How to choose a dredge pump?

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The selection of a dredge or mud pump can be a challenging process that can be simplified by understanding the main factors behind the smooth operation of a pump. In addition to providing more efficient performance, the right dredge pump requires less maintenance, less power and a relatively longer life.

What is a dredge pump?

A dredge pump is a horizontal centrifugal pump that is the heart of a dredger. It is designed to handle suspended abrasive granular materials and solids of limited size. Without a dredge pump, a stranded dredger would not be able to transport mud.

The dredge pump is designed to draw sediment, debris and other hazardous materials from the surface layer into the suction pipe and transport the material through the pipe to the discharge site. The pump must be able to handle common solid debris of various sizes that can pass through the pump, thus minimizing the downtime required for cleaning.

How does a dredge pump work?

A dredge pump contains a pump casing and an impeller. The impeller is mounted in the pump casing and connected to the drive motor via a gearbox and shaft. The front part of the pump casing is sealed with a suction cover and connected directly to the suction pipe of the dredger. The discharge port of the dredge pump is located near the top of the dredge pump and is connected to a separate discharge line.

The impeller is considered the heart of the dredge pump and is similar to a fan that expels air and creates centrifugal suction. At the suction pipe, this vacuum absorbs the slurry and transports the material through the discharge line.

Main selection requirements for dredge pumps.

In addition to economic considerations, the two main selection considerations for dredge pump operation are the absence of sediment settling in the pump and the minimum amount of wear in the pump due to flow operation. The key design parameters to meet the main requirements are installation type, critical flow rate, total discharge head and pump design materials.