Common problems caused by improper slurry pump operation and how to avoid them


Published:

Jan 07,2025

The slurry pump is a type of machinery that increases the energy of a solid-liquid mixed medium through centrifugal force. It converts electrical energy into the kinetic and potential energy of the medium, and is mainly used for transporting slurries containing solid particles. Improper operation during actual use may lead to damage to the slurry pump. This article lists the potential problems caused by improper operation of the slurry pump and how to avoid them.

Common problems caused by improper slurry pump operation and how to avoid them

Common problems caused by improper operation of slurry pumps mainly include the following points:

1,Motor reversal:This is one of the most common problems in improper operation of slurry pumps. Motor reversal can cause the impeller of the slurry pump to fall off or even break, severely affecting the normal operation of the pump. To avoid this problem, the motor's direction must be tested before the pump operates, and the pump can only be started after ensuring the direction is correct.

2, no circulating water or improper water addition:For water-cooled slurry pumps, the mechanical seal must first connect to circulating water before starting the pump. If no circulating water is added or water is added improperly, it can cause the mechanical seal to be damaged due to overheating. Therefore, when operating a water-cooled slurry pump, it is essential to ensure that circulating water is turned on first.

3,Improper valve operation sequence:When starting and stopping the slurry pump, the valves need to be opened and closed in the correct order. Improper operation sequence can also cause problems. The correct startup sequence includes checking the status of the inlet and outlet valves, opening the clean water inlet valve, and opening the normal pressure cooling water valve, while the shutdown sequence includes opening the inlet clean water valve, closing the inlet pipeline valve, and closing the outlet valve.

4,Wear of packing leading to seal failure:During the use of the slurry pump, wear of the packing can lead to seal failure, causing slurry to leak along the shaft seal, which may damage the bearings. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the leakage of the shaft seal water and timely replace the packing and failed O-rings.

5,Scaling on cooler tube walls or insufficient cooling water:Long-term use of the slurry pump may lead to scaling on the surface of the cooler tube walls, affecting heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, insufficient cooling water can also lead to poor cooling effects. Therefore, it is necessary to frequently check the pressure and flow of the bearing cooling water and timely replace the scaled cooler.

6,Lubricating oil issues:Unclean lubricating oil, excessive or insufficient oil quantity, and oil aging can lead to problems such as bearing friction, wear, temperature rise, and vibration. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check the quality of the lubricating oil and strictly adjust the oil quantity according to the pump's operating manual.

Keyword:

Slurry pump,The use of slurry pumps