karkeapumput

Karkeapumput is a Finnish term used in industrial contexts to refer to pumps designed for moving abrasive, particle-rich fluids, such as slurries. In English-language industry they are commonly called slurry pumps. The term signals a focus on wear resistance and the ability to handle solids, rather than only transporting clean liquids.

Design and construction typically emphasize ruggedness. Karkeapumput often use open or semi-open impellers to pass larger solids, reinforced casings, and wear-resistant materials such as high-chrome cast iron, alloy steels, rubber linings, or ceramics. Many models include replaceable wear parts, robust bearings, and seals suitable for wet or dry operation. Selection depends on factors such as solids content, particle size, pH, and temperature of the conveyed fluid.

Applications span mining and mineral processing, cement and aggregates, steelworks, dredging, wastewater treatment with grit, and agricultural slurry handling. They are chosen when standard clean-water pumps would suffer excessive wear or failure due to solids or high abrasiveness.

Operation and maintenance considerations center on wear management and duty point optimization. Performance degrades as wear parts such as impellers and liners erode, so regular inspection and timely replacement are common. Proper pump installation, suction conditions, and seal or bearing maintenance are important to extend service life.

See also: slurry pump, centrifugal pump, wear-resistant pump.