The transportation and application of slurry and digestate require efficient equipment to ensure fast packaging, safe transportation and accurate distribution. One of the most important factors when choosing an agricultural cistern is the filling/pumping system, which must be suitable for the type of fluid transported, the travel distance and the method of application to the soil.

Different filling/pumping systems are used to meet these needs, each with specific advantages depending on the type of material to be transported and the infrastructure available.

 

MAIN TYPES OF PUMPS FOR AGRICULTURAL CISTERNS

VACUUM PUMPS (VANES OR LOBES)

Features:

• They work by vacuum for suction and pressure for discharge.
• Operational simplicity and low maintenance
• Good flow capacity (4,000 to 25,000 L/min)
• Used in most conventional agricultural cisterns

Best option for:

• Transport of slurry and/or digestate with low solids content
• General applications with fast filling and discharge
• Farms and cooperatives that need robust and easy-to-operate equipment

Limitations:

• Less efficient for thick slurries or those with large solids

 

CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

Features:

• Very high flow rate (up to 25,000 L/min)
• Good option for quickly filling large cisterns
• Low maintenance cost
• Continuous flow, ideal for pipe distribution systems

Best option for:

• Large volumes of diluted, low viscosity slurry
• Systems where filling and unloading speed are a priority
• Distribution by Dragline systems (flexible hose)

Limitations:

• Not suitable for very viscous liquids
• Sensitive to suspended solids

 

SCREW PUMPS (HELICAL)

Features:

• High efficiency for viscous and solid materials
• Continuous and smooth flow, avoiding foam or turbulence
• They work well with digestates from biodigesters
• High dosage accuracy for controlled soil application

Best option for:

• Transport of thick slurries or those containing vegetable fibers
• Application with direct injection into the soil, ensuring uniform distribution
• Agricultural and biogas companies using high solids digestates

Limitations:

• Higher initial cost
• Requires more careful maintenance to avoid premature wear

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SYSTEM FOR YOUR CISTERN?

Choosing the ideal pump for an agricultural cistern should consider:

» Material type → Liquid slurry? Thick? With solids?
» Tank capacity → Small tanks can use vacuum pumps, while large systems need centrifugal or helical pumps
» Transport distance → Long distances may require higher power pumps
» Application method → surface distributors require large flows, while injectors require precise dosing

 

Pump Type	Best for	Limitations
Vacuum/Pressure	General purpose, liquid slurry	Sensitive to large solids
Centrifuge	Rapid filling of large cisterns	Does not work well with viscous materials
Screw/Helical	Thick slurry, soil injection	Higher initial cost and maintenance

 

For simple and versatile applications, vacuum pumps are the best choice. For fast filling and large volumes , centrifuges are ideal. For liquid, thick waste and precise distribution , helical conveyors offer the best performance.