Performance of a Centrifugal Slurry Pump with Clinker Slurry

Background/Objectives: Slurry pumps are used to transport liquids that contain some solid content. The subject matter of this investigation is to find the effect of size of clinker and its concentration on the performance of slurry pump at different pump speeds. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The investigation was carried out experimentally at three pump speeds (2200 rpm, 2600rpm, 300 rpm), for three clinker sizes (4 mm, 13 mm, 20 mm) and three slurry concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%). The test loop was incorporated with pressure sensors and magnetic flow meter and digital output devices. For comparison tests were also carried out with clear water. Findings: The investigations points out that pump speed, clinker size and slurry concentration grossly affect the performance of the pump. The maximum decrease in the head developed by the pump at operating point was 64% for 4 mm clinker size with 5% slurry concentration for a pump speed of 2200 rpm. The decrease in the maximum efficiency of the pump at the operating point was observed to be 58% for clinker size of 20 mm with 5% slurry concentration at the pump speed of 2200 rpm. The maximum decrement in efficiency at operating point for clinker was found to be 58% for 20 mm size, 5% concentration and at 2200 rpm. The maximum increase in the power input to the pump was found to be 15% in case of 4 mm clinker size for 15% slurry concentration at 2200 rpm.