Is there any limitation for particle size in slurry pumps?

for pump selecting d50 is important or max. particle size? ■

mohandes,

hi again

all particle sizes play a part in pump performance and wear

fine particles have an effect on the suction liner and seal between the impeller and suction liner because they are not affected significantly by the centripetal forces but can cause significant wear.

larger particles affect impeller and casing life. depending where the pump is operating in relation to its bepq, the wear can be by impact or sliding

very large particles are important if the pump passage size is too small for the particle or can cause severe impact damage.

all three particle sizes, d50, d85 and dmax are used in the analysis for determination of settling velocity, friction loss in pipelines and in pump selection.

the most important factor, that is missed by many, is that the pump is only one part of a system. to determine if a pump is right for particles of any size, the entire system must be analyzed and optimized. this is very important. it is often misused or misinterpreted by pump and pipe suppliers, and by those that do not fully appreciate the intimate relationship between the components in a slurry pumping system.

regards,

softedge ■