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Which Pump is Best Pump for Slurry or Liquid | Global Pumps

Which Pump is Used for Slurry?

Slurries are mixtures of liquids and solids, often highly abrasive. If your medium contains particles like sand, rocks, or minerals, a standard pump won’t do. You’ll need a heavy-duty slurry pump designed to handle tough conditions and resist wear.

The best pump for slurry will depend on:

• The concentration and size of solids
• The abrasiveness of the medium
• The distance and elevation the slurry needs to be moved

Common choices for slurry applications include:

• Peristaltic hose pumps – good for high solids content and minimal maintenance
• Centrifugal slurry pumps – ideal for consistent flow and durability
• Submersible slurry pumps – suitable for handling slurry at the source, especially in pits or tanks

How Does a Slurry Pump Work?

A slurry pump works by creating centrifugal force (in centrifugal designs) or positive displacement (in hose or diaphragm designs) to move a mixture of liquid and solid particles. The pump's internal components – such as impellers, liners, and casing – are built with wear-resistant materials like rubber or hardened alloys to withstand the harsh, abrasive nature of slurry.

Here's a simplified breakdown:

1. Slurry enters the pump via an inlet.
2. The pump’s impeller or rotor spins, generating energy to push the slurry through the pump.
3. Solids and liquid move together through the discharge outlet and into the pipeline.
4. Internal clearances and flow paths are engineered to prevent clogging and maintain consistent flow.

Slurry pumps are designed to handle:

• High solid content
• Coarse and abrasive particles
• Variable flow rates with minimal wear on components

Pumping Different Medium: What You Need to Know

Your choice of pump depends on how easily the medium flows and what it contains.

Water: Water is easy to move - it’s low in viscosity and contains no solids. Use:

• Centrifugal pumps
• Submersible pumps
• Pneumatic pumps for dewatering

Oil: Oils have higher viscosity. You’ll need:

• Gear or lobe pumps- great for thicker liquids
• Tube pump or diaphragm pumps - suitable if the pump may run dry.

Slurries and Abrasives: TAs covered above, these require:

• Heavy duty slurry pump
• Peristaltic hose pump
• Submersible slurry pumps – where space or access is limited

Corrosive Mediums

If the fluid is corrosive, such as chemicals or acids, opt for a chemical pump which can process what you need while keeping an environment safe from contamination.

Still Not Sure Which Pump is Best?

Selecting the right pump starts with a clear understanding of the medium you’re working with. Whether you need to move water, oil, or a high-solids slurry, choosing the correct pump type is essential to performance and longevity.