Sunday, January 20, 2008

HOW SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS WORK

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.