A fan pump is a type of pump used primarily in pulp and paper mills, where it plays a critical role in the paper-making process.
Purpose of a Fan Pump:
The main function of a fan pump is to deliver a consistent flow of diluted pulp (also called stock) — a mixture of water and fiber — to the headbox of a paper machine. The headbox evenly spreads the pulp onto the moving wire mesh where water drains and the paper sheet begins to form.
Key Functions:
Maintain consistent pressure and flow: Ensures steady pulp delivery to produce uniform paper sheets.
Handle high volumes of low-consistency stock: It moves pulp with very low fiber concentration (typically 0.5–1.5%).
Operate under varying system demands: Must handle fluctuations in flow and pressure due to process changes.
Characteristics:
Centrifugal pump design (usually)
Made from corrosion-resistant materials (due to the abrasive and corrosive nature of pulp)
Often fitted with variable speed drives for better control and energy efficiency
In short, a fan pump is crucial for achieving high-quality and uniform paper production by precisely regulating the flow of pulp to the paper machine.