Submersible pumps are a type of pump whose installation and operation takes place submerged in a liquid. These pumps are capable of displacing large amounts of water at high depths. However, it must be taken into account that the greater the difference in height between the sheet of water and the point of delivery of the water that the pump has to support, the less water flow it will be able to displace. These values are determined by the manufacturer in the operating curve of each pumping equipment.
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How do submersible pumps work?
Submersible pumps are centrifugal type pumps. They consist of an electrical part and a hydraulic part.
The electrical part contains the electric motor and other components, such as the winding, shaft, stator or pressure compensation membranes, among others.
Due to the great production of heat generated by the operation of the engine, it is covered with a jacket of water or oil for cooling, and thus prevent overheating.
Regarding the manufacture of this part, the materials with which to make each element that composes it can vary, offering several versions. For example, you can use cast materials with nickel treatment, stainless steel such as AISI 304 or AISI 316 for components that are in contact with water, etc...
The hydraulic part consists of some impellers that push the water out. The impellers are connected to a shaft that is in turn moved by the motor.
Therefore, the water enters through the inlet sieve and advances through the impellers thanks to their centrifugal movement. This movement causes the water molecules to gain kinetic energy.
Between impeller and impeller is the diffuser, a stationary component that helps move water to the next impeller stage. In this way, more kinetic energy is generated, and this translates into the high capacity of submersible pumps to move water at high water column heights.
On some submersible pump models a check valve may be installed. This valve prevents the motor from turning backwards and the water column inside the pipe from being discharged. This also reduces the phenomenon of water hammer, which is a benefit for this type of pump.
What are the types of submersible pumps?
The main classification of this type of clean water pumps is whether they are manual or automatic. The difference is that the automatic pumping equipment consists of a level float system, which stops the pump when the water level drops.
This automation guarantees the safety of the pump, since it prevents it from burning out when it is not possible to suck in enough water. It can also be used in other types of filling systems for automatic emptying, for example of manholes or tanks.
What are the advantages of using a submersible well pump?
Some of the advantages of installing this type of pump in wells to extract water are the following:
- Ability to remove large volumes of water quickly, which means the job will be completed in a much shorter period of time compared to conventional centrifugal pumps.
- It reduces the cavitation problem, since the pressure generated in the suction of the pump is greater than atmospheric pressure, that is, a negative suction pressure or vacuum pressure is not produced. In this way, the bursting of the bubbles does not occur due to their expansion in the cavitation process, causing damage to the pump or the piping.
- They do not have to be primed, as they remain submerged in the liquid and always remain charged.
- They do not require frequent maintenance.
- They are versatile and easy to transport.
What are the important considerations when buying a submersible pump?
When shopping for a submersible pump, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
First, you need to make sure of the characteristics of your well. This means checking the size and height of the well, the height of the water sheet, the speed of filling the water once extracted (well gauging).
Once you know the characteristics of the well, you have to determine the flow of water that you want to move. After this, it is verified that the pump is capable of handling the amount of flow that needs to be displaced and the height to be supported. On the other hand, it is interesting to check that the pump is made of high-quality materials, that it offers resistance to corrosion and helps to prolong its useful life, although this depends on the operation that is given to it.
Another important consideration regarding the characteristics of the water is whether the water can produce an electrolytic effect. If it is not possible to verify it, it is highly advisable to implement the installation of the pump with a sacrificial anode to prevent the pump from deteriorating due to corrosion.
Conclusion
Submersible pumps are a high efficiency pumping solution designed to extract water from wells. These pumps are capable of displacing large amounts of water at high height differences and with a certain speed.
It is important to check that the pump is suitable for the well before purchasing it. This means checking the characteristics of the well, the amount of water flow that needs to be displaced and its quality for the application.
En Mundoriego you can find submersible pumps for wells, both hand pumps as automatic pumps. If you are not sure which submersible pump is suitable for your installation, contact with us without obligation.
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