Slurry Pump Inlet Liner Formations for Particulate Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing centrifugal slurry pumps experience high wear in the gap between the side-liners and the impeller due to the pressure difference and influx of particulates, with auxiliary vanes being less effective in handling smaller particles.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of formations on the surface of the pump side part, such as channels or recesses, which generate a flow that detaches particulate matter from the surface, reducing localized wear by causing an undulating motion and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If auxiliary vanes are added to the impeller to reduce wear in the gap between side-liners and impeller, then wear on larger solid particulates is reduced, but smaller particulates adjacent to the side-liner surface remain ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different structural features to different regions of the side-liner. Formations (protrusions or recesses) are specifically placed on the surface adjacent to the gap where smaller particulates cause wear, while auxiliary vanes handle larger particulates. This localized differentiation allows each feature to optimize its function for specific particle sizes and wear locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The side-liner surface is segmented into multiple functional zones: the main surface for general flow, auxiliary vanes for larger particulates in the gap, and formations (protrusions or recesses) for smaller particulates adjacent to the surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone for its specific wear problem.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap between side-liners and impeller is reduced to minimize wear, then wear from particulate influx is reduced, but manufacturing precision and assembly tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying solely on tight gap dimensions, the invention changes the surface topology parameter by adding formations (protrusions or recesses) to the side-liner surface. This allows a larger, more tolerable gap while still protecting against wear through the protective formations that disrupt particulate flow and reduce direct contact between particles and the liner surface.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If formations (protrusions or recesses) are added to the side-liner surface to protect against smaller particulates, then wear from smaller particulates is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The formations create a textured surface that functions similarly to porous structures in disrupting particle flow. The protrusions and recesses create turbulence and reduce the velocity of smaller particulates adjacent to the surface, preventing direct impact wear while maintaining structural integrity and being manufacturable through conventional processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formations reduce the velocity and erosive action of the slurry flow, leading to decreased wear on the pump components and extending their lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The formations are configured so that in use the formations generate a flow of the fluid mixture across the surface which detaches from the surface the particulate matter adjacent thereto
Implementation Method 2
the formations generate a flow of the fluid mixture across the surface which detaches from the surface the particulate matter adjacent thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A pump side part for use with a centrifugal slurry pump for pumping a fluid mixture containing particulate matter, the pump side part comprising a main body having a main axis, the main body including a side wall section which extends laterally with respect to the main axis and has opposite facing first and second sides, a plurality of formations on a surface of the second side including an inner formation and an outer formation in spaced relation to the inner formation, the formations being configured so that in use the formations generate a flow of the fluid mixture across the surface which detaches from the surface the particulate matter adjacent thereto.