Ever seen a slurry pump suddenly forget it’s pumping slurry… and start behaving like it’s pumping water?
That’s usually the beginning of a case of “Separation Anxiety.”
When a slurry system isn’t operating correctly, the solids and liquid can start going their separate ways — and that’s when problems begin.
The Problem
The pump is designed to move a slurry mixture, but the system behaves as if it’s pumping mostly liquid.
Result? Solids settle in the pipeline, leading to blockages, excessive wear, and vibration.
What Causes It?
- Velocity too low – Solids settle out of suspension in the pipeline.
- Incorrect impeller design – The liquid moves faster than the solids.
- Poor slurry handling inside the pump – The mixture separates rather than moving as one.
What Happens Next?
- Pipe blockages
- High vibration
- Reduced pump efficiency
- Accelerated wear on components
The Fix
Proper pump selection, correct impeller design, and maintaining the right slurry velocity keeps solids suspended and the system operating smoothly.
Because in slurry pumping… the solids and liquid need to stay together.
