If you're looking to install a pump, your first consideration should be its purpose. Ask yourself:
- What type of medium do you need to move - liquid, slurry, or viscous fluid?
- How far do you need to pump it?
- What volume and flow rate are required?
- What power source do you have available? – electricity, compressed air, etc.?
This article focuses on the first question: the type of material you’re pumping. Whether it's thin like water, thick like oil, or abrasive like slurry, the right pump depends on understanding the nature of your medium.
Flowable Liquids vs Slurry Mediums
Everything that flows has a viscosity. For instance, water has a viscosity of around 1 cPs while something like fruit pulp could be up to 5,000 cPs. Slurries - such as those found in mining - not only have viscosity but also contain a percentage of solids. A good rule of thumb: if you can pour it, you can pump it - but the type of pump you’ll need varies depending on the medium.
Which Pump is Used for Slurry?
Slurries are mixtures of liquids and solids, often highly abrasive. If your medium contains particles like sand, rocks, or minerals, a standard pump won’t do. You’ll need a heavy-duty slurry pump designed to handle tough conditions and resist wear.
The best pump for slurry will depend on:
- The concentration and size of solids
- The abrasiveness of the medium
- The distance and elevation the slurry needs to be moved
Common choices for slurry applications include:
- Peristaltic hose pumps – good for high solids content and minimal maintenance
- Centrifugal slurry pumps – ideal for consistent flow and durability
- Submersible slurry pumps – suitable for handling slurry at the source, especially in pits or tanks
How Does a Slurry Pump Work?
A slurry pump works by creating centrifugal force (in centrifugal designs) or positive displacement (in hose or diaphragm designs) to move a mixture of liquid and solid particles. The pump's internal components – such as impellers, liners, and casing – are built with wear-resistant materials like rubber or hardened alloys to withstand the harsh, abrasive nature of slurry.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Slurry enters the pump via an inlet.
- The pump’s impeller or rotor spins, generating energy to push the slurry through the pump.
- Solids and liquid move together through the discharge outlet and into the pipeline.
- Internal clearances and flow paths are engineered to prevent clogging and maintain consistent flow.
Slurry pumps are designed to handle:
- High solid content
- Coarse and abrasive particles
- Variable flow rates with minimal wear on components
Pumping Different Medium: What You Need to Know
Your choice of pump depends on how easily the medium flows and what it contains.
Water: Water is easy to move - it’s low in viscosity and contains no solids. Use:- Submersible pumps
- Pneumatic pumps for dewatering
Oil: Oils have higher viscosity. You’ll need:
- Gear or lobe pumps - great for thicker liquids
- Tube pump or diaphragm pumps - suitable if the pump may run dry.
Slurries and Abrasives: TAs covered above, these require:
- Heavy duty slurry pump
- Peristaltic hose pump
- Submersible slurry pumps – where space or access is limited
Corrosive Mediums
If the fluid is corrosive, such as chemicals or acids, opt for a chemical pump which can process what you need while keeping an environment safe from contamination.
Still Not Sure Which Pump is Best?
Selecting the right pump starts with a clear understanding of the medium you’re working with. Whether you need to move water, oil, or a high-solids slurry, choosing the correct pump type is essential to performance and longevity. Contact us today and our highly trained team will recommend the right pump for the job.
