These agitator pumps are designed for wear resistance

August 1, 2023 | By Mary Page Bailey and Gerald Ondrey

This company’s agitator pumps (photo) are manufactured with wear-resistant components like high-chrome impellers and hard cast-iron volutes that demonstrate durability and efficiency when handling abrasive materials in applications that involve sand, grit or other debris. Agitator pumps utilize an agitator propeller that shares the same shaft as the pump’s impeller. While the two spin in the same direction, the agitator blades are in the opposing orientation to those of the impeller. The agitator provides a propelling force to stir up solids near the floor, while the impeller pumps the now-suspended solids along with the fluid. They keep the mud circulating to avoid solids from settling while allowing pumping to continue without obstructions. A potted cable provides an extra layer of protection in case of accidental nicking of the exterior cable. This protection prevents moisture infiltration and, ultimately, motor failure. Using the rotation of the shaft, the oil lifter spins and flings oil throughout the seal chamber. This provides lubrication and cooling of the seal faces down to one-third of normal oil level without the need for additional power or external equipment. A built-in thermal-protection component prevents motor failure due to overloading and accidental dry-running. — Tsurumi America Inc., Glendale Heights, Ill.