3 Types of Installation for Submersible Slurry Pumps

Flygt submersible slurry pumps can be installed in many different ways. However, there are some general rules regarding installation that should be considered no matter what the application.

1.       Dry installation

In a dry installation, the hydraulic end and the drive unit are located outside the pump.

The slurry pump must always be installed with a cooling system. For the 5500 series, water for the cooling jacket must be supplied externally. The holes for the pressure isolation zone must also be plugged or external seal flushing added.

Consider the design of the sump in order to feed the pump with the slurry. An agitator and side mounted mixer cannot be used in this installation method. Mixers on guide bars in the sump/tank should be considered in order to keep solids in suspension to avoid settlings in the sump/tank.

2.       Submerged installation

In a submerged installation, the slurry pump operates directly in the slurry and requires no support structure.

When using a slurry pump the purpose should always be to transport the particles and not just the liquid.

If possible, the sump should be equipped with sloping walls to allow the sediment to slide down to the area directly under the pump inlet. Use an agitator when there is a high solids content and when the density of the particles is high. A stand-alone or a side-mounted mixer is an excellent option to re-suspend the solids, when the sump is large or lacks sloping walls.

The mixer can also help the agitator when pumping very high density particles.

In applications where the sump volume is small and/or there is a wish to pump down to lower water levels in the sump, a 5100/5150 series slurry pump with internal cooling system should be considered in order to avoid overheating of the stator.

3.       Raft installation

A raft installation is an option to be considered when pumping sediments from dams or lagoons. An agitator is recommended as well as one or more mixers that can be mounted to the raft to re-suspend particles so that pumping of particles can be achieved.

The mixer can either be mounted on the pump or directly on the raft.

Different applications need different types of installation for your slurry pump. If you have any questions about the best type of installation for your application, contact your local Xylem representative.