Bolts and Studs in Slurry Pumps

In the assembly and maintenance of slurry pumps, fasteners play a fundamental role in ensuring stable operation. Among them, bolts and studs are the most common fastening components. While they may seem similar, their structural differences and application scenarios make each essential to pump reliability.

I. Bolts

A bolt is a threaded fastener with a head, usually used together with a nut or screwed directly into a threaded part.
In slurry pumps, bolts are primarily applied in fixing the pump body, cover, liners, and other key components.

Common types of slurry pump bolts include:

• Adjusting Screw (Code 001)
  Used to adjust the clearance between impeller and volute liner to ensure optimal pump performance.

• Clamp Bolt (Code 012)
  Secures critical pump parts tightly in place, preventing loosening during operation.

• Cover Plate Bolt (Code 015)
  Fastens the cover plate to the pump body, maintaining sealing and stability.

• Volute Bolt (Code 026)
  Holds the volute liner securely, withstanding high internal pressures.

• Frame Plate Bolt (Code 034)
  Fixes the pump body to the frame, ensuring overall structural stability.

• Gland Bolt (Code 045)
  Tightens the stuffing box gland, providing reliable shaft sealing.

II. Studs

A stud is a threaded fastener with threads on both ends and an unthreaded shank in the middle. Unlike bolts, studs have no head. One end is screwed into the pump casing or frame, while the other end is tightened with a nut.

This design reduces wear on the pump body threads and allows easier assembly and disassembly of heavy parts.

Common types of slurry pump studs include:

• Frame Plate Stud (Code 039)
  Used to fasten the frame plate, handling heavy loads during pump operation.

• FPU Stud (Code 025)
  Specially designed to secure the frame plate liner (rear liner), ensuring stability of internal pump components.

III. Key Differences Between Bolts and Studs

1. Structure

   • Bolts have a head for direct tightening.

   • Studs are headless, threaded at both ends with a plain section in between.

2. Application

   • Bolts are commonly used in general fastening positions such as pump covers, liners, and clamps.

   • Studs are preferred for high-load positions like pump bodies and rear liners.

3. Maintenance

   • Bolts are easy to install and remove but may cause thread wear in the pump body.

   • Studs remain fixed in the pump body, reducing thread damage and improving service life.

IV. Conclusion

Although small in size, bolts and studs play a vital role in slurry pumps.

• Bolts provide flexible and quick fastening.

• Studs ensure stronger, long-lasting connections for heavy-duty and frequently dismantled parts.

By selecting the right type of fastener for each pump section, slurry pumps can achieve reliable performance and extended service life.