Slurry Pumps Key Terms

Get acquainted with slurry pumps key terms

By Howard Robertson

Slurry pumps are useful in a variety of applications, such as pumping liquefied refuse, supplying flush liquid in coal mining and even hydraulic power transportation of solid substances.

Whether you want to use slurry pumps for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, you will need to understand various technical terms related to these pumps. This guide will familiarize you with the key terms related to slurry pumps, such as viscosity, pump head, NPSH, pH, centrifugal pumps, non-clog pumps and submersible pumps.

Viscosity

Viscosity of the fluid is an important parameter for the design and performance of a slurry pump. Viscosity indicates the resistance of the fluid to flow. The more viscous the liquid, the lower its flowing rate.
Try: To understand the meaning of viscosity, read through information at STLE (Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers). Additionally, Eaton Corporation offers a hydraulics glossary that explains various terms, including viscosity.

Pump head

When a slurry pump operates, the liquid moves rapidly inside the pump. The force of this moving liquid exerts tremendous pressure. This pressure, measured in feet, is pump head.
Try: At impeller.net, you can read through basic information on pump head and its formula. PlumberSurplus.com, a supplier of valves, water heaters and pumps, also provides detailed information about pump head and its various types.

NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head)

NPSH is defined as the absolute pressure of a fluid at the pump inlet minus the vapor pressure of the liquid.
Try: The Engineering ToolBox, an informative website, provides detailed information about NPSH.

pH

The slurry pH is an important consideration for the selection of materials for a slurry pump. pH is the measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.
Try: To learn more about pH, you can refer to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension, an informative website by the Utah State University.

Non-clog pump

A non-clog pump is a type of a centrifugal pump which can move sticky or stringy materials. These pumps have duct type impellers, which allow the pump to handle soft and sticky solids.
Try: Rotomech, a reputable pump manufacturer, provides information about non-clog pumps.

Submersible pump

As its name suggests, a submersible pump operates at locations below the ground. One of the typical functions of a submersible pump is deep well pumping.
Try: You can read through basic information on submersible pumps at London Pumps, a pumping services company. Keidel Supply Co., a distributor of plumbing services, also publishes detailed information regarding submersible wastewater pumps.