The Best Pump for Moving Heavy Slurry

Learn about the challenges involved with pumping heavier slurries and the top pumps used for heavy slurry applications.

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EDDY Pump’s unique pump design originated in . Throughout the years the EDDY Pump has been put to the test in countless applications involving heavy slurry. Time and time the EDDY Pump has provided value greater than that of traditional pumps in heavy slurry applications. The large internal flow path enables the pump to pass extremely large solids, and the recessed rotor reduces the potential for wear due to the abrasive nature of heavy slurry. Added to this, the unique ability to provide a turbulent flow means that the operation of the EDDY Pump avoids allowing heavy slurry to settle at the bottom of the liquid path, which can decrease potential clogging issues internal to the pump.

This Article Includes

• Difficulties Pumping Heavy Slurry
• Selecting a Pump for Heavier Slurries
• Selecting a Motor for Heavy Slurry 
• EDDY Pump – The Best Pump for Heavy Slurries 

Difficulties Pumping Heavy Slurry

Slurries are very difficult to pump, and many traditional pump types are not suited for this type of application. Heavy slurries are abrasive, solid laden, highly viscous, and much heavier than water. Although pumping slurry is very difficult, pumping heavy slurry is much more challenging due to the increased weight of the material. This type of application is extremely difficult for water pumps and other types of centrifugal pumps because they are not designed to pump heavy slurries. Water pumps and centrifugal pumps are commonly misapplied to slurry and heavy slurry applications, but are more suited for applications that involve thin fluids. Ultra duty mud and  slurry pumps  are specifically designed for the harder to pump, heavier slurries found in many industrial settings such as mining, manufacturing, and construction applications.

Compare Weights of Materials

Unit of Measure Type of Material Weight 1 Square Meter Water 1 metric ton 1 Square Meter Mud 1.73 metric tons 1 Square Meter Sand/Water 1.92 metric tons 1 Square Meter Concrete 2.5 metric tons

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Applying a Slurry Pump to Heavier Slurries

When pumping heavy slurries it is critical to maintain a constant flow through the pipeline, the flow of the material must flow at a specific rate given the type of slurry material that is being pumped.  The specific velocity of flow can be measured in feet per second.  The continued movement of the material through the pipeline assists with avoiding settling at the bottom portion of the piping. Applying the pump correctly requires pre-planning and determining what the critical flow rate must be given the heavy slurry material being pumped.

The critical flow rate is also defined as a flow that involves turbulence, or is described as turbulent, not laminar.  In this regard, critical flow rate is relational to the specific velocity of the fluid that achieves a turbulent flow.  This turbulence of the fluid is important to avoid settling of the material in the pipeline.  Critical velocity changes due to the density and coefficient viscosity of the fluid.  Although determining critical velocity of a heavy slurry is beyond the scope of this article, it is important to note that the EDDY Pump is designed to produce a turbulent flow due to the unique design of the rotor.  Traditional pumps in slurry applications, such as centrifugal pumps, produce a laminar flow which is counterproductive and one reason they are not as well suited for heavy slurry applications as an EDDY Pump.

Selecting a Pump for Heavier Slurries

To avoid selecting and misapplying the wrong pump for a heavy slurry application, there are some important considerations that must be adhered to.

• The pump chosen must be capable of generating a turbulent flow that can maintain the suspension of the slurry to avoid settling the slurry at the bottom of the piping.
• Another important factor in selecting a pump is selecting one designed with a large flow-through liquid path that allows easy passage of heavy slurry.  This alone helps to determine what types of pumps are well suited for heavy slurry applications and what types are not.
• Strong suction at the inlet port of the pump is important so that the pump can draw the heavy slurry into the pump so that it can move the fluid downstream.
• The most appropriate materials of construction are important to avoid extensive wear due to the abrasive characteristics of heavy slurries.

What Is A Slurry Pump?

A slurry pump is a specialized type of centrifugal pump designed to handle highly abrasive, high-density slurries that contain solid particles. These pumps are essential in industries such as mining, dredging, construction, and wastewater treatment, where they manage extreme conditions and demanding tasks. Unlike standard centrifugal pumps, slurry pumps are built to ensure reliable performance and avoid clogging, even when dealing with the toughest slurry pumping applications. Their robust design, as well as that of submersible slurry pumps, allows them to efficiently transport solid particles mixed with liquids, making them indispensable in various industrial processes.

Understanding Slurry Properties

Slurries are complex mixtures of solids and liquids, with the liquid acting as the transport mechanism for the solid particles. The size of these particles can vary significantly, from as small as one micron to several hundred millimeters in diameter. This variation in particle size can greatly impact a pump’s ability to move the slurry through a process line. Understanding slurry properties is crucial for selecting the right pump, as these mixtures share five essential characteristics: they consist of solids and liquids, rely on a liquid transport mechanism, contain solid particles, have varying particle sizes, and are utilized across multiple industries.

Selecting Heavy Duty Slurry Pumps for Heavier Slurries

To avoid selecting and misapplying the wrong pump for a heavy slurry application, there are some important considerations that must be adhered to.

• The pump chosen must be capable of generating a turbulent flow that can maintain the suspension of the slurry to avoid settling the slurry at the bottom of the piping. Ensuring constant and uniform delivery is crucial to reduce wear on components and maintain efficient transportation of abrasive materials.
• Another important factor in selecting a pump is choosing heavy duty slurry pumps designed with a large flow-through liquid path that allows easy passage of heavy slurry. This alone helps to determine what types of pumps are well suited for heavy slurry applications and what types are not.
• Strong suction at the inlet port of the pump is important so that the pump can draw the heavy slurry into the pump so that it can move the fluid downstream.
• The most appropriate materials of construction are important to avoid extensive wear due to the abrasive characteristics of heavy slurries.

Slurry Pump Construction and Components

Slurry pumps are typically larger and more powerful than standard pumps, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of pumping slurries. Depending on installation conditions and space available, consider either vertical slurry pumps or horizontal slurry pumps, either as centrifugal or positive displacement pumps. They feature more rugged bearings, mechanical seals, high efficiency impellers and shafts to handle the wear and tear associated with abrasive materials. The components that come into contact with the pumped medium are made from wear-resistant materials, such as metallic and elastomeric substances, chosen based on the specific application. This use of wear-resistant materials is crucial in reducing wear rates and extending the lifespan of the pump, ensuring superior performance in challenging slurry pumping applications.

Selecting a Motor For Centrifugal Pumps in Heavy Slurry

With heavier materials, the motors driving the pump will be pulling much more power compared to move the same quantity of a lighter, less dense material. This requires a larger pump motor that can handle heavier materials without wearing down. The amount of power a pump requires is calculated from the pump’s discharge pressure, flow rate, and specific gravity of the material to be pumped. It is vital to verify that the power rating of the selected pump is higher than the calculated power required after considering reasonable variations in operating conditions.

Slurry pumps can be powered hydraulically or electrically. While there are pros and cons to each type of motor, one motor may be preferable over another simply due to logistics. The motor needs to be matched for the pump and the application for optimal performance.

Applications and Industries

Slurry pumps are vital in a wide range of industries, including mining, dredging, construction, and wastewater treatment. Mining slurry pumps are particularly essential for the sector. Their robust design and ability to handle abrasive materials make them indispensable in these sectors. Additionally, slurry pumps are used in food, dairy, beverage processing, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing, where they efficiently manage mixtures of solids and liquids. The versatility and durability of slurry pumps ensure they meet the demanding needs of various industrial processes, providing reliable and efficient slurry pumping solutions.

EDDY Pump – The Best Pump for Heavy Slurries

The EDDY Pump is unique in comparison to other heavy slurry pumps on the market. The EDDY Pump is specifically designed for pumping abrasive slurries, utilizing a unique Tornado Motion to create strong suction and efficient transport of solid particles. Eddy Pump technology is based on the principle of Tornado Motion of liquid as a synchronized swirling column along the center of intake pipe that induces agitated mixing of solid particles with liquid, creating suction strong enough for solid particles to travel upwards into the volute and generating pressure differential for desired discharge. The eddy current is caused by the pressure differential generated by the rotor, and strengthened by turbulent flow patterns in the volute and suction tube. The EDDY Pump is also designed with an extremely large flow path that allows heavy slurries to flow through the pump without becoming clogged. The large flow through design also allows the passage of large solids that are almost the size of the inlet port of the pump.

Added to the many features and benefits of the EDDY Pump, the pump is available with the highest quality materials of construction to ensure the pump can withstand the extensive wear and abrasive characteristics of heavy slurries. Proven in countless heavy slurry applications, the EDDY Pump is the premier slurry pump available.

The EDDY Pump Corporation is a premier manufacturer of pumping and dredging equipment. If you are pumping or dredging slurry, high solids, extremely viscous material, paste, high abrasives (sand & gravel) and material filled with solids, then you found the best suited product for the job.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

To extend the life of your slurry pump, it is essential to follow proper engineering and equipment selection practices, along with regular maintenance and inspection. Working with a qualified engineer to select the right pump for your application is crucial. Regular maintenance includes checking the pump’s discharge pressure, rotating impeller, and pump casing for signs of wear and tear. Additionally, inspecting the pump components, such as bearings and shafts, helps prevent premature wear and failure. By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the properties of slurries, slurry pump construction, and applications, you can ensure the reliable operation and prolonged lifespan of your slurry pump.

Best Applications – Industries Most Served

The EDDY Pump Corporation is a premier manufacturer of pumping and dredging equipment.  If you are pumping or dredging slurry, high solids, extremely viscous material, paste, high abrasives (sand & gravel) and material filled with solids, then you found the best suited product for the job.  
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Mining, Fly Ash, Coal Ash, Oil, Fracking, Gas, Wastewater, Pulp and Paper, Chemical, Energy, Water Municipalities, Irrigation, and Dredging Companies.  
For Access to Complete Product Line Go to: https://eddypump.com/products/ 

Dredging & Marine Construction

Mine Tailings Pumping

Oil & Gas

Chemical Pumping

Agricultural & Canal Pumping

Sand & Gravel Pumping

Sewage & Wastewater

Paper & Pulp Pumping

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Why EDDY Pumps Are Better – Highlights

This video shows how EDDY Pump transports high slurry and abrasive materials. Featured dredge pump equipment includes the Remote Operated Subdredge, Diver OperatedPump and a Excavator Attachment Dredge Pump.

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HD (Heavy Duty) Slurry Pumps / Dredge Equipment

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Why Use Slurry Pump?-Introduction

As China slurry pumps Do pump introduced before, slurry pump are defined as heavy duty and robust version of centrifugal pump, which can handle tough, abrasive and corrosive fluid which contains solid with water by a rotating slurry pump impeller, the slurry pump can pump the slurry from one point to another, and comparing with centrifugal water pump which is mainly intended for clear water, centrifugal slurry pump is transferring abrasive heavy duty slurry.

Warman slurry pump is typical a slurry pump manufacturer in the world, which are highly used in heavy duty hydraulic transportation of solid, the solid contains solid, abrasive and/or corrosive characters, now China Slurry Pump Do Pump is Why Use Slurry Pump as following:  

Why Use Slurry Pump? - Particle Pass

Warman slurry pump as a famous model of slurry pump worldwide, now the slurry pump application range is under Warman slurry pump models.

Warman slurry pump are covering pumping of mud, clay, silt, sand, gravel, medium size of solid, the size range of the solid can be divided as:

Mud/clay minus 2 microns

Silt 2-50 microns Sand,

Fine 50-100 microns Sand,

Medium 100-500 microns Sand.

Coarse 500- microns

Regarding to particle pass, why used slurry pump is explained in general of slurry pump takes out ability of transferring mud, clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand, coarse and gravel.

Warman L Slurry Pump is normally used for mud, clay, silt and fine sand;

Warman AH Slurry Pump is used for mud, clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand

Additional reading:
Why Choose 50 Hz Centrifugal Pumps for Industrial Applications?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of middle duty slurry pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Warman HH Slurry Pump is used for mud, clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand

Warman AHR Slurry Pump is used for mud, clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand

Warman G Sand Pump is used for mud, clay, silt, fine sand, medium sand and coarse and gravel.

In summary, regarding to particle pass, Comparing with the solid pumping, when we select slurry pump, we must consider the particle pass ability of the slurry pump in order to avoid the Warman pump is blocked by the solid,

China Slurry Pump showed a general understanding of particle pass ability in range from large to small: Warman G slurry sand pump, Warman AH Slurry pump, Warman HH slurry pump, Warman L slurry pump.

Why Use Slurry Pump? - Slurry Pump Application

Slurry pump are named by different applications, such as froth slurry pump, carbon transfer slurry pump, sump slurry pump, submersible slurry pump.

Froth slurry pumps are highly used in flotation mineral processing program, which are defined by application the handling of frothy slurry. In the mineral processing, it often relies on the formation of froth to separate rich minerals from gangue by adding chemicals and air, therefore, therefore, froth slurry pump is characterized for handling heavy froth and higher viscosity dense slurry with ease.

Carbon transfer slurry pumps define the gentle hydraulic transportation of carbon in CIP (carbon in pulp) and CIL (carbon in leach) circuits.

Sump slurry pumps, also an established name typically for pumps operating from floor sumps, submerged pump houses, but having dry bearings and drives. Sump slurry pump is also called with vertical slurry pump, which designed with no submersible bearing and seal vertically using for mineral processing.

Submersible slurry Pumps. Submersible slurry pump are highly used for depth is too deep to use a sump or vertical slurry pump, where the entire unit, including drive, is submersed, the submersible slurry pump are also used for sand dredging, optional with slurry pump agitator and side excavators.

Why Use Slurry Pump? - Working Conditions

As China Slurry Pumps Do Pump described before, the slurry contains abrasive, corrosive characters, therefore, in order to make sure good performance of slurry pump and servicing in long wearing life, slurry pumps are classified by different working conditions:

• Highly abrasive

• Abrasive

• Mildly Abrasive

• Highly corrosive

• Corrosive

Why Use Slurry Pump? - In Summary

In summary, China slurry pump Do Pump showed three parts of why use slurry pump, which is a generic definition of all slurry pump using an impeller are centrifugal pumps.

All Slurry Pumps are in practice named after the given application:

• Slurry Pumps

• Gravel pumps

• Dredge pumps

• Sump pumps

• Froth pumps

• Carbon Transfer pumps

• Submersible pumps

There are principally three different designs:

• Horizontal and vertical tank (dry installation)

• Vertical sump (semi dry installation)

• Tank (dry installation)

• Submersible (wet installation)

Slurry Pump designs are selected and supplied according to the wear conditions

• Highly abrasive

• Abrasive

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