Liner for a centrifugal slurry pump

Abstract

A liner for a centrifugal slurry pump is disclosed. The liner comprises an elastomeric body encasing a wear-resistant insert. The insert includes an inner annular ring formed from a plurality of inner ring segments, each segment having angled circumferential edges arranged so that adjacent segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement. In certain embodiments, the insert further includes a central ring portion comprising multiple central segments extending radially from the inner annular ring and at least partially surrounding it, and / or an outer ring portion comprising multiple outer segments surrounding the inner annular ring. The central and outer segments may likewise have angled circumferential and radial edges providing complementary overlapping interfaces.

Description

LINER FOR A CENTRIFUGAL SLURRY PUMPTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to wear components for centrifugal slurry pumps, and more particularly to a side liner, a frame plate liner, a cover plate liner and volute liner incorporating a wear-resistant insert.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Centrifugal slurry pumps are widely used in the mining industry for transporting abrasive slurries. The components forming the “wet end” of the pump, such as the front side liner (throatbush), impeller, volute or frame plate liner, cover plate liner, and associated inserts, are continually exposed to high-velocity particulate matter and therefore experience significant localised wear. Regular replacement of these components is necessary, resulting in increased maintenance costs and reduced operational uptime.

[0003] It is among the objects of embodiments of the present invention to mitigate at least some of the disadvantages associated with existing pump liners, or to provide a useful alternative.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This summary introduces selected aspects of the invention that are described in greater detail in the embodiments set out below. This summary is not intended to identify indispensable features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] According to a first aspect there is provided a liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the liner comprising (i) a body formed from a host material and (ii) a wear-resistant insert encased within the annular body, the wear-resistant insert comprising an inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments, each inner ring segment having angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent inner ring segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

[0006] The host material may be an elastomer, including natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or polyurethane.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0007] The wear-resistant insert may comprise a ceramic material such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, or any other suitable wear-resistant material.

[0008] The wear-resistant insert may further include a central ring portion comprising a plurality of central segments extending radially from the inner annular ring. In one embodiment the central ring portion may extend both radially and axially from the annular ring such that the central ring portion has a curved profile or which defines an arcuate profile matching the curvature of the liner.

[0009] The wear-resistant insert may also include an outer ring portion comprising a plurality of outer segments that extend radially and / or axially from the central ring portion.

[0010] The central ring portion and the outer ring portion may together form a central and outer ring structure. In one embodiment, the central ring portion and the outer ring portion each form a full ring extending circumferentially around the inner annular ring. In an alternative embodiment, the central ring portion and the outer ring portion each form partial rings that extend only over a portion of the circumference of the inner annular ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the liner defines a side liner, in which the wear-resistant insert forms an annular plate comprising the inner annular ring, the central ring portion and the outer ring portion which surrounds the inner annular ring.

[0012] The plurality of central segments may form a central ring, each central segment having angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent central segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

[0013] The radially inner edges of the central segments and the radially outer edges of the inner segments may be angled such that the central segments and inner segments form complementary angled interfaces. Likewise, the radially outer edges of the central segments and radially inner edges of the outer segments may be angled such that the central segments and outer segments form complementary angled interfaces.

[0014] The outer segments may form an outer ring having a curved profile. Each outer segment may have angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent outer segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

[0015] In one example, the outer ring circumscribes the central portion and forms the outer peripheral edge of the annular plate.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0016] The central segments and the outer segments may be formed together as an integral unit, or they may be formed as separate, individual segments.”

[0017] The inner annular ring of the wear-resistant insert may include an inner peripheral edge having a curved profile forming a projecting lip. The inner peripheral edge of the inner annular ring may project axially beyond the remainder of the wear-resistant insert.

[0018] In one embodiment, the liner defines a front side liner wherein the body of the liner comprises an annular flange having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner edge surrounding a central aperture, and an outer peripheral edge spaced radially from the inner edge; and the wear-resistant insert encased within the annular flange, the wear-resistant insert comprising (I) the inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments; and (i) a central ring portion including a plurality of central segments, wherein circumferential edges of the inner ring segments and the central segments, radially outer edges of the inner ring segments, and radially inner edges of the central segments are angled such that adjacent segments have complementary angled edges for overlapping engagement.

[0019] The front side liner may further include an outer ring portion comprising a plurality of outer segments that extend radially and / or axially from the central ring portion. The outer ring portion may include an axially extending portion that extends towards the first side to inhibit undercutting of the body beneath the wear-resistant insert at the peripheral edge of the body.

[0020] The inner annular ring of the front side liner may further include an inner peripheral edge having a curved profile forming a lip.

[0021] In one embodiment, the liner defines a frame plate liner insert or back side liner wherein the body of the liner comprises a flange having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner edge surrounding a central aperture, and an outer peripheral edge spaced radially from the inner edge; and the wear-resistant insert encased within the annular flange, the wear-resistant insert comprising (i) the inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments, and (ii) an outer ring portion surrounding the inner ring portion, the outer ring portion including a plurality of outer segments, wherein circumferential edges of the inner ring segments and the outer segments are angled such that adjacent segments have complementary angled edges for overlapping engagement.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0022] The outer ring portion may include an axially extending portion that extends towards the first side to inhibit undercutting of the body beneath the wear-resistant insert at the peripheral edge of the body.

[0023] The liner which defines a frame plate liner insert or back side liner may optionally include a central ring portion comprising a plurality of central segments extending radially from the inner annular ring with the outer ring extending radially from the central ring portion.

[0024] In another embodiment, the liner defines a cover plate liner or frame plate liner. The annular body may define a pumping chamber section having a central opening, a discharge section extending from the pumping chamber section, and a cutwater region positioned at the junction between them.

[0025] The wear-resistant insert may include a cutwater segment encased within the annular body at the cutwater region.

[0026] The inner annular ring may extend circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening. The circumferential edges of the cutwater segment may be angled such that they form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent inner segments to provide overlapping engagement or an angled seal.

[0027] The plurality of central segments may be provided as blocks. Radial edges of each block may be angled such that adjacent blocks form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement, allowing the central portion to adopt a curved profile corresponding to the curvature of the pumping chamber.

[0028] The cutwater segment may include a substantially planar inner portion, a curved or arcuate portion extending radially and axially from the planar portion, and an outer portion that extends generally in the axial direction. These portions may be formed as a single integral component or as separate pieces, and where separate, the adjoining edges may be angled to form complementary interfaces.

[0029] The plurality of central segments may extend circumferentially from the cutwater segment and / or the cutwater region to at least partially surround the inner annular ring and / or the central opening. In some embodiments, the central portion surrounds only a portion of the inner annular ring; in other embodiments, the central portion extends from the cutwater segment and / or cutwater region to encircle the inner annular ring.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0030] The plurality of outer segments may extend circumferentially from the cutwater segment and / or the cutwater region to at least partially surround the central portion. Each outer segment may have angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent outer segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

[0031] Where the liner defines a cover plate liner or a frame plate liner for a centrifugal slurry pump with the body of the liner defining a pumping chamber section having a central opening, a discharge section extending from the pumping chamber section, and a cutwater region positioned at a junction between the pumping chamber section and the discharge section; the wear-resistant insert comprising: a cutwater segment encased within the body at the cutwater region; the inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening; a central ring portion extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion; and an outer ring portion extending axially from the central portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central portion.

[0032] The wear-resistant insert may include a cutwater segment positioned within the annular body at the cutwater region, an inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening, a central portion extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion, and an outer portion extending axially from the central portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central portion.

[0033] The inner ring portion may comprise a plurality of inner segments, and the outer portion may comprise a plurality of outer segments. The circumferential edges of the inner segments and the cutwater segment may be angled such that each inner segment forms complementary angled interfaces with adjacent inner segments and with the cutwater segment. Similarly, the circumferential edges of the outer segments and the cutwater segment may be angled such that each outer segment forms complementary angled interfaces with adjacent outer segments and with the cutwater segment, thereby facilitating overlapping engagement.

[0034] The central portion may comprise a plurality of central segments, such as blocks, each having angled radial edges. The angled radial edges of adjacent blocks may form complementary angled interfaces that allow the central portion to adopt a curved profile corresponding to the curvature of the pumping chamber.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0035] The liner may define a volute liner for a centrifugal pump with the body of the liner comprising a front section and a rear section that together define a pumping chamber section having a central opening, a discharge section extending from the pumping chamber section, and a cutwater region positioned at a junction between the pumping chamber section and the discharge section; wherein the volute liner includes a first and second wear resistant insert encased respectively in the front section and the rear section of the annular body, each wear-resistant insert comprising: a cutwater segment encased within the annular body at the cutwater region with the inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening; a central ring portion comprising a plurality of central segments extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion, wherein each central segment has angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent central segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement; and an outer ring portion extending axially from the central ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central ring portion.

[0036] The wear-resistant insert of each of the front section and the rear section may comprise a cutwater segment encased within the annular body at the cutwater region, an inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening, a central ring portion extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion, and an outer ring portion extending axially from the central ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central ring portion, such that the wear-resistant inserts of the front section and the rear section together form a wear-resistant formation of the volute liner.

[0037] By incorporating the wear-resistant insert into the liner as described above liner wear is reduced which extend the service life of the liner.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a centrifugal slurry pump;

[0040] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the centrifugal slurry pump of Figure 1 ;

[0041] Figure 3 shows a front side liner (throatbush) for a centrifugal slurry pump;GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0042] Figure 4 is a view of a side liner illustrating the wear-resistant insert spaced from a metallic reinforcement during manufacture;

[0043] Figure 5 shows a front view of the front side liner of Figure 3;

[0044] Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the front side liner of Figure 3;

[0045] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a back side liner according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a back side line according to a further embodiment;

[0047] Figure 9 shows an inner annular ring of a wear-resistant insert;

[0048] Figures 10 and 11 show inner ring segments of the inner annular ring of Figure 9;

[0049] Figure 12 shows an outer ring of a wear-resistant annular insert;

[0050] Figures 13 and 14 show outer segments of the outer ring of Figure 12

[0051] Figure 15 shows an outer rim for a wear-resistant insert;

[0052] Figures 16 and 17 show rim segments of the rim of Figure 15;

[0053] Figure 18 shows a cover plate liner, with a wear-resistant insert indicated in broken lines;

[0054] Figure 19 shows a top (plan) view of the cover plate liner of Figure 18;

[0055] Figure 20 shows a sectional view of the cover plate liner along line 20 in Figure 19;

[0056] Figure 21 shows a sectional view of the cover plate liner along line 21 in Figure 18;

[0057] Figure 22 shows a detailed view of portion A of the cover plate liner shown in Figure 21;

[0058] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the wear-resistant insert of the cover plate liner of Figure 18;

[0059] Figure 24 shows a further perspective view of the wear resistant insert of Figure 23; and

[0060] Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a cutwater segment of the wear-resistant insert of Figures 23 and 24.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, byway of example, a lined centrifugal slurry pump 10 used in mining applications. The pump includes an outer casing 12 enclosing a frame plate liner 13, a cover plate liner 14, a front side liner (throatbush) 16, and a back side liner (frame plate liner insert, FPLI) 18. These liners are arranged to house an impeller 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the liners 13, 14, 16, 18 are formed from an elastomer 22, such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or polyurethane. The front side liner 16 and the back side liner 18 each include a metallic reinforcement 26 embedded within the elastomer 22 (see also Figure 4).GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

[0062] Referring to Figures 3-6, the liner in the form of a front side liner (throatbush) 16 is shown which is located at the inlet side of the pump 10. The liner 16 comprises an annular flange 28 formed from a host material (elastomer 22) surrounding a metal reinforcement 26. In the example shown, the elastomer 22 further provides a seal 64 configured to cooperate with the cover plate liner 14. The flange 28 defines a central aperture or inlet 24, has a first side (front) 30 and an opposite second (back) side 32, and is bounded by an inner edge 34 around the inlet 24 and an outer peripheral edge 36. A wear-resistant insert 38 is encased within the flange 28. In this embodiment the insert 38 is an annular plate formed from a wear-resistant material, preferably a ceramic such as silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, aluminium oxide, or another suitable ceramic. Optionally, cermets, metal-matrix or polymer-matrix composites, or other hard-material systems may be used.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the wear-resistant insert 38 comprises an inner annular ring 40 made up of a plurality of inner ring segments 44 surrounding the inlet 24, and a central portion 42 comprising a plurality of central segments 46 arranged to form a central ring that surrounds the inner annular ring 40. Segment sizing may be selected to facilitate manual handling; for larger pumps, segment weights may be limited (for example, to about 20 kg) to aid installation and reduce damage risk during handling. In the configuration shown, the inner annular ring comprises four inner ring segments 44, and the central portion 42 comprises six central segments 46. Each inner ring segment 44 has angled circumferential edges 48 arranged such that adjacent inner ring segments 44 form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement. Likewise, each central segment 46 has angled circumferential edges 50 arranged such that adjacent central segments 46 form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement. Additionally, radially outer edges 52 of the inner ring segments 44 and radially inner edges 53 of the central segments 46 are angled such that adjacent inner and central segments 44, 46 form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement. To reduce erosion at the joints between adjacent segment, the interfaces (seams) may be oriented to slant in the general direction of slurry flow so that overlapping engagement shields downstream edges from recirculating flow.

[0064] The wear-resistant insert 38 further includes an outer portion forming an outer rim 54 circumferentially surrounding the central portion 42. Similar to the inner annular ring 40 and central portion 42, the rim 54 may comprise a plurality of outer segments 56 with angled circumferential edges 58 arranged such that adjacent outer segments 56 form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement. Radially inner edges 59 of the outer segments 56 and radially outer edges 60 of the central segments 46 may likewiseGENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAbe angled to provide complementary interfaces between the central and outer portions 46, 56. In the example shown, eighteen outer segments 56 are provided. In other embodiments, the outer rim 54 may be integral with the central segments 46. The rim 54 defines a curved profile 66 that curves toward the first side 30 of the flange 28 to reduce wear at the second side, or face, 30 and / or outer peripheral edge 36 of the liner 16 associated with hydraulic recirculation at the peripheral region. An axially extending portion 68 may extend from the curved profile 66 deeper into the elastomer 22, towards the first side, or face, 30 to inhibit undercutting of the elastomer beneath the insert at the peripheral edge 36.

[0065] In one example, the inner annular ring 40 includes an inner peripheral edge 61 of curved profile forming a lip 62 that projects toward the second (back) side 32 of the flange 28, providing additional sacrificial material at the inlet region of the liner to extend service life. Edge treatments such as chamfers or fillets may be provided at edges of the wear-resistant insert 38 to reduce stress concentration and mitigate chipping under impact.

[0066] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, two embodiments of a liner in the form of a back side liner or frame plate liner insert (FPLI) 18.1 and 18.2 is shown. The backside liner 18.1, 18.2 is positioned at the drive side of the pump 10. The liner 18.1, 18.2 similarly comprises an annular elastomeric body 22 surrounding a metal reinforcement 26.

[0067] Like the front side liner 16, the back side liner 18.1 incorporates a wear-resistant insert 38.1 encased within the annular body at an inner surface. In the embodiment shown, the insert 38.1 is analogous to the insert 38 of the front side liner and is provided as a wear-resistant annular plate, preferably ceramic (e.g., silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, aluminium oxide, or similar).

[0068] The insert 38.1 includes an inner annular ring 40.1 comprising a plurality of inner ring segments 44.1, a central portion 42.1 comprising a plurality of central segments 46.1 arranged as a central ring surrounding the inner annular ring 40.1, and an outer rim / outer portion 54.1 comprising a plurality of outer segment 56.1 circumscribing the central ring 42.1.

[0069] Consistent with the front side liner embodiment, the inner ring 44.1 , central 46.1 , and outer segments 56.1 of insert 38.1 have angled edges that form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent segments 44.1, 46.1, 56.1 to provide overlapping engagement at circumferential and radial interfaces.

[0070] Similarly, the back side liner 18.2 incorporates a wear-resistant insert 38.2 encased within the annular body at an inner surface. In this embodiment the insert 38.2 includes anGENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAinner annular ring 40.1 comprising a plurality of inner ring segments and an outer rim / outer portion 54.1 comprising a plurality of outer segment circumscribing the inner ring 42.1.

[0071] Consistent with the front side liner embodiment, the inner ring 44.1 and outer segments 56.1 of insert 38.2 have angled edges that form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent segments 44.1 , 56.1 to provide overlapping engagement at circumferential and radial interfaces.

[0072] The outer portion 54.1 of the back side liner 18.1, 18.2 defines a curved profile 66.1 that curves toward a second side 32.1 of the body 22.1 to reduce wear at the first side, or face, 30.1 and outer peripheral edge 36.1 of the liner 18.1, 18.2 associated with hydraulic recirculation at the peripheral region. An axially extending portion 68.1 may extend from the curved profile 66.1 deeper into the elastomer 22, towards the second side, or face, 32.1 to inhibit undercutting of the elastomer beneath the insert at the peripheral edge 36.1.

[0073] Turning to Figures 18-22, a liner in the form of a cover plate liner 14 is shown (the corresponding frame plate liner 13 may be a mirror image). The cover plate liner 14 defines a pumping chamber section 70 having a central opening 72, a discharge section 74 extending from the pumping chamber section 70, and a cutwater region 76 at their junction. The cover plate liner 14 includes an elastomeric body with a wear-resistant insert 38.3 encased within it.

[0074] It should be appreciated that the liner may be configured as a volute liner comprising a front section corresponding to a cover plate liner and a rear section corresponding to a frame plate liner. The front and rear sections of the volute liner may include features substantially the same as those of the cover plate liner and the frame plate liner, respectively. The volute liner may include a wear-resistant insert, wherein the front section includes a cutwater segment, an annular ring, a central ring, and an outer ring, and the rear section likewise includes a corresponding cutwater segment, annular ring, central ring, and outer ring, such that the wear-resistant formation comprises a pair of cutwater segments and respective annular, central, and outer rings provided in both the front and rear sections of the volute liner.

[0075] In this embodiment, the insert 38.3 includes a cutwater segment 78 (see Figure 24) positioned within the cover plate liner 14 at the cutwater region 76. The cutwater segment 78 includes a substantially planar inner portion 80, a curved (arcuate) portion 82 extending radially and axially from the inner portion 80, and an outer portion 84 extending generally inGENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAthe axial direction from the curved portion 82. These portions 80, 82, 84 may be formed integrally as a single component or as separate pieces; where separate, adjoining edges may be angled to form complementary interfaces. The cutwater segment 78 may be shaped to conform to the geometry of the cutwater region 76 of the cover plate liner 14.

[0076] The insert 38.3 further includes an inner annular ring 40.2, in the illustrated embodiment an open ring, comprising a plurality of inner ring segments 44.2 that extend circumferentially from the cutwater segment 78 around the central opening 72. The circumferential edges of the cutwater segment 78 are angled to form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent inner ring segments 44.2, providing overlapping engagement.

[0077] A central portion 42.2 comprising a plurality of central segments 46.2 provided as blocks extends circumferentially from the cutwater segment 78 to at least partially surround the inner annular ring 40.2. In the embodiment shown, the central portion 42.2 covers only the highest-wear region of the pumping chamber 70; in alternative embodiments, the central portion 42.2 may extend from opposite sides of the cutwater segment 78 to encircle the inner annular ring 40.2. The blocks 46.2 have angled circumferential and / or radial edges so that adjacent blocks 46.2 form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement, enabling the central portion 46.2 to adopt a curved profile corresponding to the pumping chamber 70 curvature.

[0078] An outer portion 54.2 comprising a plurality of outer segments 56.2 extends circumferentially from the cutwater segment 78 to at least partially surround the central portion 42.2. In the example illustrated, the extents of the central and outer portions 42.2, 54.2 measured circumferentially from the cutwater region 78 are substantially similar.

[0079] In preferred embodiments, the wear-resistant inserts 38, 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 comprise ceramic components (e.g., silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, aluminium oxide), although other wear-resistant materials may be used. The inserts may be encased within elastomeric liners such as the front side liner (throatbush) 16 and the back side liner (FPLI) 18 using the manufacturing approach described below.

[0080] To manufacture a liner, raw elastomer is placed in a mould; the insert segments are positioned and pressed into the raw elastomer; additional raw elastomer is applied over the insert; and the assembly is then heated to cure the elastomer and encase the wear-resistant insert within the liner. Figure 4 shows that, in the finished component, the ceramic insert 38 is suspended above the metal reinforcement 26 so that there is no direct contact betweenGENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAthem. In other implementations, the insert may be bonded using adhesive, mechanical interlocks, or surface texturing to enhance adhesion (e.g., grooves, undercuts, or grit-blasted surfaces).

[0081] In the example shown, the insert 38 is an annular plate comprising ceramic and is encased within the elastomeric front side liner 16. The elastomer 22 surrounding the insert provides a semi-flexible layer that assists in maintaining structural integrity of the insert. At initial operation, elastomer at the back face 32 of the flange 28 provides a sacrificial protective layer; as the elastomer erodes in high-wear regions, the ceramic insert 38 provides enhanced wear resistance. Additional material at the inner edge 61 (lip 62) and at the rim 54 further increases service life.

[0082] The elastomer overlying the ceramic insert 38 also absorbs impact during maintenance activities. For example, during clamshell maintenance, when the impeller is clamped between opposing liners, the elastomeric surface of the side liner takes most of the load, helping to protect the ceramic insert from chipping or fracture if contact occurs with the impeller.

[0083] The foregoing description illustrates representative embodiments and is not limiting. Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, the invention may be embodied in a front side liner as shown in Figures 3-6, a back side liner (FPLI) as shown in Figures 7 and 8, and / or a cover or frame plate liner as shown in Figures 18-24. Segments may be made interchangeable to facilitate partial replacement, and segment counts, geometries, and materials may be selected to suit pump size, duty, and manufacturing constraints.

[0084] As used herein, the term “encased” is to be understood as meaning that the wear resistant insert is received within and at least partially surrounded by the body formed from the host material. In a preferred embodiment, the wear resistant insert is fully encased within the body such that the host material substantially surrounds the insert. In alternative embodiments, the wear resistant insert may be only partially encased, seated, or embedded within the body, with one or more portions of the insert being exposed or projecting from the body, without departing from the scope of the invention.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDALIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS10 Centrifugal slurry pump12 Casing / outer cover13 Frame plate liner14 Cover plate liner16 Front side liner (throatbush)18.1, 18.2 Back side liner / FPLI20 Impeller22 Elastomer (host material)24 Central aperture / inlet26 Metal reinforcement28 Annular flange30, 30.1 First (front) side of flange / liner32, 32.1 Second (back) side of flange / liner34 Inner edge of flange36 Outer peripheral edge38, 38.1, 38.2, 38.3 Wear resistant insert (annular plate) 40, 40.1, 40.2 Inner annular ring42, 42.1, 42.2 Central portion / central ring 44, 44.1, 44.2 Inner ring segments46. 46.1, 46.2 Central segments48 Angled circumferential edge (inner segment) 50 Angled circumferential edge (central segment) 52 Radially outer edge (inner segment)53 Radially inner edge (central segment) 54, 54.1, 54.2 Outer portion56, 56.1, 56.2 Outer segments (rim segments)58 Angled circumferential edge (outer segment) 59 Radially inner edge (outer segment)60 Radially outer edge (central segment) 61 Inner peripheral edge (of inner ring)62 Lip64 Seal66, 66.1 Curved profile (outer rim)68, 68.1 Axially extending portion of outer rim70 Pumping chamber section72 Central opening74 Discharge section76 Cutwater region78 Cutwater segment80 Planar inner portion (of cutwater segment) 82 Curved portion (of cutwater segment) 84 Outer portion (of cutwater segment)GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

Claims

CLAIMS1. A liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the liner comprising:a body formed from a host material; anda wear-resistant insert encased within the annular body, the wear-resistant insert comprising an inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments, each inner ring segment having angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent inner ring segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

2. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the wear-resistant insert further includes a central ring portion comprising a plurality of central segments that extend radially from the inner annular ring, the central ring portion at least partially surrounding the inner annular ring, and wherein each central segment has angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent central segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement..

3. The liner of claim 2, wherein the wear-resistant insert further includes an outer ring portion comprising a plurality of outer segments that extend radially and / or axially from the central ring portion and wherein the outer segments have angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent outer segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

4. The liner of claim 1 , wherein radially inner edges of the outer segments, radially outer edges of the inner ring segments, and radial edges of the central segments are angled such that the radial edges of the central segments form complementary angled interfaces with both the radially inner edges of the outer segments and the radially outer edges of the inner ring segments to provide overlapping engagement.

5. The liner according to claim 1 , wherein the liner defines a front side liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the body of the liner comprising an annular flange having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner edge surrounding a central aperture, and an outer peripheral edge spaced radially from the inner edge; andthe wear-resistant insert encased within the annular flange, the wear-resistant insert comprising:the inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments; and a central ring portion including a plurality of central segments,GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAwherein circumferential edges of the inner ring segments and the central segments, radially outer edges of the inner ring segments, and radially inner edges of the central segments are angled such that adjacent segments have complementary angled edges for overlapping engagement.

6. The liner of claim 5, wherein the wear-resistant insert further includes an outer ring portion comprising a plurality of outer segments that extend radially and / or axially from the central ring portion and wherein the outer ring portion includes an axially extending portion that extends towards the first side to inhibit undercutting of the body beneath the wear-resistant insert at the peripheral edge of the body.

7. The liner according to claim 1 , wherein the liner defines a back side liner or a frame plate liner insert, the body of the liner defining an annular body having a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inner edge surrounding a central aperture, and an outer peripheral edge spaced radially from the inner edge; andthe wear-resistant insert encased within the annular flange, the wear-resistant insert comprising:the inner annular ring including a plurality of inner ring segments; and an outer ring portion comprising a plurality of outer segments surrounding the inner ring portion and wherein the outer segments have angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent outer segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement.

8. The liner according to claim 7, wherein the outer ring portion includes an axially extending portion that extends towards the first side to inhibit undercutting of the body beneath the wear-resistant insert at the peripheral edge of the body.

9. The liner according to claim 1 , wherein the liner defines a cover plate liner or a frame plate liner for a centrifugal slurry pump, the body of the liner defining a pumping chamber section having a central opening, a discharge section extending from the pumping chamber section, and a cutwater region positioned at a junction between the pumping chamber section and the discharge section;the wear-resistant insert comprising:a cutwater segment encased within the body at the cutwater region; the inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening;GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDAa central ring portion extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion; andan outer ring portion extending axially from the central portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central portion.

10. The liner according to claim 9, wherein the inner ring portion comprises a plurality of inner ring segments and the outer ring portion comprises a plurality of outer segments, and wherein the circumferential edges of the inner ring segments are angled such that each inner ring segment forms complementary angled interfaces with adjacent inner ring segments, and the circumferential edges of the outer segments are angled such that each outer segment forms complementary angled interfaces with adjacent outer segments.

11. The cover plate liner or frame plate liner of claim 9 or 10, wherein the central ring portion comprises a plurality of central segments in the form of blocks and wherein at least the radial edges of each block are angled and arranged such that adjacent blocks have complementary angled edges for overlapping engagement, thereby allowing the central ring portion to adopt a curved profile.

12. The liner of claim 11 , wherein the inner annular ring extends circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening, and wherein circumferential edges of the cutwater segment are angled such that they form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent inner ring segments to provide overlapping engagement.

13. The liner of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the central ring portion extends circumferentially from the cutwater segment of the wear-resistant insert to at least partially surround the inner annular ring.

14. The liner of any one of claim 9 to 13, wherein the outer portion extends circumferentially from the cutwater segment of the wear-resistant insert to at least partially surround the central portion, and wherein circumferential edges of the cutwater segment are angled such that they form complementary angled interfaces with adjacent outer ring segments to provide overlapping engagementGENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA15. The liner of claim 1 , wherein the liner is a volute liner for a centrifugal pump, the body comprising a front section and a rear section that together define a pumping chamber section having a central opening, a discharge section extending from the pumping chamber section, and a cutwater region positioned at a junction between the pumping chamber section and the discharge section;wherein the volute liner includes a first and second wear resistant insert encased respectively in the front section and the rear section of the annular body, each wear-resistant insert comprising:a cutwater segment encased within the annular body at the cutwater region with the inner ring portion extending circumferentially from the cutwater segment around the central opening;a central ring portion comprising a plurality of central segments extending radially from the inner ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the inner ring portion, wherein each central segment has angled circumferential edges arranged such that adjacent central segments form complementary angled interfaces for overlapping engagement; and an outer ring portion extending axially from the central ring portion and circumferentially from the cutwater segment to at least partially surround the central ring portion.

16. The liner of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the segments of the wear-resistant insert comprise ceramic.GENERAL - Access limited to Weir Personnel or by NDA

Images