In many homes and companies, submersible pumps are essential equipment. They can effectively complete everyday chores and serve a variety of sectors, which makes them superior to other pump alternatives.
A submersible pump can be the best option for you if you’re thinking about purchasing one for your house or place of business. Submersible pumps may be installed on a guide rail or free-standing, with built-in feet in the pump casing.
In order to enable the pumps to be raised and lowered by chains to the bottom of the sump, where they automatically couple to the discharge pipework, they are guide rail-mounted, which means that they are fastened with a bracket to a rail that runs the depth of the sump.
In this article, we will explore what a Submersible Pump is, it’s application, diagram, types, and how it works. We also discussed its Considerations for Submersible Pump Selection, advantages, and disadvantages.
Let’s get started!
What is Submersible Pumps
A submersible pump is a unique type of pump designed for submersible applications, where it is completely submerged in the liquid being pumped. This type of pump can be used in various pumping applications, such as wastewater, sand, mud, gravel, and slurry.
A submersible pump is a device with a sealed motor connected to the pump body, submerged in the fluid to be pumped. It prevents pump cavitation and pushes fluid to the surface, unlike jet pumps that rely on atmospheric pressure.
Submersible pumps use pressurized fluid from the surface to drive a hydraulic motor downhole, making them ideal for heavy oil applications with heated water as the motive fluid.
The EDDY Pump Corporation, a premier industrial pump manufacturer, offers a unique design that makes it superior for submersible applications. A submersible pump operates by pushing the liquid head, reducing energy spent in drawing it into the pump.
This efficiency is achieved by using the head of the liquid, which is submerged, rather than drawing it. The motor is cooled by the liquid around it, preventing overheating.
Many submersible pumps in the oil and gas industry operate according to the Electric Submersible Pumping (ESP) principle, which is a cost-effective method of lifting large volumes of fluids from deep wells.
However, the motors used in an ESP system are designed to operate under high temperatures and pressures, requiring special electricity cables and can be expensive to run.
Applications of Submersible Pumps
In general, submersible pumps are very dependable and capable of performing efficiently under challenging circumstances. They are constructed from sturdy iron castings and have epoxy coating to prevent corrosion. Some of the primary uses for these pumps include the following:
1. Wastewater: The grit and wastewater industries make extensive use of submersible pumps. Because they are smaller and less expensive to install than other pumps, they are often seen at pump and lift stations.
2. Sewage treatment: For this use case, submersible pumps—like grinder pumps—that can move solids unhindered from the pump’s input to its outlet are needed. In order to facilitate handling and downstream treatment, these pumps often break down sewage material into particles.
3. Sump pumping: Submersible pumps are often used to drain water that has gathered in a pit or low-lying region. Removing tailings ponds from mining operations or draining water from a building’s foundation because of floods are two examples.
4. Dredging: These units are selected by port authorities to dredge harbours. They must be specifically designed to work with liquids that include a lot of solids.
5. Wells: These pumps are used to raise water to the surface in boreholes and water wells. ESP submersible pumps are widely used in the oil and gas sector to raise oil from deep wells to the surface.
6. Mining: ESP submersible pumps used in mines are not the same as those used in the oil and gas sector. Because mine water is very acidic and contains suspended particulates, they must deal with harsh circumstances.
7. Oil and Gas: The Electric Submersible Pumping (ESP) concept governs the operation of a large number of submersible pumps in the oil and gas sector. This is a reasonably priced way to extract big amounts of fluid from deep wells. An ESP system’s motors are built to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures. They may be costly to operate and need for specialised electrical cables.
Diagram
Types of Submersible Pumps
1. Water Pumps:
Water pumps, particularly submersible ones, are designed to efficiently move water free of impurities and big particles. These pumps are very adaptable and may be used in a wide range of settings, such as utilities, pools, and drainage systems. With their excellent functioning, they provide a practical way to move water from one place to another.
Whether you need to circulate water in a pool or empty a flooded area, submersible water pumps are a dependable and effective option for managing water-related activities.
2. Borehole Pumps:
These specialised pumps are used to draw water from subterranean sources. These particular pumps are designed to function in boreholes, which are deep, narrow wells bored into the ground.
With the help of strong motors and hydraulic systems, these pumps can efficiently extract water from deeper depths and bring it to the surface. Numerous applications, such as industrial operations and agriculture, depend on this technology.
3. Oil-filled pumps:
are widely utilised in the agricultural industry and are mostly used for the purpose of raising and transporting water from wells. These submersible pumps use motors that use the surrounding oil to cool them.
In order to keep the motors from overheating, oil is a necessary component of these pumps. Their oil-filled construction also allows them to function in colder climates since the oil does not readily freeze.
4. Stainless steel submersible pumps:
are very robust and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for submerged applications. Compared to cast iron pumps, they are more practical and have superior looks since they are composed of stainless steel.
They are quite resistant to corrosion because of their stainless steel structure, especially when it comes to acidic materials. Because of this, stainless steel pumps are ideal for situations where corrosive liquid exposure occurs often.
5. Utility submersible pumps:
These pumps are effective for a variety of uses. Because of their underwater operation, they can efficiently pump materials, liquids, or even water. For applications including draining flooded regions, emptying pools or hot tubs, eliminating standing water, and transporting liquids between containers, submersible utility pumps are often used due to their small size and portability.
Submersible utility pumps are often used in emergency scenarios requiring quick water extraction as well as on residential building projects. These dependable and convenient pumps are essential to keeping a dry and secure environment.
6. Booster Pumps:
As its name suggests, booster pumps are essential for reaching systems and industrial facilities with low water flow or pressure and boosting maximum flow rates. They are skilled in moving water for residential and commercial uses from storage tanks or natural sources.
To increase the low pressure of the water flow, a pump will be needed in a residence that does not obtain the proper pressure reading from the municipal water supply. For example, a large commercial booster pump is needed to provide water to the upper floors of a hotel.
7. High-Temperature Submersible Pump:
As the name implies, high-temperature submersible pumps work with liquids or fluids at high temperatures. Particularly in situations when the liquid being pumped is hotter than what conventional submersible pumps can handle, these pumps function.
8. Submersible Irrigation Pump:
The most widely utilised pump type in the agricultural industry, submersible irrigation pumps are often seen in ponds. Many use these high gpm pumps in order to guarantee dependable water supply to fields or crops. Water from considerable depths below the surface may be effortlessly raised by their high maximum flow rate.
9. Bladder Pumps:
They provide a practical alternative when peristaltic pumping is impractical and low flow rates and high-integrity samples are needed. A submersible stainless steel pump and a controller/compressor on the well surface are used in these systems. Bladder pumps bring water samples to the surface by using regulated air pressure.
10. Grinder pumps:
Specifically designed to effectively manage solid waste and raw sewage, grinder pumps are effective. Cutting blades are included into these pumps to break down particles prior to pumping waste. Grinder pumps work similarly to a home trash disposal, breaking down solid waste and difficult materials into a fine slurry that is pumped into the sewage system at a maximum flow rate of high gpm.
11. Deep Well Pumps:
As the name implies, deep pumps are made to draw water from boreholes or wells that are located far below the surface. For a variety of uses, these pumps may push water to the surface by immersing themselves in the water. These devices are used for a variety of tasks by engineers, including carrying out municipal applications.
12. Dry Pit Pumps:
Industrial submersible water pumps known as “dry pit pumps” were first created for uses in which the pump unit functions while immersed in liquid. They are also used in dry well stations, where the dry pump chamber and the wet well are two different and independent entities, because to their adaptability.
13. Submersible Sewage Pumps:
Wastewater management is the main application for industrial submersible sewage pumps. From a septic tank or treatment plant, these pumps move water and sewage to a secondary location, such a drain field or another treatment system. The correct flow and disposal of sewage are ensured by these pumps, which are vital to wastewater management.
14. Sump pumps:
are the next item on the list because they stop water buildup and floods in crawl spaces and basements. These pumps’ main purpose is to reduce the possibility of water damage from sources such as severe rain, excess groundwater, and other water buildup. As a result, they are most often used in basements and other locations where flooding is more likely to occur.
15. Dewatering pumps:
Without an adequate drainage system, dewatering pumps are used to remove water from flooded areas. To eliminate standing water and stop damage, they are often used in ponds, fields and building sites.
These submersible pumps are designed to remove surplus water from the site by pumping it out into tanks or drainage pits. In many sectors, dewatering pumps are crucial for maintaining dry conditions and averting water-related problems.
16. Multiple Stage Submersible Pump:
This adaptable option is designed to manage applications involving both water and slurry. Its unique design allows it to circulate and pump a combination of solids and liquids with efficiency.
This pump is appropriate for a range of industrial and agricultural applications due to its dependable performance and durability, regardless of whether you need to move water or manage difficult slurry chemicals. High pressure and effective pumping capabilities are guaranteed by its multi-stage design, making it the perfect option for demanding settings.
Considerations for Submersible Pump Selection
There are a number of considerations to ponder while choosing an industrial submersible pump. These elements are vital in making sure the pump you select is appropriate for your particular requirements. Consider the following crucial factors:
1. Continuous duty or intermittent duty:
Whether you are on continuous duty or intermittent duty, you must first determine what you need. Is the duty intermittent or continuous? Continuous duty motors are built to operate continuously without compromising their lifespan. Conversely, motors with intermittent-duty ratings are made to operate for brief periods of time and must be cooled to room temperature.
An industrial submersible water pump with a continuous-duty motor and a respectable GPM capacity is a good choice for dewatering applications or industrial operations requiring prolonged operating times. A less costly pump with an intermittent-duty motor is frequently adequate to handle modest sump applications or tank fill operations.
2. Pump Capacity:
Find the head (vertical lift) and flow rate that the pump must be able to manage. Usually expressed in gallons (gallons per minute, or GPM), the flow rate is the volume of liquid that must be carried in a specific amount of time. Taking into account a number of variables, including the amount of liquid to be pumped per minute and the necessary transit distance, determine the maximum flow rate.
3. Pump Type:
Choose the industrial submersible water pump type that best fits your needs. There are several kinds of pumps, each with a distinct function, such as well pumps, submersible sewage pumps, and dewatering pumps.
Making the correct pump type choice extends the pump’s lifespan, reduces the chance of blockage or damage, and guarantees dependable and effective functioning.
4. Type of Fluid / Level of Solids Handling:
The kind of fluid and the level of solids handling should be taken into consideration if the pumped liquid contains solid particles. Look for characteristics such as agitator-based designs, hard impeller material, or vortex impellers or grinder systems, depending on the size and kind of solids present.
Since there are no particles in clean water, you may utilise cast iron pumps. These characteristics minimise the possibility of clogging, lower maintenance requirements, and enhance the pump’s overall durability and performance in applications using solids.
5. Submersible Depth:
Determining the maximum submersion depth to which a submersible pump will be exposed is an important consideration when choosing one. How deep below the liquid’s surface the pump will be positioned is indicated by this depth. Selecting a pump with the appropriate sealing mechanisms to stop water intrusion and appropriate for the desired depth is crucial.
Although submersible pumps are made to function underwater, there are certain depth restrictions. Verifying that the chosen pump is rated for the desired submersion depth requires consulting the manufacturer’s specifications.
6. Pump Power:
Power is an important consideration when choosing a pump since various pumps offer varied pressure and GPM levels to handle fluids with different viscosities or move them over greater distances.
Because they need greater pressure to move them efficiently, certain pumps are made especially to handle thicker or more viscous fluids. Pumps with higher power capacities are also frequently chosen when long-distance fluid transportation is required.
7. Maintenance and reliability:
Finally, you should think about the pump’s maintenance, manufacturer reputation, and shipping availability of spare parts. Because regular maintenance is necessary for optimum performance and lifespan, look for pumps that are simple to service and maintain.
How Does a Submersible Pumps Work?
The operation of a conventional submersible pump is really straightforward. It begins by employing pressure energy drawn in from the pump to transform rotational energy into kinetic energy.
After passing through the intake and the impeller’s spin, the water is forced into the diffuser as it passes through the pump. The water will then rise to the surface where it may be used properly after this.
These pumps are categorised as multistage centrifugal pumps in this sense. Each generates a significant amount of pumping power when operating vertically.
Although it can occasionally be an open cycle pump, the hydraulic motor inside the pump is typically a closed cycle pump. Given how closely the two operate, it isn’t really necessary to think about their differences.
Those who are interested in this pump should also consider a few additional factors, without becoming bogged down in the technical details. To begin with, for your pump to work, it has to be submerged constantly.
It can overheat or encounter other issues if it is removed from the water. Fortunately, they are often rather small and should be easy to prevent if you take the time to thoroughly comprehend this pump’s operational options.
Additionally, there are several operational applications for a standard submersible pump to consider. To maintain appropriate water levels on a vast field, for instance, they can be used to drain fluids. They can also be used in oil wells, to transfer sewage, and to control the functioning of pond filters.
Additionally, the kinds we provide are frequently used to pump water for wells in residences or commercial buildings. They are a helpful tool to keep in mind for your service because of their wide variety of procedures.
Advantages of Submersible Pumps
The submersible pump has a number of significant benefits over other kinds of pumps, including:
- Priming: Priming is not required. They function under the fluid’s surface, which makes them self-priming.
- Cavitation: Since submersible pumps are completely underwater, cavitation is not a problem. This can be an issue with positive displacement pumps, such as centrifugal pumps.
- Efficiency: When a pump is submerged, its input experiences positive fluid pressure. Because it takes less energy to transport fluid via the pump’s liquid channel, this situation can boost efficiency.
- Noise: These submerged pumps are incredibly silent in the majority of applications.
Disadvantages of Submersible pumps
- Difficulty in routine inspection and maintenance, especially in deep well applications.
- Prolonged exposure to corrosive and abrasive liquids can lead to corrosion.
- Seals are particularly susceptible to corrosion, causing leaks and motor damage.
- To counteract corrosion, pumps need corrosion-resistant material, making them more expensive than other pumps of similar capacity.
FAQs
What are the different types of submersible pumps available?
Submersible pumps are available in various configurations to suit different applications, including:
Submersible well pumps
Submersible sewage pumps
Submersible slurry pumps
Submersible dewatering pumps
Submersible sump pumps
Each type is designed to handle specific fluid types, flow rates, and operating conditions.
What are the advantages of using a submersible pump?
Submersible pumps offer several advantages, including efficient operation, quiet performance, space-saving design, and the ability to pump fluids from significant depths. They are also less prone to priming issues than surface pumps and can handle a wide range of fluids, including clean water, wastewater, and abrasive slurries.
What is a submersible pump, and how does it work?
A submersible pump is a type of centrifugal pump designed to submerge the fluid it is pumping fully. It operates by converting rotational energy from a motor into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid’s velocity and pressure, allowing it to be pumped to the surface or a desired location.
Can a submersible pump be repaired if it breaks down?
Yes, they can often be repaired if they break down. But, for that, you need to have adequate knowledge of submersible pumps. If you lack knowledge and experience, you should consider searching for “industrial pumps near me” on the web. Take your time to carefully evaluate and compare the options available to choose a reputable and reliable submersible pump repair shop.
How much horsepower is needed for a submersible pump?
For small-scale use, submersible pumps typically range from 1/2 HP to 1 HP. However, larger applications may require higher horsepower options, which range from 1 HP to several hundred HP, for commercial or industrial purposes.