Conventional centrifugal pumps have been used for a long time by engineers to dewater the drilled holes and maintain a drilling fluid circulation. However, as powerful as they are, these pumps weren’t designed to handle the slurry mud.
As can be expected, these pumps need to pump large amounts of water that contain leaves, mud, twigs, sand, and sludge. This is where trash pumps come in, designed specifically for the oil fields.
How Trash Pumps Work
Trash pumps are essentially heavy-duty centrifugal pumps. However, what makes them suitable for dewatering applications in oil fields is that they feature larger discharge openings and deeper impeller vanes.
Basically, trash pumps are designed to process materials with suspended particles that would clog other centrifugal pumps. Trash pumps are capable of moving thousands of gallons of water per minute.
Features of Trash Pumps
Trash pumps are designed specifically for use in the oil fields, meaning they have features that make lives easier for the drillers.
Adjustable Speeds
Trash pumps feature adjustable speed controls, which means the operator can select the appropriate speeds. However, continuous duty pumps are also available that operate at 100% duty cycle.
Run-dry Capability
Some trash pumps also have run-dry capability, which means they can operate without any pumped fluid or lubrication for an extended period.
Self-priming Pumps
These trash pumps can create and maintain a vacuum level that allows the driller to draw the fluid in without any external assistance.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Trash Pump
Not all trash pumps are made equal, which means the one you get will need to be suitable for your applications. These are the specifications you should pay attention to when buying a trash pump:
Applications of Trash Pumps
Trash pumps are designed specifically for oil fields, but there are numerous other applications where technicians have to deal with pumping water laden with hard and soft solids.
Therefore, trash pumps are used in various industrial, municipal and specialized applications such as construction, agriculture, pulp and paper production, etc.
Maintenance of Trash Pumps
Trash pumps require regular maintenance due to the heavy-duty tasks they perform. This maintenance usually entails the replacement of parts over time. Parts such as volutes, impellers, seal kits, elbows, trash pump stands, and brass wear rings.
At Contact Instruments, we offer repair and replacement services for trash pumps in Canada, the US, and beyond. These trash pump parts are manufactured to be reliable, durable, and add value to your trash pump. Get in touch with us to learn more about our products and services.