Skip to main content

The porcelain industry relies on effective and consistent pumping solutions to handle dense slurries, casting mixtures, and glazes throughout the manufacturing process. From raw material preparation to forming and finishing, pumps must handle abrasive, high-viscosity fluids with care to ensure product consistency, reduce waste, and support continuous production in tile, sanitaryware, and ceramic factories.

Key Applications

1. Slip and Slurry Transfer
Porcelain production begins with slip—an aqueous clay slurry—that must be pumped from mixing tanks to casting or forming stations. Progressive cavity and peristaltic pumps are commonly used due to their ability to move thick, abrasive materials without clogging or degrading product consistency.

2. Glaze Circulation and Application
Pumps play a critical role in transferring and recirculating glaze mixtures during spraying or dipping processes. These systems demand low-shear pumps that maintain particle suspension and ensure uniform coating without settling or blockages.

3. Mould Filling and Drainage
In slip casting, pumps fill plaster moulds with ceramic slurry under controlled pressure and timing. Precision flow is crucial for quality and consistency. Pumps must also support the controlled draining of excess slip after partial solidification.

4. Wastewater and Residue Handling
Pumps are used to collect and move wastewater containing clay, glaze residues, or cleaning fluids for treatment or disposal. These fluids are often abrasive and particulate-laden, requiring wear-resistant pumps.

5. Additive Dosing
Deflocculants, binders, and other additives are used in precise quantities to modify the properties of ceramic slips. Metering pumps ensure accuracy in dosing to maintain product consistency and process efficiency.

6. Water Recycling and Reuse
Pumps are also used to manage water recycling systems within porcelain production lines, helping reduce water usage and environmental impact while supporting sustainable operations.

Industry Demands

  • Abrasive Handling: Pumps must withstand wear from clay, silica, and other hard solids.

  • High Viscosity Capability: Slips and glazes are dense and often shear-sensitive.

  • Flow Precision: Accurate flow is key for mould filling and glaze application.

  • Low Maintenance: Continuous production environments require durable, low-maintenance equipment.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With over a century of experience in pump distribution and engineering solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the porcelain industry with specialised pumps for slurry transfer, mould filling, glaze circulation, and more. As a distributor for leading pump manufacturers, we provide reliable solutions for handling dense, abrasive, and high-viscosity materials.

Our in-house team of technical experts can assist with:

  • Pump selection and specification for slip, glaze, and wastewater handling

  • Abrasion-resistant, low-shear, and high-viscosity pump technologies

  • On-site consultations and troubleshooting

  • Bespoke pump builds and modifications

  • Full aftersales support, including servicing and repairs

Whether you’re manufacturing porcelain tiles, sanitaryware, or decorative ceramics, Tomlinson Hall delivers pump solutions that help keep your process flowing.

Need help finding the right pump for your porcelain production process?
Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help.