What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Slurry Transfer Pump?

Last updated: 27 Mar 2025

Choosing the correct slurry transfer pump is not just about moving liquid from point A to B—it’s about ensuring long-term performance, reducing costly downtime, and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. Inappropriate pump selection can lead to excessive wear, inefficient power use, or even system failure.

At T-T Agricultural & Environmental®, we work closely with farm managers, engineers, and contractors to ensure every pump we supply is matched to the slurry’s unique properties and the overall system requirements.

Slurry Characteristics

Our team will take into consideration what percentage of Solid content is present in the liquid, as well as other factors like viscosity and abrasive content.

We also require information such as what bedding material the livestock are lying on, which will guide us towards the correct hydraulic characteristic of the pump.

Flow Rate

The higher the required flow rate, the more frictional loss will be generated through the pipework. This detail is then added into the calculation when selecting a pump, so we can offer the requested flow rate and discharge pressure.

Discharge Head

Discharge head will be advised by the client during the enquiry stage; this information then forms part of the pump selection process. Discharge head, pipe run, pipe size, etc, are all key parts of selecting a pump.

pH Level

Most standard slurry pumps have a working range between 5- 12ph, which covers most slurries on farms. If the slurry contains effluent from silage pits, etc, the pH can be dramatically different.

With this information, our technical team can recommend a suitable pump construction, inclusive of the pump body, mechanical seals and cable type. We also have options for anti-corrosion coating that offer additional protection over the standard construction.

Temperature

When selecting a pump for slurry, consideration is taken of the location of the tank on the farm. An external tank that is subject to extreme weather during the winter months will adversely alter the viscosity of the pumped media, thus requiring more power to complete the task.