VERTICAL SLURRY PUMPS

What are vertical pumps: characteristics, use and advantages

Vertical slurry pumps are designed for industrial and mining applications where there is a need to transport abrasive, corrosive, or high-density slurries from sumps or pit. The vertical design allows the pump to be submerged in the slurry while the mechanical components, including the bearings and electric motor, remain out of the pumped media, making it efficient for removing settled solids. PEMO vertical slurry pumps are tailored for heavy-duty applications, providing reliable and efficient fluid movement from below ground level.

Characteristics of Vertical Slurry Pumps

Vertical slurry pumps are designed to operate in harsh environments, with features that enhance their durability and performance. Here are the key characteristics:

• Heavy-Duty Construction: Built to withstand highly abrasive and corrosive fluids.
• Vertical Orientation: Ideal for deep installations and confined spaces.
• Efficient Fluid Handling: Equipped with robust impellers to move fluids effectively.
• Customizable: Available in various configurations to meet specific needs.

The structure of vertical pumps

Understanding the structure of vertical slurry pumps is essential for their operation and maintenance. Here’s a breakdown of the main components:

• Motor: powers the pump and is typically located above the baseplate. The motor can be coupled to the pump by elastic joint or V-belts.
• Pipe Column: house the pump shaft, which transfers rotational energy from the motor to the impeller.
• Impeller: semi-open impeller in PEMO pumps enhance the handling of larger solids and reduce clogging. It’s responsible for imparting kinetic energy to the slurry, enabling it to move through the pump and out to the discharge point.

• Casing: directs the slurry from the impeller to the discharge. PEMO uses its proprietary abrasion-resistant alloy, Hardalloy, or a rubber-lined casing to maximize efficiency and minimize wear.

• Suction Strainer: prevents large particles and debris from entering the pump. This helps protect the pump’s internal components, such as the impellers, from damage and wear caused by solid materials that are too large to be safely processed by the pump.

Advantages

The main advantages of vertical pumps are:

• Space Efficiency: Vertical design saves ground-level space.
• High Capacity and Pressure: Capable of handling high flow rate and pressures.
• Durability: Built with materials resistant to abrasion and corrosion.
• Dry run: for some models, there is also the possibility to run dry without damaging the pump.
• Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
• Reliable Performance: Designed for consistent and reliable operation.

Use and industries

Vertical slurry pumps are essential in various industries due to their robust design and efficiency. Some of the applications in which vertical pumps can be used are

• Mining: Dewatering, transferring tailings, and handling byproducts.
• Quarries and aggregate: vertical slurry pumps are crucial in quarries and aggregate operations for dewatering, transporting slurry, managing tailings, feeding cyclones, transferring slurry, pumping from sumps, and assisting in material washing.
• Construction: Jet grouting, dewatering, waste management and transferring concrete.
• Wastewater Treatment: Recirculating wastewater and transferring sludge.
• Power Generation: Handling ash slurry and other abrasive materials.
• Chemical Processing: Transferring corrosive and abrasive slurries.
• Ceramic Industry: Transferring ceramic slip.
• Pulp and Paper: Transporting pulp paper and fibrous slurries.

Maintenance

Maintaining vertical pumps involves regular inspection and servicing of components such as impellers, bearings, bush, sleeve and casings. Key maintenance tasks include:

• Inspecting and Lubricating Bearings: Ensures smooth operation.
• Checking Couplings: Ensures alignment and tightness.
• Monitoring Impeller and casings Wear: Replacing damaged impellers or casings as needed.
• Checking for Leaks: Prevents fluid loss and damage.
• Routine Testing: Ensures the pump operates within designed parameters.

By adhering to a scheduled maintenance program, the longevity and performance of vertical slurry pumps can be maximized, preventing unexpected downtime and costly repairs.

Pemo Vertical Slurry Pumps

Below you find all the families of PEMO vertical slurry pumps, designed for heavy duty slurry applications.