Progressive Cavity Lime Slurry Pumps
Controlled transfer and feed of abrasive lime slurries where suspended solids, settling, viscosity and component wear demand careful pump and system design.
Why progressive cavity pumps are used for lime slurry
Lime slurry can be difficult to pump because mineral solids abrade wetted components and can settle during low velocity or shutdown. Progressive cavity pumps provide controlled positive-displacement flow and can handle many solids-bearing lime slurries when pump size, speed and inlet conditions are appropriate.
Positive displacement supports repeatable transfer or chemical feed over a practical speed range.
Progressing cavities can transport suspended lime solids with appropriate inlet design.
VFD control adjusts capacity without throttling the positive-displacement discharge.
Staged designs can overcome piping losses and downstream process resistance.
Abrasiveness and settling drive the selection
Wear rate depends on particle characteristics, solids concentration, differential pressure, pump speed and component materials. Selecting a pump large enough to operate at a conservative speed can be advantageous in abrasive service.
Settling can be as important as pump capacity
Lime slurry can settle when line velocity is too low or the system remains idle. Shutdown procedures and flushing provisions may be required where lime can accumulate or harden in piping and pump components.
Transfer vs. controlled addition
Transfer service requires the full flow and system-pressure range. Controlled lime addition also requires useful turndown. Pump displacement and VFD range should cover the required feed rates at practical operating speeds.
Rotor, stator and seal materials matter
Rotor surface, stator elastomer, pressure staging and speed all influence component life. Elastomer and seal selection should consider the complete slurry chemistry, temperature, treatment chemicals and cleaning procedure.
Protect and monitor the pump
- Discharge-pressure protection
- Dry-run protection
- Motor overload monitoring
- VFD operating limits
- Planned flushing where required
Need a lime slurry pump?
Send the lime product and concentration, solids percentage, particle information if available, viscosity, required flow, discharge pressure, suction arrangement, temperature and existing pump details.