Polaris Pumps Submersible Wet End Options: PHO (Open Suction), PBO (Solids Mixer), and PVO (Shredder)

Polaris Pumps Submersible Wet End Options: PHO (Open Suction), PBO (Solids Mixer), and PVO (Shredder)


Polaris Pumps are known for their modular design, allowing one main pump body to transform into different wet-end configurations. This adaptability is crucial for industries handling a variety of fluid conditions from light slurry to dense, abrasive mixtures. Here’s a closer look at the three primary wet-end options: PHO (Open Suction), PBO (Solids Mixer), and PVO (Shredder), and how they impact overall application efficiency and maintenance.


1. PHO (Open Suction)

Design and Function

  • Open Inlet: The PHO wet end features a clear, unrestricted suction intake.
  • High-Chrome or CD4MCu: Commonly made of durable materials to resist abrasive solids.
  • Optimal Flow: Ensures minimal turbulence, supporting efficient transfer of standard or lightly abrasive slurries.


Industries and Usage

  • Mining: Ideal for sump dewatering or moderate slurry tasks.
  • Pulp & Paper: Suitable for lighter stock or water transfer steps.
  • Municipal Wastewater: Effective at moving lightly contaminated liquids or mild sludge streams.


Efficiency and Maintenance

  • Energy-Efficient Flow: The open suction allows free entry of fluid, lowering risk of suction blockages.
  • Easier Inspection: Fewer moving parts around the intake simplify checks for wear or clogs.
  • Reduced Wear Risks: Thanks to direct, unobstructed flow, abrasives are less likely to accumulate and cause early erosion.


2. PBO (Solids Mixer)

Design and Function

  • Built-In Agitator: A robust impeller extension stirs up settled solids, keeping them in suspension.
  • High-Solids Handling: Designed to handle heavier slurries with larger particle content.
  • Strong Mixing Action: Prevents sedimentation around the pump inlet, ensuring continuous flow.


Industries and Usage

  • Mining: Perfect for tailings sumps and high-density slurry cells where solids often settle quickly.
  • Power Generation: Helps maintain consistent ash or bottom-slag movement in coal-fired plants.
  • Wastewater: Useful in digesters or thick sludge tanks, preventing stratification.


Efficiency and Maintenance

  • Minimal Sediment Buildup: By churning the slurry, the PBO reduces dredging or manual cleaning.
  • Improved Flow Consistency: Keeps solids evenly distributed, stabilizing pump performance and pressure.
  • Maintenance-Savvy: Fewer clogs mean less emergency downtime, and teams can follow planned inspection intervals.


3. PVO (Shredder)

Design and Function

  • Cutting Blades: A specialized impeller design actively slices through fibrous or rags-laden solids.
  • Clog-Resistant Operation: Solids are shredded into smaller, pumpable pieces, avoiding blockages.
  • Heavy-Duty Construction: Reinforced materials withstand repeated cutting action.


Industries and Usage

  • Food Processing: Breaks up fibrous leftovers or husks in certain byproduct lines.
  • Municipal Sewers: Handles rag, string, and fibrous waste that typically cause pump fouling.
  • Pulp & Paper: Shreds heavier pulp chunks or rope that can entangle standard pump intakes.


Efficiency and Maintenance

  • Blockage Prevention: By shredding fibrous material, the PVO maintains steady flow and protects downstream equipment.
  • Less Manual Intervention: Operators spend less time clearing jammed pumps, improving uptime.
  • Predictable Wear Patterns: The cutter elements and impeller are designed for repetitive cutting, simplifying maintenance planning.


Application Efficiency and Maintenance Impact

  1. Tailored Solutions
  2. Extended Pump Life
  3. Time and Cost Savings
  4. Adaptability


Polaris Pumps delivers a powerful, modular approach to slurry handling, covering a broad spectrum of challenges through PHO (Open Suction), PBO (Solids Mixer), and PVO (Shredder) configurations. Whether you’re focused on straightforward dewatering, preventing sedimentation, or shredding fibrous material, choosing the right wet end ensures smoother performance, extended pump life, and more efficient maintenance routines. By matching a single pump body to the best wet-end kit, industries can adapt swiftly to evolving fluid conditions, maximizing productivity and minimizing disruptions throughout the process lifecycle.


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