Although selecting the proper slurry pump for a particular application can be quite complex, the selection task can be broken down into a simplified three-step process:
1. Determine which group of possible pump selections best matches your specific application.
2. Plot the system curve depicting the required pump head at various capacities.
3. Match the correct pump performance curve with the system curve.
Slurry pumps can be broken down into two main categories. The rubber-lined pump and the hard metal pump. However, because of the elastomer lining, the rubber-lined pumps have a somewhat limited application range. Below is a general guideline which helps distinguish when to apply the rubber-lined pumps.
It should be noted, however, that a hard metal pump can also be used for services that are outlined for the rubber-lined pump. After a decision has been made whether to use a hard metal pump or a rubber-lined pump, It Is then time to select a particular pump model. A pump model should be selected by reviewing the application and determining which model pump will work best in the service.
The Model HS pump is a unique pump in that it is a recessed impeller or "vortex" pump. This style pump is well suited to handle light pulpy or fibrous slurries. The recessed impeller used in the HS family of pumps will pass large stringy fibers and should be considered when pump plugging is a concern.
The Model AF is a specialized pump with an axial flow design. This design of pump is built specifically for high flow, low head applications. in general, slurry pumps have been designed to handle fluids with abrasive solids, and will give extended lives over standard water or process pumps. Although many features have been designed into the slurry pump, there are still two factors which directly relate to the pump's life that can be determined. The first choice to make is determining the metallurgy of the pump. In most cases, a hard metal slurry pump will be constructed of some hardened metal with a Brine ii hardness of at least 500. Goulds standard slurry pump material is a 28% chrome iron with a minimum hardness of 600 Brinell. This material is used for most abrasive services and can also be used in some corrosive fluids as well. if a more corrosive resistant material is required, then the pump may be constructed out of a duplex Stainless steel Such as CD4MCu. Please check with your nearest Goulds sales office If you are unsure what material will be best suited for a particular application.
