Submersible slurry pumps are widely used in mining, construction and wastewater treatment industries. They are specially designed to handle abrasive and high-density liquids containing solid particles. Faced with harsh operating conditions, pumps are prone to wear, which may affect their service life. So how can we develop corresponding strategies to extend service life, maintain optimal performance and reduce costs?

Select The Right Pump For The Application

Selecting the right submersible slurry pump for your application is critical to extending the life of the pump. The selection should be based on the properties of the slurry (abrasiveness, viscosity and particle size), the required flow rate and head. Selecting a pump that is undersized or designed for non-abrasive materials will result in rapid wear and frequent failures.

When selecting a submersible slurry pump, the following points should be considered:

Slurry characteristics: Evaluate the abrasiveness, viscosity and particle size of the slurry. Highly abrasive slurries require pumps made of wear-resistant materials and specially designed impellers. Viscous slurries may require pumps with larger clearances and more powerful motors. Particle size affects the pump's ability to handle solids without clogging, so choose a pump that can handle the corresponding solid size.

Flow and head requirements: Identify the flow rate and total head required for the application. Select a pump that can operate at or near the best efficiency point to ensure optimal performance and life. Operation away from the best operating point will result in increased wear, vibration and energy consumption.

Pump material: Select the material of the pump based on the slurry characteristics. In highly abrasive applications, consider hardened stainless steel, high chrome iron, or specific elastomers for wearing parts. Corrosive slurries may require a double stainless steel or rubber lined pump.

Impeller type: Different types of impellers are suitable for different kinds of slurries. For example, vortex impellers are suitable for handling large solids and fibrous materials, while closed impellers are suitable for applications that require higher efficiency. Consult the pump manufacturer or an expert to determine the type of impeller that best suits your needs.

By carefully selecting the right pump for your application, you can significantly extend its service life and reduce the number of repairs and replacements. The initial investment in the right choice will pay off in the long run through increased reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

Maintain Proper Pump Alignment

Impeller type: Choose according to different slurries. Vortex impellers are suitable for handling materials containing large solids and fibers, and closed impellers are suitable for occasions where high efficiency is sought.If you are not sure what type you need, you can contact a professional and tell them what you need.

Choosing a pump that suits your application can extend its service life and reduce the frequency of repairs and replacements.The right choice at the beginning will pay off in the long run with improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

Shaft deflection: Improper pump-to-motor alignment can cause shaft deflection or bending, increasing stress on bearings and seals, which can cause leaks and reduced performance.

Energy inefficiency: A poorly calibrated pump requires more energy to operate because some of the electricity is used to overcome the additional friction and resistance caused by improper alignment, resulting in higher operating costs and lower overall efficiency.

To keep your pump properly calibrated, take the following steps:

Regular checks: Develop a regular maintenance plan that includes pump calibration checks, with the frequency of checks depending on operating conditions and the criticality of the pump.

Use professional alignment tools: Invest in high-quality alignment tools, such as laser alignment systems or dial indicators, to ensure accurate measurements and improve calibration efficiency.

Recalibrate after maintenance: After each pump is disassembled for maintenance or repair, the calibration must be rechecked and adjusted before it is put back into service, including operations such as replacing bearings or adjusting impellers.

Monitor vibration levels: Implement vibration monitoring and timely detect and address performance changes that may be caused by calibration problems through regular vibration analysis to prevent serious damage.

Professional training for maintenance personnel: Maintenance team members must be proficient in calibration techniques and have a deep understanding of the importance of correct calibration. This will enable them to accurately perform calibration operations and keenly identify potential problems during routine inspections.

Maintaining the correct calibration status of the pump can effectively extend the working life of the submersible slurry pump, reduce energy consumption, and reduce the chance of unexpected failures.

Implement Proper Start-up And Shutdown Procedures

Frequent improper starts or sudden stops stress submersible slurry pumps and can cause mechanical failure. It is critical to follow the manufacturer's recommended startup and shutdown procedures to reduce stress on the pump's internal components. Here are the proper startup and shutdown procedures:

Proper startup procedures:

Improper startup and shutdown operations can stresssubmersible slurry pumps and increase the risk of mechanical failure. To ensure long-term stable operation of the pump, the following startup and shutdown procedures should be followed:

Startup procedures:

Inspection preparation: Before starting, make sure the pump connections are secure, there is no visual damage, and (if applicable) the pump is fully submerged.

Priming liquid (for dry installation): Before starting, make sure the pump housing and suction pipe are filled with liquid to prevent the pump from running dry.

Initial startup: Start with the discharge valve closed or nearly closed to reduce the load on the motor when starting and reduce the possibility of water hammer.

Gradual opening: After the pump is started, slowly open the discharge valve to full open to avoid sudden changes in pressure and flow.

Monitoring operation: During the startup process, pay close attention to the operating status of the pump. Any abnormal noise or vibration may be a sign of potential problems.

Shutdown procedures:

Gradual closing: Before stopping the pump, slowly close the discharge valve to reduce flow, prevent water hammer, and relieve pressure on pump components.

Cooling time: For pumps that run for a long time, appropriate cooling time should be given before shutdown to avoid damage to pump components caused by thermal shock.

Reduce the frequency of starting and stopping: To extend the life of the motor and pump components, the number of times the pump is started and stopped should be minimized.

Cold protection: In cold conditions, if the pump needs to be shut down for a long time, appropriate cold protection measures should be taken, such as emptying the pump body or configuring heating elements to prevent the liquid from freezing.

Following the above measures can effectively reduce the wear of the submersible slurry pump, extend its service life, and ensure that it is always in the best operating condition.

About Us

Tianjin Kairun, a Chinese submersible slurry pump manufacturer, is innovative and customer-centric. It has the ability to independently develop, design, and produce a wide range of pump products, and can customize non-standard products to meet specific needs. Its submersible slurry pumps use the latest technology, and features include wear-resistant materials, customizable designs, advanced sealing systems, and efficient hydraulic designs, suitable for industries such as mining, construction, and wastewater treatment. When choosing a manufacturer, it is critical to consider quality, customization capabilities, after-sales support, and cost-effectiveness. Tianjin Kairun is the first choice for those seeking reliable and efficient slurry pump solutions. Contact catherine@kairunpump.com for consultation.