Electric submersible slurry pumps play a vital role in mining, construction and wastewater treatment fields. They are specially designed to handle liquids containing solid particles and can continue to work in a variety of complex environments. Although these pumps are known for their durability and efficiency, their use comes with certain risks, so strict safety precautions must be taken.

Pre-Operation Safety Check

Before starting up an electric submersible slurry pump, a thorough safety check of all its components is required. This step will help prevent accidents, extend the life of the pump, and keep it running efficiently.

First, focus on the siphon connections. The pump receives its power from these cables and relies on them to transmit control signals. Therefore, carefully inspect the entire length of the cables for signs of wear, cracks, or breaks. Even minor damage to the cable insulation can cause an electrical short, moisture infiltration, and lead to pump failure or electrical safety hazards.

A megohmmeter should be used to check the motor windings' insulation level in addition to a visual inspection. This test determines the integrity of the insulation by measuring the electrical resistance that exists between the pump body and the windings. The resistance of the insulation shouldn't be less than one megohm. If the reading is lower, it could mean that moisture has penetrated the motor windings, which could cause the motor to fail and pose significant safety risks.

Inspection of the pump is essential, especially the cable connections, oil filling screws and other sealing parts, which need to be carefully checked for oil leaks. Oil leaks may be a sign of worn gaskets or seals, which may allow moisture to penetrate the internal components of the pump, affecting not only the normal operation of the pump, but also electrical failures and premature failure.

Pre-operation inspections are extremely critical and are the first step to prevent equipment failures and potential safety accidents. Through comprehensive and regular inspections, problems can be discovered and dealt with in time before they become serious, thus extending the service life of the pump and ensuring the safety of operators.

Electrical Safety And Settings

Electrical safety is crucial for submersible slurry pumps operating in an environment close to electricity and water. It is important to ensure that the supply voltage matches the specifications on the pump nameplate, which is one of the core elements of electrical safety. Voltage mismatches can cause problems such as reduced efficiency or complete pump failure.

In addition, the motor and electrical components of the pump may be damaged by excessive voltage fluctuations. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid using the same generator to power the submersible pump and other equipment at the same time to reduce such risks. It is a wise choice to equip the submersible pump with a dedicated power supply, which can effectively prevent voltage instability and surges that may occur when heavy equipment shares a power supply.

The pump and electrical system must be properly grounded to effectively disperse stray currents and avoid the risk of electric shock. Regular inspections are required to ensure that the grounding system is in good condition.

It is also important to properly install circuit protection devices. For example, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is an important safety device that can quickly cut off the power supply in the event of an overload or ground fault. It can protect operators from electric shock and electrical fires.

Safe Operating Practices

When using the electrical components of a submersible slurry pump, the lockout and tagout procedure must be strictly followed. Before any maintenance or adjustment work is performed, the power supply must be disconnected and locked out. The purpose of this step is to prevent accidental startup of the equipment and ensure the safety of the personnel.

Safe operating practices are equally important. In addition to electrical safety, the operation of electric submersible slurry pumps must also be safe. It is essential to follow safe handling and operating procedures to avoid accidents and extend the life of the equipment.

During the start-up and operation of the pump, the operator should stand at a safe distance to prevent the pump from moving suddenly due to internal pressure changes or mechanical problems. Although this situation does not occur frequently, precautions are still critical to ensure the safety of the operator. Maintaining this safe distance can greatly reduce the risk of injury to the operator due to unexpected pump movement.

During the operation of the submersible pump, it must be ensured that it is always covered with liquid. Even a short period of dry running can cause the pump to overheat and damage core components such as seals. Although some pumps are equipped with liquid level sensors or float switches to automatically shut down when the liquid level is too low, operators should not rely solely on these devices.

Before moving or adjusting the pump, you must ensure that the pump is completely shut down. This step is essential to prevent accidental operation and can effectively avoid personal injury and equipment damage. Especially when handling muds that may contain abrasive or harmful materials, although operators may sometimes need to make fine adjustments while the pump is running, it is still important to strictly follow this rule. However, this practice can be extremely risky.

Safe operating procedures necessitate routine maintenance. This includes cleaning, scheduled inspections, and replacing worn parts. Not only does proper maintenance ensure the pump's efficiency, but it also prevents safety hazards caused by worn or damaged parts.

Compatibility And Chemical Handling

The compatibility of the pump and the material being transported is an often overlooked but very important safety factor. Electric submersible slurry pumps are designed to handle specific slurries. If mixed with incompatible materials, it may cause pump damage, chemical reactions or release of harmful substances.

Unless a pump is custom-built for a specific application, it should not be used to pump high-viscosity fluids, flammable materials, or acids. These materials may damage pump components, causing failure or leakage. If the pump is not designed for explosive environments, there is an increased risk of fire or explosion when handling flammable materials.

When faced with material compatibility issues, care must be taken. Before pumping unknown or suspect materials, operators should contact the pump manufacturer’s technical support team. These experts can provide professional advice on the suitability of a pump for a particular application and recommend alternatives if necessary.

For pumps that handle multiple slurry types, it is critical to follow the correct cleaning procedures when switching slurries. This prevents residues from reacting with the new slurry and avoids cross contamination.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when handling potentially hazardous materials. Safety glasses, chemical-resistant gloves, and appropriate respiratory protection are essential. The PPE required for specific slurry types should be determined based on a thorough risk assessment.

Electric Submersible Slurry Pump For Sale

Tianjin Kairun manufactures electric submersible slurry pumps that meet important safety and performance standards. Our products are certified to ISO 9001 quality management systems, demonstrating our commitment to quality management. We also have the CE mark, indicating that our products meet European standards for environmental protection, health and safety.

Tianjin Kairun also offers ATEX certified pumps, which is essential for equipment used in environments where dust, flammable gases or vapors may be present, ensuring that the pump will not become a source of explosion.

If you are looking for an electric submersible slurry pump and want the equipment you purchase to meet the highest safety standards, please contact Tianjin Kairun by emailing catherine@kairunpump.com.

References

1. Hydraulic Institute. (2021). Pump Systems Matter: Safety in Pumping Systems.

2. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2020). Machine Guarding - Hazard Recognition.

3. National Fire Protection Association. (2021). NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.