How to select the right slurry pump for your application?

The rational selection of slurry pumps is one of the crucial factors in enhancing the service life of pumps. This selection process encompasses several aspects, such as pump type selection, performance data determination, selection of wet part materials, choice of seal type, drive style selection, and more.

1. Selection of Slurry Pump Type

The type of pump should be selected based on the characteristics of the slurry. Regarding our pumps:

When the weight concentration (Cw) ≤ 30%, the WL slurry pump is applicable.
For slurries with high Cw and high abrasiveness, the FAH slurry pump, ZJ slurry pump, and G/GH gravle pump are suitable.
In the case of immersed applications and where water levels change, the FSP vertical sump pump is the right choice.
For high-head applications, the ZJ slurry pump, G/GH slurry pump, and FHH slurry pump are recommended.

2. Performance Data

Once the pump type is selected, the Q-H (capacity-head) curve serves as the basis for determining the pump model and whether to install pumps in series. For high-density and highly abrasive slurries, the maximum pump speed (nmax, which is the highest speed shown in the performance curve) is generally not used. Instead, 3/4 of nmax is more advisable. If the pump operates at 3/4 of nmax and the capacity meets the requirement but the head does not, it is recommended to install multiple pumps in series.

3. Head Surplus

As the wet parts of the pump wear, the pump's performance will decline, and eventually, it may not meet the performance requirements. To ensure that the pump can operate around its rated performance for a longer time, a head surplus is generally added during the selection process. This surplus is usually set at 10% of the rated pump head.

4. Wet Part Materials

When selecting the materials for the wet parts of the slurry pump, both the physical (such as particle composition, particle diameter, shape, hardness, density) and chemical (such as acidity, alkalinity, oiliness) characteristics of the slurry need to be considered. We are capable of producing different high-chromium white irons to suit various applications. Rubber has good corrosion resistance and low costs, making it applicable to different scenarios, especially in Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) systems. In FGD applications, the service life of rubber can reach up to 5 years.

5. Shaft Seal

The main shaft seals of slurry pumps include gland packing seal, expeller seal, and mechanical seal.

Expeller seals are used in flood suction applications. The flood suction pressure should be less than 10% of the discharge pressure. This type of seal does not require any seal water but results in extra power consumption, typically about 5% of the rated power.
Gland packing seals require seal water and sufficient water pressure. The seal water pressure should be equal to the discharge pressure plus 35 kPa.
Mechanical seals have the advantages of no leakage and stable performance. They can also be used in series installations to achieve a leak-free operation.

6. Drive Type

Drive types include V-belt, flexible coupling, gear box reducer, fluid coupling, frequency control, thyristor speed control, etc. V-belt and flexible coupling are the first choices due to their low prices and easy assembly and disassembly. However, V-belts can cause an additional 5% power consumption.

7. Installation Type

(Please refer to the picture for details)
[Here should be a reference to an actual picture showing different installation types related to slurry pump selection]