During the long-term operation of a slurry pump, some components are prone to wear and aging due to continuous exposure to medium scouring, friction, and other effects. These components are called wear parts. Timely replacement of wear parts is crucial to ensure the normal and efficient operation of the slurry pump. The following will detail the main wear parts of the slurry pump and their replacement methods, as well as related maintenance and storage knowledge.
Replacement of Valves and Valve Seats
Valves and valve seats are important components of the hydraulic end of the slurry pump. During the process of transporting slurry, they are in direct contact with the medium and are highly susceptible to wear, so regular inspection and replacement are necessary.
When replacing the valves and valve seats, first, remove the valve cover, cylinder cover, cylinder cover plug, and positioning plate in sequence. The disassembly of these components requires carefulness to avoid damage caused by improper operation. After that, pull out the insert plate assembly, then take out the valve stem guide (lower part), valve spring, and valve body, etc., where the valve body includes parts such as valve rubber and valve nuts.
After all these components are disassembled, it is necessary to handle the valve seats. Special hydraulic valve pullers configured with the pump can be used to pull out the upper discharge valve seat and the lower suction valve seat respectively. During the pulling process, ensure that the tool is used correctly to avoid damage to the valve seat holes.
After disassembly, the subsequent cleaning work is crucial. Clean the mating surfaces of the upper and lower valve seat holes with high-quality cleaning agents, and make sure that each valve seat hole is very clean and dry, with no residues such as dirt, grease, or rust inhibitors. If there are burrs on the surface, use emery cloth to grind them off by moving along the valve seat hole in a circular motion to ensure the flatness of the valve seat holes and prepare for subsequent installation.
The cleaning of the valve seats should not be ignored either; they must be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Then, install the suction and discharge valve seats into the valve cavity holes, then install the valve body, and gently tap the upper part of the guide rod with a copper hammer to make the valve seats 到位 accurately. Finally, install the valve spring and other related parts in sequence to complete the replacement and installation of the valves and valve seats.
Replacement of Cylinder Liners and Pistons
Cylinder liners and pistons are core components for the slurry pump to realize the suction and discharge functions. Due to the relative movement between them and their direct contact with the slurry, the wear is relatively serious, and they are also common wear parts.
When replacing the cylinder liners and pistons, first remove the spray pipe assembly and the clamp. When moving the intermediate pull rod, pay attention to the strength and direction to avoid interference with other components, then withdraw the cylinder liner gland, and at the same time, take out the cylinder liner-piston assembly as a whole.
The assembly process must be carried out in strict accordance with the steps. First, clean the piston rod and piston to ensure their surfaces are clean and free of impurities. Install the piston seal ring into the groove of the piston core, ensuring that the seal ring is in the correct position without distortion or deformation during installation. Then, install the piston onto the piston rod and tighten the nut on the piston rod to ensure a firm connection.
Apply lubricating grease evenly on the inner circle of the cylinder liner and the outer circle of the piston. This step can reduce friction during installation and also provide initial lubrication protection for subsequent operation. Then, install the piston rod into the cylinder liner, and use a hardwood block or a special tool to smoothly drive the piston into the cylinder liner, being careful not to use excessive force to avoid damage to the components.
Install the cylinder liner seal ring into the counterbore of the liquid cylinder, ensuring that the seal ring is completely embedded to play a good sealing role. Install the wear-resistant plate through the studs and position it properly, then install the cylinder liner flange, apply special sealant to the inner hole of the nut, and tighten the nut to ensure that all components are tightly connected to prevent leakage.
When installing the cylinder liner seal ring, apply lubricating grease to the inner surface of the cylinder liner gland, then sleeve it onto the cylinder liner. Then install the cylinder liner locking ring and O-rings, also ensuring they are installed in place. Apply lubricating grease to the threads of the cylinder liner gland, screw the cylinder liner into the cylinder liner flange, and tap it tightly to ensure a firm connection. Then install the clamp; before installing the clamp, install the mud guard first, which can effectively block the erosion of the clamp by the slurry.
It should be noted that when the clamp is worn, the two halves will tend to approach each other. If there is no gap left, it means the clamp has lost its function, and at this time, the clamp should be replaced in time to ensure the fixing effect of the cylinder liner. Finally, install the cylinder liner end cover at the rear of the cylinder liner to complete the replacement and assembly of the cylinder liner and piston.
Replacement of Air Chamber Bladders and Inflation Precautions
The air chamber bladder of the discharge port plays a role in buffering pressure fluctuations during the operation of the slurry pump. It may be damaged after long-term use and needs to be replaced, and there are strict requirements for its inflation process.
When replacing the bladder, first, ensure that the system is completely depressurized, which is a prerequisite for ensuring operational safety. Then, remove the cover and take out the bladder. After taking out the bladder, carefully check whether the bladder is damaged and find out the factors causing the damage to avoid them in subsequent use. At the same time, check the condition of the bottom plug, ensuring that all edges are smooth; if there are burrs or other problems, they should be handled before installation.
When installing a new bladder, handle it with care to avoid squeezing or deforming the bladder. When installing the cover, also pay attention not to deform or squeeze the bladder, then tighten the nut to ensure that the cover is tightly connected to the air chamber.
There are many precautions during the inflation process. Only compressed nitrogen or compressed air can be used; flammable and explosive gases such as oxygen and hydrogen must never be used to prevent safety accidents. When maintaining the air chamber, the pressure inside the air chamber must be zero, and at this time, the pressure of the pump must also be zero. It is not possible to rely solely on observing the pressure gauge reading to judge; the pressure cap of the exhaust valve must be opened to release pressure, because when the residual pressure is small, the pressure gauge can no longer display it, but this low pressure may also cause accidents.
Storage Treatment of Slurry Pumps
When the slurry pump is not in use for a long time, proper storage treatment is required to prevent corrosion and damage to the components.
Before storage, carefully remove dirt, empty all parts of the hydraulic end, and clean and wipe them with clean water to ensure no residual slurry or other impurities. Drain the lubricating oil at the bottom of the gearbox of the power end and remove the deposited dirt at the bottom to prevent the dirt from corroding components such as gears.
Apply heavy oil to the processed surfaces of all components such as bearings, crossheads, gears, piston rods, and intermediate pull rods to form a protective film and prevent rust from contact with air. Apply lubricating grease to the processed surfaces of all components of the hydraulic end, which also plays a role in rust protection.
Cover the suction port and discharge port with blind plates to prevent dust and debris from entering the pump body. Close the crosshead hole end cover, rear cover, sight hole cover, etc., tightly to ensure that the inside of the pump body is in a sealed state and avoid external factors affecting the internal components.
Through the above detailed introduction to the replacement methods of slurry pump wear parts and storage treatment, it is hoped to provide effective guidance for relevant operators, ensuring that the slurry pump always maintains a good operating state during use, prolongs its service life, and improves work efficiency. In actual operation, it is necessary to strictly follow the operating procedures, pay attention to safety, and ensure the quality of replacement and maintenance work.