When it comes to demanding industries like mining, steel production, and power generation, it’s not uncommon for slurry pumps to reach their breaking point before being taken care of. Unfortunately, even though this method of maintenance can lead to serious problems with machinery as well as costly downtime, too many industry professionals opt for this short-sighted way of doing things. 

Keep reading for some expert advice on slurry pump maintenance, and how it will save you time and money in the long run!

The Importance of Maintaining Your Slurry Pump

Aside from helping you avoid even costlier repairs and downtime in the future, proper slurry pump maintenance is crucial to getting the best possible performance out of your machinery. With the proper monitoring, you can be sure you fix little problems before they become big ones. 

Make sure you’re looking out for strange sounds, spikes in things like vibration or temperature, leakage, and more to keep your slurry pump in tip-top condition!

How to Maintain Your Slurry Pump to Avoid Failures

There are several specific things you can keep an eye on to avoid machine failure. Keep reading for a short checklist of things you can look for on your maintenance rounds to make your slurry pump last as long as possible. 

Premature Bearing Failure

Inadequate gland seal maintenance is one of the biggest contributing factors to bearing failure. Applying the right lubrication consistently—and adjusting the seal regularly—can help you avoid premature failure. 

Vibration as an Indicator of Health

Because all machines vibrate, slurry pump vibration can act as one of the earliest indicators of health. When monitoring your slurry pump’s vibration, you’ll want to be on the lookout for any changes. An exponential growth curve in vibration readings typically indicates that the machine is nearing the end of its life—while a sudden spike in vibration typically means a problem that could be solved. 

Throatbush Wear Rate

The throatbush has the shortest life compared to other components in your slurry pump. This means it has a significant impact on the overall efficiency and lifespan of your slurry pump. Adjusting and fine-tuning the throatbush can extend the life of your pump by 50%. 

Use Preventative Maintenance to Extend the Life of Your Slurry Pump

Don’t operate like other companies in your industry. Take the preventative maintenance approach, extend the life of your slurry pump, and avoid costly downtime with maintenance know-how and a trusted maintenance partner. Contact Vulcan Pumps today.