How to increase the abrasion resistance of rotor

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on increasing the abrasion resistance of a rotor used in progressive cavity pumps for Kaolin slurry filtration. After three months of operation, the rotor, made of SS316 and coated with 150 micron Chromium, failed due to abrasion, impacting the pump's throughput. Suggestions include changing the rotor material to one with higher hardness, such as a ceramic coating, and exploring lubrication methods or alternative equipment like inclined conveyors to improve performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of progressive cavity pumps and their components
  • Knowledge of materials of construction (MOC) for pump rotors
  • Familiarity with abrasion resistance coatings and their applications
  • Basic principles of fluid dynamics in slurry handling
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced rotor materials for abrasion resistance, such as ceramic coatings
  • Investigate lubrication techniques for sealing areas in progressive cavity pumps
  • Explore the use of inclined conveyors as an alternative to progressive cavity pumps
  • Study the impact of slurry properties on pump performance and material selection
USEFUL FOR

Engineers and technicians involved in pump design, maintenance personnel in slurry processing industries, and professionals seeking to enhance the performance and longevity of progressive cavity pumps.

Santhosh KN
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For Kaolin slurry filter presing we are using progressive cavity pumps.After three months of operation we found that the pumping rate is reduced a lot.Upon investigation we found taht this is because of the abrasion. 150 micron Chromium coating done, still after three months ,this again failed.

The rotor is having 125mm diameter and is of 2.8m long. As the medium handled is Clay Slurry with low pH the MOC of the rotor is SS316. This rotor rotates inside a neoprene rubber stator while pumping the slurry. For the pump to develop a pressure of 10 bar the sealing between th rotor and stator is very important and the damage to the sealing area reduces the pump through put.

We are looking for a suitable method for increasing the abrasion resistance of the rotor along the sealing area.

Any suggestions?

Santhosh
 
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What about pressurised water to lubricate the seal?
 
If abrasion is really what your problem is, then you definitely need a rotor material change. 316 is not a very good choice for this. It sounds like the chromium coating was supposed to give you the wear resistance you needed, but it too failed. I don't see how you can get away with not changing rotor material to something with a higher hardness.

Did anyone inspect your rotors to make sure the chromium coating had the required hardness?
 
Maybe a ceramic coating?
 
This kind of equipment is used extensively in the oil field and is often referred to as a "mud pump" or "mud motor". It is used to deliver drilling fluid (aka "drilling mud") to the drill bit. Do not know the comparability of your kaolin slurry to the (typically bentonite) clay found in drilling mud - but you might look for a solution within the oil industry experience with this equipment. One thing you probably will not be able to replicate in your application is the oil industry's use of various additives to change the mud's properties.

Have you considered another kind of equipment to accomplish the task... such as an inclined conveyor?
 

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