Vertical sump pumps and their role in mining and mineral processing applications
Vertical sump pumps play an important clean-up role in mining and mineral processing applications. But they also face some unique operating challenges. Roman Van Ommen, Global Product Specialist Pumps, Cyclones & Valves – Europe, Central Asia, NW Africa, explains how the KREBS® vMAX™ vertical pump is designed to tackle them.
Overcoming Vertical Pumping Challenges
Pumping slurries that contain large solids or that are highly viscous can be fraught with difficulties. For vertical pump applications – such as vertical sump and tank pumps – common problems include the build-up of solids at the suction inlet, leakage from the back of the casing, and excessive vibration.
The KREBS vMAX vertical cantilever slurry pump has been engineered to solve these challenges. Designed for sump and plant floor clean-up applications, vMAX pumps feature a bottom-only suction configuration that prevents solids from clogging the sump. Meanwhile, the impeller design eliminates excessive vibration and creates a vortex effect, which provides sufficient turbulence to keep the solids in suspension and the sump free of sedimentation, thus removing the need for an agitator.
The vMAX pump is also designed to eliminate the need for a sump level control, which – in conventional designs – is required to avoid the sump level falling below the suction and the pump losing its prime: a situation that results in slurry rushing back down the discharge pipe, impacting the impeller, and causing violent vibrations that may result in catastrophic failure. To avoid this, the vMAX impeller is fully recessed, which allows the slurry to safely return down the discharge pipe when the sump has been emptied, without contacting the impeller.
Advanced features for reliability and performance
The pump also features a suction strainer with oversized surface area that prevents large particles from entering the pump, while reducing the risk of premature blinding and replacement. It also eliminates the need to remove the pump for cleaning.
Additional features include:
- Cantilever design that does not require a stuffing box seal or submerged bearings.
- A drive-end fixed-clearance twin taper roller bearing to provide axial thrust, and an impeller-end parallel-roller bearing to deliver radial thrust.
- Integral discharge elbow on the casting to reduce localised wear.
- Integral adjustable motor mount that allows tension adjustment of the v-belt drive.
The vMAX-R pump: rubber-lined for corrosive applications
A rubber-lined version of the vMAX pump is also available. The vMAX-R pump has been developed to cope with even the most corrosive applications. Every part of the pump that could come into contact with the slurry is lined with elastomer to ensure reliability. Multiple material options – including natural rubber, neoprene, EPDM, and chlorobutyl – are available, providing adaptable protection to a wide range of acid and slurry temperature conditions.
Did you enjoy this article?
Check out our other blogs and continue the journey through the world of centrifugal slurry pumps.
Blog | Selecting a slurry pump for mining and minerals processing applications.
Blog | Split-case slurry pumps: KREBS® slurryMAX™.
Blog | Setting the standard: KREBS® millMAX™.
Blog | Avoid shearing and air locking: KREBS® hMAX™ pumps
Blog | Challenging wear conditions: UMD™ mill discharge pumps
You can also dive deeper and discover why KREBS pumps are the ideal choice for your slurry handling needs in the webinar. Or download the brochure and learn more about our innovative KREBS vMAX vertical pumps. For further information on how our reliable slurry pump parts can extend your pump's lifetime, feel free to contact us.