Factors Impacting Low Head in Slurry Pumps

Factors Impacting Low Head in Slurry Pumps

The problem of low head in slurry pumps can occur during daily use. Pansto Pump Industry will list several factors that can impact the head. Insufficient head means the discharge pressure of the slurry pump can’t meet the requirements of site conditions. There are several potential causes for this:

1. Cavitation Check

Check if cavitation occurs in the slurry pump. When a certain amount of air is mixed in the liquid, as the pressure drops, the solubility of gas in the liquid decreases, causing bubbles to form. When these bubbles burst, the high – speed impact on component surfaces can damage the impeller, generating a strong destructive force. This phenomenon is called cavitation. Cavitation can affect the pump’s head, so we need to determine if cavitation is present.

2. Impeller Wear Check

Check if the impeller is severely worn. The slurry pump mainly depends on the centrifugal force generated by the impeller’s rotation to transport the slurry. After some use, the impeller will inevitably wear. The time and degree of wear depend on the site’s slurry characteristics. If severe impeller wear is detected, it needs to be replaced.

3. Motor Speed Check

Check if the motor speed is lower than the required speed of the slurry pump. The slurry pump is typically driven by a motor, and the motor’s rated speed is fixed. For instance, the rated speed of a 2 – pole motor is 2980 rpm, and that of a 4 – pole motor is 1480 rpm, etc. If the pump is belt – driven by the motor, it’s necessary to check if the pulleys can achieve the pump’s required speed.

4. Pipeline and Pump Chamber Air Leak Check

Check if there are any air leaks in the pipelines and pump chamber.

5. Outlet Valve Adjustment

Adjust the outlet valve. If the head can’t be increased, the outlet valve can be partially closed to create back pressure and raise the head.

These are common reasons for low head. You can give them a try. If these don’t solve the problem at your site, you can also contact us, and our technical experts will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.