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About Submersible Pumps

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Myers Submersible PumpsSubmersible pumps are made, as their name implies, to be submersed within a tank, well, or other container. Manufactures’ of submersible pumps design many common types of pumps to make them suitable for immersion. The motors of submersible pumps are encased in oil-filled compartments that do not have contact with the substance they are pumping. They have the advantage of being essentially self-priming because they operate below the surface of the media to be pumped.

Listed below are some common submersible pumps:

Applications for submersible pumps are numerous. These pumps, in their simplest form, pump water off of the floor or from the bottom of a tank. Submersible pumps also transfer wastewater, pumping ground up solids to smaller sizes. The following submersible pumps are used in a variety of venues. There are irrigation submersible pumps, sand submersible pumps, sewage submersible pumps, solar submersible pumps, 12 volt submersible pumps, and water submersible pumps.

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Selecting Submersible PumpsTwo Basic Types of Submersible Pumps

There are numerous specifications to evaluate when choosing submersible pumps. Selecting the correct pump is paramount in optimizing the success of the system. First and foremost, submersible pumps are chosen with consideration to pump type and application.

Next, the maximum discharge flow must be determined. Maximum flow refers to the greatest amount of flow submersible pumps have been created to handle. The system or pressure head is used to determine the maximum flow of submersible pumps. Then, consideration needs to be given to the maximum discharge pressure of the pump. This pertains to the greatest amount of pressure the pump can handle.

Submersible pumps are also evaluated in terms of horsepower, a measurement of mechanical energy. Horsepower is work produced at a rate of 550 foot pounds per second, equaling 745.7 watts of energy. Finally, discharge size of submersible pumps should be evaluated. This value has reference to the size of discharge or outlet connections of submersible pumps.

There are two main types of submersible pumps. A well pump is hung or suspended in a water well on a pipe, sometimes to depths past 1000’. well pumps are powered by AC (alternating current) voltage but DC (direct current) voltage is used on smaller pumps for low flows of water up to a depth of 200 feet. Of the types of well pumps the main available are 2”, 3”, 4”, 6”, 8” and 10” electric submersible, bladder pumps (air driven), borehole pump and line shaft turbines.

The second type of submersible pump is a sump pump. Sump pumps are used in a pit or sump and sometimes just a lower area like a swimming pull cover or fountain. Sump pumps usually consist of grinder pumps, effluent pumps, utility pumps and bilge pumps. Sump pumps are usually AC powered but smaller bilge pumps for boats can be DC voltage. Sump pumps are also available in explosion proof.

Other Applications for Submersible Pumps

Check Submersible Pumps Price ListThe Navy
Submersible pumps are used by the US Navy and US Coast Guard to deal with flooding onboard ships. The pumps are easily lowered into flooded areas to allow the de-watering process to begin. Commonly, submersible pumps re-route the water through hoses which then go overboard. Components of submersible pumps are enclosed to avoid the possibility of shock, thereby enabling someone to safely stand in the water directly next to the pump while it is running.

Fire and Rescue Services
Submersible pumps are used to pump out water to a minimum depth of 15 cms or from open water to supply an incident ground with water. Submersible pumps can be lowered into a subway or down a cliff into open water and still operate.

Mining
At depths below 800 ft., electric submersible pumps of high capacity, head, and reliability are required. Electrical submersible pumps for the mining industry are different than those used for fresh water or petroleum concerns. Downhole conditions relative to mines are severe because mine water is acidic and carries suspended solids. Extensive federal and state regulations must be adhered to regarding pump configurations, code requirements and pump controls. Mines are examined by electrical designers to evaluate proper requirements for electric submersible pumps.

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Submersible Pumps in Wastewater Systems

Submersible pumps are used in the wastewater treatment industry in situations where gravity flow is impossible. Rocky soil conditions, a high water table, or long pipe running through hilly areas are all examples of environments that impede gravity. In these cases, a below grade basin that collects wastewater and pumps it up to a higher elevation is used. This is called a pump station or a lift station. Submersible pumps are often used in lift stations because they are compact and cost less to install than other options. These pumps do not obstruct vision and are almost silent during operation which is a real plus. Submersible pumps are very dependable in harsh environments. They are made of sturdy iron castings, protected with coated epoxy.

Submersible pumps are obtainable with long life bearings, abrasive resistant mechanical seals, and a special cord entry system created to protect the liquid from getting into the motor. The motor on submersible pumps remains cool during continuous operation, since the liquid enveloping the pump usually has a temperature below 100F. Concrete and fiberglass are the most common materials used in basins. Special rail systems simplify the installation and removal of submersible pumps from the basin when servicing is necessary. Liquid level sensors connected to a control panel direct pump operation. Submersible pumps are protected by special features located on the control panel which is situated in a ventilated area outside of the basin. There are two types of submersible pumps used in lift stations. Solids handling pumps are used in larger systems that require a high flow rate, while smaller systems use grinder pumps.

Properly designed pump stations are essential because they are a major investment and are also expensive to maintain.

Description of Sump Pumps

Grinder Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps that incorporate a mechanism to grind and reduce sewage particles. The slurry (reduced particles) is then pumped to a collection system where it is divided into two classifications: 2-hp and below and above 2-hp.

Solids Handling Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps that are capable of transporting solid material through the pump without obstruction or interference of any kind from entry to discharge. A solid sphere of material 2 inches to 13 inches or more can pass through these submersible pumps.

Dry Pit Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps that were originally created for use in applications where the pump unit would be immersed in pump liquid. These submersible pumps are now being used in dry well stations where the wet well is separated from the dry pump chamber. Dry pit submersible pumps have been replacing old centrifugal pumps that have seen their day.

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