear resistance should be selected.

It is also important to find the right balance between durability and material cost. Although the initial investment of high-quality materials is relatively high, these materials often significantly reduce the frequency of maintenance and extend the service life of the pump, which helps to reduce overall costs in the long run.

Selection Of Hydraulic System

The proper selection of the hydraulic system is critical to the performance and reliability of a hydraulically driven submersible slurry pump. The first step is to calculate the power required by the pump based on the exact values of flow and head, and to ensure that the selected hydraulic system can stably deliver this power. It is particularly important to note that the power required will also be adjusted when the density of the pumped slurry changes or when operating at different points on the pump's performance curve.

Second, the operating pressure of the pump needs to be considered. Hydraulic systems typically operate at pressures between 100 and 350 bar (or 1500 to 5000 psi). Higher pressures help make the system more compact and efficient, but may also require more robust components and may increase the frequency of maintenance. For applications that do not require high performance or are more concerned with simple maintenance, low-pressure systems may be a more appropriate choice.

When choosing a hydraulic system, we also need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of open and closed systems.Open systems are characterized by low cost and relatively simple structure, but may be inefficient and susceptible to contamination from the outside environment. In contrast, closed systems are more expensive and complex, but more efficient and more protected from contamination.

When choosing a pump, the operating environment of the pump should also not be ignored. If the pump needs to operate in harsh or extremely low temperature conditions, it is necessary to ensure that the components of the hydraulic system can withstand these harsh conditions, such as selecting explosion-proof motors or using hydraulic oil that can operate stably in high or low temperature environments.

In addition, the control system of the hydraulic pump is also critical. Modern hydraulic systems are equipped with sophisticated control systems that can achieve precise control of pump speed and performance. These systems can help improve productivity, reduce wear and provide useful operating data. So when considering a hydraulic system, pay attention to whether highlights such as variable speed control, remote viewing or computerization capabilities can help your application.

Finally, analyze the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system. For example, efficient components such as axial piston pumps and motors can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs over the life of the pump. At the same time, it is also very important to choose a hydraulic system that is easy to maintain. Look for a system with easily accessible components, identical parts and clear maintenance methods to significantly reduce downtime and maintenance costs throughout the life of the pump.

Hydraulic Driven Submersible Slurry Pump Manufacturer

Tianjin Kairun is a well-known manufacturer specializing in hydraulically driven submersible slurry pumps. We provide customizable services to meet the specific requirements of various applications and industries. You can contact us at catherine@kairunpump.com to learn more about its services and products.

References

1. Grundfos. (2023). Submersible Pump Selection Guide.

2. KSB. (2022). Slurry Pump Handbook.

3. Sulzer. (2021). Hydraulic Submersible Pump Selection Criteria.