Vertical Slurry Pumps Find Application in Mining, Chemical Processing, and Other Industries

Vertical Slurry Pumps Find Application in Mining

Designed to transport liquids bearing suspended solids, vertical slurry pumps find application in industries involved with mineral extraction, mining operations, paper production, and chemical processing. These robust centrifugal sump pumps deliver abrasion and impact resistance via premium wear components and engineered for maximum hydraulic performance and longevity. The cantilever design enables easy maintenance, extending the pumps’ operational lifespan and lowering functional and maintenance costs over time.

Slurry pumps are typically used to transport slurries in pipeline hydraulic conveying systems, where they deliver the required energy to overcome gravity’s pull on the slurry and friction forces between the slurry and the drill pipe. The concentration of the slurry in the pump’s delivery system, its flow rate, and the slurry’s density and abrasiveness are the primary factors affecting slurry pump performance.

The key to optimizing a vertical slurry pump for specific applications is selecting the right model and materials based on slurry characteristics and working environment. The most effective slurry pumping solutions take into account the slurry’s density, particle size, and abrasiveness, the required flow rate, the dynamic head, and maintenance requirements. The dynamic head is the amount of pressure generated at the slurry pump’s outlet that overcomes gravity’s pull on the slurry, which depends on the change in height between the slurry supply tank and the lowest point in the drill pipe.

A vertical slurry pump’s mechanical components, such as the motor and shaft seals, must be kept out of the pumped slurry to avoid damage. Metso’s cantilever design of the Sala VS series vertical slurry pump solves this problem by positioning all the maintenance-critical parts outside the pump casing, making them easier to access for inspection and servicing. This minimizes downtime and increases the slurry pump’s total dynamic head for superior performance.

PEMO vertical slurry pumps feature a hardalloy or rubber-lined casing to protect the rotating impeller from abrasion and wear. They also employ a semi-open impeller to reduce clogging and maximize pump efficiency. Their abrasion-resistant design extends the impeller’s lifespan and enhances the slurry pump’s performance, especially in high-density and abrasive conditions.

A properly maintained vertical slurry pump can operate reliably for years, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership. Regular maintenance includes routine monitoring of bearing temperature, vibration levels, and impeller wear to identify problems before they escalate and affect performance. In addition, a proper maintenance program involves keeping spare parts for the slurry pump in stock to ensure quick turnaround times and minimize downtime.

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