Wear Reduction in Slurry Pumps: Operational Parameters Control Strategy
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: The article investigates methods for improving the wear resistance of slurry pumps through optimisation of operating parameters. An analysis is presented of the main wear mechanisms: abrasive wear (60–75% of material loss, following E∝C_s^1.7 v^2.8), cavitation erosion, corrosion erosion synergy (S = 180–240% at pH < 2.0), and vibration fatigue. A Model Predictive Control (MPC) methodology is proposed, integrating real time slurry monitoring with dynamic regulation of flow velocity, pressure, and start stop cycles. Industrial tests on GRAT 400/40 pumps handling copper slurries (pH 1.8, 34% solids, 55°C) demonstrate: 40% increase in mean time between repairs (MTBR) from 987 ± 156 to 1523 ± 89 hours (corresponding approximately to 830–1140 h and 1430–1610 h ranges), 44% reduction in downtime, and 45.8% decrease in wear rate (from 0.72 to 0.39 mm/1000 h). The findings enable significant reduction of operational costs and improvement of pumping system reliability.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225833464