Industrial Pump Selection Guide: Froth Pumps and Slurry Pumps of the Core Differences and Dey Application Analysis

Froth pump and slurry pump both play indispensable roles in industrial production fields, however, they have significant differences in structure, working principle, application and maintenance. We’re going to discuss their differences in depth in order to better understand their features and size the right pump models.

1. Difference in structure

Special impeller design and casing structure are adopted for froth pumps to suit the transfer of frothy slurry. Generally, its impeller has bigger diameter and fewer vanes, and this way, shearing to the foam will be reduced, and at the same time, bigger flow and lower head can be maintained. Interior of the casing is also treated specially to reduce the damage to the foam, to keep the foam’s stability and completeness.

In comparison, slurry pumps focus more on its abrasion and corrosion resistance. Slurry pump impellers are made of high chrome alloy or abrasion resistant cast iron to bear the erosion and wear of the solid particles. Casing is also made of abrasion resistant material to prevent itself from serious abrasion and corrosion when pumping medium with solids.

2. Difference in working principle

Working theory of a froth pump is to absorb foam to the pump casing chamber with the centrifugal force, and thrust it to the pump discharge by the impeller rotating, during which process, speed and flowrate of the froth pump should be seriously controlled to prevent excessive shearing and damage to the foam. Meantime, special foam stabilization device should be provided to ensure the foam’s stability and completeness.

The working principle of a slurry pump is that, centrifugal force will be generated through impeller rotating and with which medium containing solid particles can be absorbed into the pump casing chamber, and then be pushed to the pump discharge via impeller. During the transportation process, slurry pump needs to bear the erosion and wear from bigger solids, so its impeller and casing should have better abrasion and corrosion resistance.

3. Difference in application

Froth pumps are mainly used for applications where froth needs to be transported, such as forth fire fighting system, froth flotation equipment etc.. In this applications, froth pumps can guarantee the foam’s stability and completeness so as to make sure the foam will have good fire fighting and flotation effects.

Slurry pumps are widely used in mining, metallurgy, electricity and environmental protection areas, for the transportation of medium with solid particles, such as mining slurry, coal mud, waste water etc.. In this applications, slurry pumps can bear the erosion and wear of bigger solids and to make sure the smooth pumping of the slurry medium.

4. Difference in maintenance

Froth pumps need to be cleaned at a regular basis and its foam stabilization device needs to be examined as well to make sure the normal operation of the pump. At the same time, special attention should be paid to control the pump speed and flowrate to prevent excessive shearing and damage to the foam.

Slurry pumps should be checked at a regular frequency and change wet end parts such as impeller and bearings etc.. When changing the wet end parts, new matching parts should be selected to guarantee the pump’s performance and life. Besides, it is also necessary to pay attention to cleaning and rust removal of the pump body to extend its working life.

There are significant differences between froth pumps and slurry pumps in terms of structure, working principle, application and maintenance. In practical applications, we need to choose the appropriate pump model according to the specific occasion and needs. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to the correct maintenance and care of the pump during use to ensure its normal operation and extend its service life. By deeply understanding the characteristics and differences of these two pumps, we can better select and use them to provide reliable support for industrial production.