Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to
be immersed in fluid. They are used in Public Water Supply Systems too. The
motor on a submersible pump is attached directly to the pump body, allowing the
whole assembly to be submerged in water.
A submersible pump has a system of
mechanical seals that prevent fluid from getting into the motor. If fluid gets
into the motor entire unit will be in short circuits.
A submersible pump typically has
the shape of a cylinder. The sealed motor of a submersible pump makes up the
lower half which is connected to an above ground power source, controlled by
wires. The upper half is the actual pump which is comprised of a series of
impellers, each separated by a diffuser, that force fluid up a hose or pipe.
A submersible pump may fail for
the following reasons: Tank size is too small, Short
cycling, Running dry, Lightning strikes, Improper selection of high head pumps
in low head applications.
A submersible pump is used in many
applications. A single stage submersible pump is used for sewage pumping,
slurry pumping, drainage, and general industrial pumping. A multiple stage
submersible pump is lowered down a borehole and used for water extraction or in
water wells.
A submersible pump has the
reputation of being exceptionally reliable. The technology of submersibles is
well developed, resulting in few problems and difficulties. It is not uncommon
for a submersible pump to function well for 25 years before requiring service.
A submersible pump is best
serviced by a professional, in that the whole unit must be extracted from
beneath the ground for inspection.