Submersible pumps, as the name implies, are designed so that they can work when fully submerged in the liquid that you want to pump. They are preferred for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and domestic applications. For example, people prefer them for pumping water from wells in schools and moving slurry in waste treatment plants. 

Submersible pumps are fitted with waterproof cables that supply the sealed motor with power. Their construction also ensures that the turbine bowl and motor are firmly attached, meaning that the pump comes as a single unit. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand and select the best submersible pump for your facility. 

 The Main Advantages of Submersible Pumps

 The main advantage of using submersible pumps is that they can raise water from greater depths compared to motor and booster pumps.  Here are other benefits of using submersible pumps:

• There is no need for priming because the water around the pump prevents air from getting sucked.
• The pump is less noisy because vibrations and noises are muffled by the water surrounding the pump.
• The water surrounding the pump helps to cool it down to help reduce overheating.
• Because they are submersed, most people consider them safer compared to those that operate from the open surface.

These are only a few of the benefits to anticipate for using submersible pumps. The list can be a lot longer, but they also have a few demerits. One, they are still prone to operation failures, especially because of corroded seals and weary gaskets.  Furthermore, the pumps can be challenging to maintain because they are submerged. 

The Main Types of Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps can be classified into two main categories, submersible lifting pumping and lifting feed pumps.

• Submersible Lifting Pumps

These pumps are preferred for draining wastewater or rainwater. The smallest of these types is the basement drainage pump controlled using a float connected to the pump body. Others are used for moving unfiltered water. 

Some lifting pumps come with shredding wheels that chop materials getting into the pump. This type of pump is designed to help empty containers that they are submerged in as opposed to creating flows.

• Submersible Feed Pumps

This type of pump is mainly used in wells, and most people prefer them for pumping drinking water. The main objective of this pump is to generate pressure that helps to raise water to the targeted level. However, they require a more complex design compared to the standard pumps. This is why they feature a multi-stage operation design, a suction strainer, and a narrow body.

Most water-feed pumps come with a pump body and stainless steel wheel/s. Furthermore, they are often coupled to booster pumps. The primary goal of this pump is to generate continuity of flow and pressure in the water systems.

How to Select a Good Submersible Pump

Now that you know the main types of submersible pumps, are you ready to pick one for your facility? Here are some of the factors to consider when selecting a submersible pump for your facility:

• Discharge Height

Effective Discharge Height (THM) is the primary criteria used for most feed pumps because you need the water/liquid to flow at the point of discharge. To determine THM for a pump, you need to use this formula: THM = the height between the discharge point and pump + the pressure at the point of discharge + pressure drops.

• Pressure

Pressure is equal to the force of water that is getting discharged as a factor of the pump hose cross-section.  It is expressed in bars. If you need to move water to longer heights, it is important to go for the submersible pump with higher pressure.

• Flow

This is a crucial technical characteristic for most feed pumps. Flow rate is the amount of water that is pumped over a specific period. In most cases, 6m3/h corresponds to 100l/min. However, you need to appreciate the height of the discharge point, and suction will impact the discharge height. So, the closer your suction and discharge height points are, the higher the flow rate.

Conclusion

This guide has demonstrated that submersible pumps are very effective when doing tasks that cannot be done with standard pumps, such as pumping water from a well. Make sure to put a lot of emphasis on quality, durability, and other factors we have listed in this post when buying a submersible pump. Also, only work with trusted manufacturers.