Which pump is most commonly used for pumping activated carbon slurry?

• A. Gear Pump
• B. Diaphragm Pump
• C. Peristaltic Pump
• D. Progressive Cavity Pump

Answer: (B)

The diaphragm pump is best for pumping activated carbon slurry because it’s a positive-displacement design with a flexible diaphragm that seals the slurry from the drive mechanism. This setup handles abrasive solids and high solids content well, and it can be fitted with wear‑resistant diaphragms and liners to resist abrasion. The flow is steady and the shear is relatively low, which helps protect delicate carbon particles from damage. Diaphragm pumps are also self-priming and good for viscous, slurry-like fluids, making them reliable for handling slurries in water-treatment and similar applications.

Gear pumps tend to wear quickly with solids and can clog when slurry contains abrasive particles. Progressive cavity pumps handle viscous slurries but can suffer wear from hard carbon particles and require careful matching of rotor/stator; not as universally robust for carbon slurries. Peristaltic pumps wear tubing quickly with abrasive slurries and have limited longevity and flow considerations.