Slurry is one of the most challenging fluids to work with. It is highly abrasive, viscous, sometimes corrosive, and contains a high concentration of solids. So operating a slurry pump correctly can have a significant impact on long-term performance.
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Abrasive material.
Thick consistency.
May contain large amounts of solids.
Usually settles down quickly.
Requires more power to operate than "water" pumps.
Do you hear a popping sound when your mud pump is running? If it sounds like popcorn, you'll hear steam chamber implosions - they're as destructive as they are noisy. These tiny cavities form when the absolute pressure at the impeller eye reaches the vapor pressure of the liquid. Their continuous bursting can cause costly damage to your impellers and bearings.
Avoiding cavitation is easy if you have the right pump. You need to know the critical suction pressure - or net positive suction head (NPSH) - required for your system and choose a slurry pump that operates at that pressure.
The snap ring gasket on the pump seals the joint between the suction bushing and the pump housing. To replace it, make sure the part number is facing outward, lubricate it with a non-petroleum based lubricant (such as detergent or baby powder), and make sure it is facing the correct direction. Then, making sure this trapezoidal washer is in the correct position is simple: pull it up and if it "snaps" back into place, it is installed correctly.
When you only have one washer, the torque generated at startup can cause it to stick to the impeller and shaft, making it difficult to separate during maintenance. However, we have a quick and easy solution: simply use two aramid washers between the impeller and the shaft sleeve instead of one. This way, one washer will be bonded to the shaft and the other to the impeller, making disassembly quick and easy.
This may be a small maintenance task, but correct and regular adjustment of your nose clearance can easily double or triple the wear life of your parts! The correct clearance is very small and allows the pump to maintain high pressure on the outside of the impeller and low pressure at the eye. However, as the pump runs, that nose clearance gradually increases, disrupting pressure distribution and encouraging recirculation of particles around the impeller suction shroud.
To avoid wear on the impeller and suction liner, adjust the nose clearance once a week. First loosen the retaining bolt on the back of the bearing assembly, then use the adjusting screw and nut to move the bearing assembly forward until it contacts the bushing, taking care to slowly back it off to the specified distance for your pump.
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In the dynamic world of mining, where efficiency, productivity, and safety are paramount, selecting the right equipment plays a pivotal role. We’ve written previously on the importance of pumps in mining, here we go into more detail around a very common type of pump used in mines; the slurry pump. These heavy-duty machines stand out as vital tools for handling abrasive fluids and solids-laden mixtures of water, soil and rock.
Choosing the best slurry pump for your mining operation is a decision that can significantly impact performance, downtime, and overall success.
Slurry pumps are specialised pumping devices designed to handle slurries, which are a mixture of water and solid particles. In mining operations, slurries are a common by-product, arising from tasks such as mine dewatering, ore processing, and tailings management. Slurry pumps are engineered to transport these abrasive fluids efficiently and reliably, optimising both equipment lifespan and processing costs.
When it comes to choosing the best slurry pump for your mining operation, several critical factors should be evaluated:
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1. Particle Size and Composition: Consider the size and type of solid particles present in your slurry. Abrasive materials like rock fragments and grit require robust pumps with abrasion-resistant materials to ensure longevity and minimize maintenance. High solids content/large particles will benefit from open-vane impellers.
2. Flow Rate and Pressure: Understand the required flow rate and pressure for your specific application. Different mining processes demand varying levels of pressure and flow, influencing the pump's size and type. See our guide to 'Dirty Water Pumps Selection Guide.'
3. Pump Construction and Materials: Choose pumps constructed from materials that can withstand the abrasive nature of the slurry. Hardened metals such as chrome alloys, and rubber linings are used for SlurryPro and Audex pumps to increase lifetime and longer-term performance.
4. Pump Efficiency and Performance: Efficiency directly impacts operational costs. Select pumps with a history of reliable performance and energy efficiency. This reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and enhances overall productivity. Be aware that pump performance charts show the data for clean, clear water – so if they are not built for mining-type slurries, are likely to under-perform as they wear down.
5. Maintenance and Serviceability: Easy access to components and replaceable parts is essential. A pump's design should allow for quick maintenance with minimal disruption to operations. SlurryPro centrifugal slurry pumps have a split-case design and interchangeable ‘wet’ parts. They can also be fitted to a sliding base for even easier opening up for cleaning and maintenance. In critical mine pumping applications, it is common to find multiple pumps that alternate in shifts
6. Environment and Safety: Consider the operational environment and potential hazards. Electrically operated pumps are the norm in mines as these don’t emit exhaust fumes. Some mining areas might have explosive atmospheres, necessitating the use of ATEX-certified pumps.
Several types of slurry pumps are used in mining, each tailored to specific mine slurry applications:
1. Horizontal Centrifugal Slurry Pumps: Widely used for their ability to handle high volumes of fluids and abrasive slurries efficiently. They are ideal for mine dewatering, slurry transfer, and other demanding tasks.
2. Vertical Centrifugal Slurry Pumps: Designed for pumping out of sumps or tanks, these pumps are suitable for applications where space is limited. The motor is mounted above the water, and they are a good alternative to submersible slurry pumps in certain situations. They excel in tasks such as tunnel drainage and process water transfer.
3. Submersible Slurry Pumps: Perfect for pumping fluids from deep underground. Their reliability in mine dewatering and tunnel drainage tasks makes them a popular choice. Audex electric submersibles are designed for under-water, under-ground pumping of dirty water and slurry.
4. High-Pressure Slurry Pumps: Designed to handle high-pressure demands for mineral processing or pumping to elevated locations. They find utility in hydraulic mining, water jet cutting, mineral wash-plants, filter-presses and more.
Choosing the best slurry pump for your mining operation is a crucial task that can impact your bottom line. By assessing factors like particle size, flow rate, construction materials, and efficiency, you can identify the ideal pump for your specific needs.
With the right pump in place, you enhance productivity, minimize downtime, and ensure the continued success of your mining operation. Invest the time and effort to make an informed decision, and your mining endeavors will reap the rewards in the long run.
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