Submersible pumps are mechanical devices that are fully immersed in water or other liquids and move those liquids from one place to another by means of mechanical action. These pumps operate with their motor and pump fully submerged below the liquid level.
Key Components
Submersible pumps consist of several main parts that allow them to operate underwater:
– Motor: Located above the pump body, the motor provides the power to turn the pump impeller. Common motor types for submersible pumps include AC induction motors and permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors.
– Pump Body: Houses the main pumping components including the impeller, diffuser, and volute. Made of corrosion-resistant materials like cast iron or stainless steel to withstand being submerged.
– Shaft: Connects the motor to the impeller inside the pump body. Must be sealed to prevent liquid from entering the motor. Common shaft materials include stainless steel.
– Impeller: Situated in the pump body, the rotating impeller draws liquid in and increases its velocity before releasing it into the diffuser. Vane or mixed flow impellers are commonly used.
– Diffuser: Receives the liquid discharged from the impeller blades and converts the fluid velocity into pressure before it enters the volute. Diffusers are often integrated into the Submersible Pumps body design.
– Volute: The volute or discharge chamber collects the liquid from the diffuser and directs it upwards through the discharge piping. Volutes come in a variety of designs depending on pump specifications.
Operation and Mechanical Sealing
When powered on, the electric motor spins the shaft, which turns the impeller inside the pump body. As the impeller spins, it draws liquid through the intake port on the bottom of the pump body and pressurizes it. The increasing pressure causes the liquid to pass through the diffuser, where velocity is converted to pressure before entering the volute chamber. From here, the liquid is discharged upwards through the piping system above water level.
Since the motor is located above the water line, a mechanical shaft seal is required to prevent liquid from entering the motor housing. Common shaft sealing designs use cartridge, semi-open, or tandem mechanical seals with silicon carbide or tungsten carbide sealing faces. The seals prevent intrusion of liquids while allowing the shaft to rotate freely. Regular inspection and replacement of worn seals is important for maintaining efficient pump operation over time.
Key Applications
Due to their ability to operate fully submerged, Submersible Pumps find wide use in applications involving pumping of liquids located below water level. Here are some common applications:
– Draining Applications: Submersible sump pumps are extensively used to drain basements, building foundations, and tank bottoms of water and other liquids. These pumps discharge water above grade.
– Well Pumping: Submersible well pumps are used to efficiently pump fresh water from drilled or dug wells into storage or distribution systems. These can pump from depths over 100 feet.
– Agriculture and Irrigation: These pumps move water for agricultural and irrigation needs like drainage, stock watering, and spraying. They are durable for pumping muddy or sediment-laden water.
– Construction Dewatering: Temporary pumps effectively dewater construction sites, excavations, cofferdams, and other applications requiring removal of subsurface water.
– Industrial Processes: These pumps transfer process liquids such as slurries, sludges, chemicals, hydrocarbons, acids/caustics in industries like mining, water/waste treatment, power plants, and manufacturing.
– Marine Applications: Bilge pumps, livewell pumps and other submersible pumps discharge water on boats, docks, and marine infrastructure to maintain stability and operations afloat.
These pumps offer reliable, versatile and low-maintenance pumping solutions for applications requiring movement of liquids located below the water line. With robust construction and mechanical sealing, they can transfer clean or dirty water as well as process liquids in a variety of industries. Proper selection, installation, and maintenance are keys to achieving long operational life from submersible pumps.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
