What Are the Faults of the Slurry Pump When the Sand Is Pumped and Sucked?

Wear issues

Impeller wear: The impeller is the core component of the slurry pump. During the sand pumping and sucking, the high-speed rotating impeller is in direct contact with the slurry containing liquid and is washed and rubbed by sand particles, especially the blade edges and surfaces of the impeller, which are prone to wear. After a long period of operation, the blades of the impeller will become thinner and deform, resulting in a decrease in the hydraulic performance of the impeller, and the flow, head and efficiency of the slurry pump will be affected.

Pump shell wear: The pump shell, as a component that accommodates and guides the flow of slurry, will also be worn by sand particles. Especially in areas near the slurry inlet and impeller outlet, due to the high flow rate of the slurry, the sand particles have a stronger effect on the pump housing, which can easily cause wear on the inner wall of the pump housing, thinning the thickness of the pump housing, and in severe cases, it may cause the pump housing to rupture.

Cable wear: The sleeve is located between the pump shaft and rotating components such as the impeller, which plays a role in protecting the pump shaft and reducing friction. Under the condition of sand extraction and sand suction, the shaft sleeve will be subjected to the grinding of sand particles in the slurry, as well as the radial and axial forces generated when the impeller rotates, and it is prone to wear. After the bushing is worn, the gap between the pump shaft and the impeller will increase, affecting the stability and sealing performance of the slurry pump.

Blockage problem

Impeller clogging: When the sand particles are too large or the slurry contains debris, it may get stuck between the blades of the impeller or in the gap between the impeller and the pump housing, causing impeller clogging. After the impeller is blocked, the flow rate of the pump will be reduced, and even the slurry cannot be delivered normally. At the same time, it will increase the load of the motor, which may cause the motor to be overloaded and burned.

Runner blockage: The flow path of the slurry pump includes the suction pipe, the discharge pipe and the passage in the pump body. During the process of pumping and sucking sand, sand particles may accumulate at elbows, variable diameters and other locations of the runner, causing the runner to be blocked. The runner blockage will increase the slurry flow resistance, and the pressure of the slurry pump fluctuates, affecting the normal operation of the pump.

Leak issues

Mechanical seal leakage: Mechanical seal is an important part of the slurry pump to prevent slurry leakage. Under the condition of sand extraction and sucking, the sealing surface of the mechanical seal will be worn and washed by the sand, resulting in damage to the sealing surface and leakage. In addition, factors such as improper installation of mechanical seals, insufficient spring elasticity, and aging of seals can also lead to leakage of mechanical seals.

Packing Sealing Leaks: The packing seal is sealed by friction between the packing and the pump shaft. Under the condition of sand extraction and sucking, the sand may enter the filler box, wear the pump shaft and filler, increasing the gap between the filler and the pump shaft, resulting in slurry leakage. At the same time, the aging, drying, and damage of the filler will also affect the performance of the filler seal and cause leakage.

Leakage at the connection between the pump housing and the pipeline: The connection between the pump housing and the pipeline is usually flange connection or threaded connection. During the sand extraction process, leakage may occur at the connection between the pump housing and the pipeline due to vibration of the slurry pump, thermal expansion and contraction of the pipeline, and aging and damage to the sealing gasket at the connection.