Submersible Pumps - Insights

I get requests for Low Voltage, for sequencing systems, but given the necessary horse power needed on some system this is not always possible. Plastics and Low cost options are of prime importance in some markets.

The popularity of dry pit submersible sewage pumps is really puzzling, because they combine the worst features of both style of pump.

Need pumps that can do transferring water from tank to tank. Able to withstand sea water and least corrosion free.

Its such a flooded market, I haven't found one that isn't doing the same as the others, for the uses I need them for.

None of the above the innovation is coming from control mfg and using old product in new ways.

I do not know all companies but the most satisfy our requirements are Flygt, KSB, Grondfus

The above is the only major use I have for a submersible sump pump. I have not yet solved my problem. I need something that will handle a high volume and require as little horsepower as possible, I am only raising the discharge about 4ft so high pressure is not needed.

I am in the Decorative fountain field, ranging from high end Residential to Large scale commercial and theatrical displays. Submersible pumps for me are a tool I need to use when the idea of a Dry vault system cannot be used, being out of budget or just not practical.

I own an 1830s farm and house with the old dug well still operating. While we do not use it for our own use, I use it to supply water for a diverse set of eleven paddocks in a sustainable grassland setup for pasturing sheep with the old well and a submersible pump.

Booster pumps installed "in-line" in pipelines, in "Cans" for out-of-sight, vandal proof community safe systems.

Reservoir filling using VFD as a cost savings on the power (wire costs) run and not the variable flow.

Initially, one of the big advantages of submersible pumps was noise control in residential areas.

Units set into the leaders/screens of the well First start up from installation - column not filled with water resulting in collapsing the well - pumping sand - motor failure Pump operated outside motor parameters - low flow/high flow Low water protection disconnected to keep unit running, resulting in unit failure Units not shrouded Pumps installed in situations where velocity past motor is too high - resulting in blowing motor Drop cable undersized Motor tails not cut back to be under water in suspect wells resulting in breakdown of cables, blowing motors Not enough instruction given to clients in operation - several have played with vsd settings resulting in blowing motors

Handling and using correct lifting devise or hook to lift pumps up , make sure proper lifting device is available during maintenance of such pumps.

Motor failures, Power fluctuations, and Excessive sand in the Bore hole leads to premature damage to the pump.

Extend the use of "Ball Bearings" for deeper applications over the preferred Kingsbury Thrust bearing. Keep motor diameters smaller for more HP in existing well casing diameters.

I am in a cost driven Market, and the design concerns are not demanding. I just need something that moves water, and I can get to job site around the world.

Run dry capability Integral hydraulic agitation to keep solids from sanding the pump in Seals that last non clog good availability Easy to maintain

Research your suppliers, research your submersible pumps/motors. Check back up service - company experience - design and installation. Get as much info from your pump supplier/well driller and check parameters for the installation - safeties etc for pump/motor protection. Query electrical settings/parameters - seek expert advise

Please try to buy them from Professional Pump installers...submersibles require a little more expertise than most pumps in proper application sizing, wire sizing and waterproofing, etc. They typically require specialized equipment for installing ( Hoist rigs).

My advice is to look for best one to suit their application, most important is the capability to handle sludge and grit which affect the life of the pumps.

Large safety factors and rounding up when creating system curve can cause a pump to run far from the best efficiency point (BEP). This is because the system curve can only intersect the pump curve at one point. This can be overcome with a VFD to vary the speed or by being more exact in system curve creation.

Check with your supplier how they will install unit, what protection they are providing on the pump, what is the well performance. Check operating parameters of units on vsd, ensure motor minimum speeds/cooling rates maintained and the unit is protected from water level below minimum depth.

1. Select product "total head" properly..consult with a professional.. 2. Avoid the use of subs in open bodies of water unless using a "flow inducer". 3. Be extremely careful in VFD selection for subs...they create some special requirements.