What are the main components of a stator pump?
A stator pump is a type of positive displacement pump that uses a fixed stator and rotating impeller or rotor to pump liquids. As one of the key equipment in industrial production, rotor and stator pump plays an important role. This article will introduce the main components of a stator pump.
Pump body
The pump body is the shell that houses the internal pumping components. It contains ports for the intake and discharge of fluids. The body is usually made of corrosion resistant materials like cast iron, stainless steel or plastic to withstand the internal pressures and external environment.
Stator
As mentioned earlier, the stator is the stationary inner part of the pump that the rotor fits against. It contains precise spiral grooves or cavities that mesh with the rotor lobes to form sealed expansion chambers. The stator is usually constructed from rubber or plastic for their self-lubricating and sealing properties. See the worker inserting the stator in the image below:
Rotor
As the driven pumping part inside stator pumps, the rotor rotates eccentrically within the stator due to its oblong shape. It contains helical lobes or gears that fit uniformly into the cavities in the stator. Together with the stator, the rotor forms sealed expansion chambers to pump fluids in a continuous, non-pulsating manner.
Shaft
The drive shaft transmits rotary motion from the drive source like an electric motor to the rotor. It is usually made of hardened steel for strength and durability. One end of the shaft is connected to the rotor while the other end has means of attachment to the drive unit.
Mechanical seal
Mechanical seals prevent fluid leakage along the shaft. They include stationary and rotating seal faces that are clamped tightly together with a spring force. Without proper sealing, the pumped fluid can leak and cause contamination, reduced efficiency, and equipment damage over time.
Bearings
Bearings support and permit smooth rotation of the shaft. Common bearing types used include ball bearings, tapered roller bearings and sleeve bearings. They reduce friction between stationary and moving parts inside the pump.
Suction and discharge ports
The suction port receives incoming fluid into the pump body while the discharge port expels the pumped fluid to the discharge pipe. Valves such as check valves may be installed on the ports to regulate fluid flow direction.
Difference between centrifugal pump and stator pump
Common applications of stator pumps
Some common applications where stator pumps are used include:
- Transfer of viscous fluids like oils, slurries, pastes, emulsions etc.
- Pumping of abrasive or solids-laden fluids in mining, pulp & paper plants, food processing etc.
- Dosing, mixing and dispensing of chemicals, adhesives, paints, coatings, sealants etc.
- Pressure boosting, filtration systems and sewage pumping in civil and industrial sectors.
- Agriculture for drawing water and slurry movement in dairy farms, crop spraying equipment etc.
- Power generation plants, refineries and steam heating systems.