Slurry Pumps: Selection and Maintenance Guide for Mining

Slurry pumps are the heart of any mineral processing mining operation. They transport mineral pulp — an abrasive mixture of ground rock and water — through kilometers of piping. An incorrect selection can result in costly plant shutdowns and premature component replacement.

Selection Factors

• Solids concentration: measured in weight % (Cw). Typical mining slurries range from 30% to 65%. Higher concentration means more wear, requiring a pump with greater liner thickness.
• Particle size: d50 and d80 determine the impeller type. Particles > 25 mm require channel or vortex-type impellers.
• Fluid pH: acid slurries (pH < 4) require resistant materials like high-chrome iron (28% Cr) or natural rubber lining.
• Total Dynamic Head (TDH): include slurry friction losses, which are 1.5-3x greater than with clean water.

Construction Materials

• High-chrome iron: the mining standard. Hardness of 600-650 HB. Excellent abrasion resistance.
• Natural rubber: superior to iron in fine (< 1 mm) and acidic slurries. Absorbs particle impact.
• Duplex stainless steel: for applications with high corrosion and moderate abrasion (seawater with sand).

Preventive Maintenance Program

• Daily: check mechanical seal (max 60 drops/min drip), bearing temperature (< 80°C), vibration.
• Weekly: inspect impeller and liner wear with ultrasonic thickness measurement.
• Monthly: bearing lubrication, stuffing box adjustment, alignment verification.
• Quarterly: complete internal inspection with photographic wear record.

Critical Spare Parts Stock

Always keep in stock: 1 impeller, 1 set of liners (suction + casing), 2 mechanical seals, and 1 set of bearings. The cost of these spares is insignificant compared to an unplanned shutdown that can cost US$ 50,000-200,000 per hour in a concentrator.

Sande S.A.: Your Pump Supplier

We distribute major slurry pump brands with permanent stock in Santiago and Antofagasta. Our technical team can help you select the right pump and design an optimized maintenance program for your operation.