Published August 04, 2024 | 9 minute read
Pumping Solutions and Service Since 1974
Published August 04, 2024 | 9 minute read
Sunair Co. is a trusted provider of submersible pumps from the most reliable brands in the industry, as well as experts in delivering and supporting the perfect pump solutions for various operational needs.
Submersible pumps are a specialized type of centrifugal pump engineered to function while completely immersed in the process media.
These pumps consist of essential components such as a motor and power cable, casing, impeller, shaft, shaft seal, and sometimes an intake or suction screen. A submersible pump installation also includes a discharge pipe and a check valve to prevent back flow when the pump is not in operation.
The motor, housed in a hermetically sealed leak-proof casing, drives the impeller, harnessing the kinetic energy from its rotation to generate the necessary pressure to transport the media through the discharge pipe and out to the desired location. When recommended, an intake screen prevents oversized debris from entering the pump, ensuring smooth operation.
A control panel is required to operate a submersible pump, which often includes sensors for monitoring seal leakage and motor winding temperatures.
With their unique designs and functionality, submersible pumps perform efficiently and reliably, even in challenging environments.
Submersible pumps offer a space-saving advantage due to their submerged installation. Unlike above-ground pumps, they do not require additional space for housing or installation and the surrounding liquid acts as a natural sound buffer, resulting in quieter operation. The power cable and discharge pipe are typically the only components that are visible above ground level.
Because they are submerged in the liquid, these types of pumps are inherently self- priming, which not only simplifies their operation, especially in intermittent duty start/stop sump services, but can also make them more energy efficient.
Immersion in the liquid allows submersible pumps to pump more volatile fluids with higher vapor pressures without cavitating. The higher vapor pressure reduces the Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) of the system, which reduces the suction lift capability of self-priming pumps mounted at ground level and increases the likelihood of cavitation.
Higher temperature fluids also have higher vapor pressures and reduced NPSHA and can benefit from the use of submersible pumps, but the user must confirm that the maximum sump temperature doesn’t exceed the maximum recommended operating temperature of the submersible pump motor. In cases where the sump temperature discourages the use of submersible or self-priming pumps, vertical line shaft pumps should be considered instead.
Submersible pumps come in a variety of types and sizes to cater to different industrial applications, including:
Submersible pumps used for pumping out of sumps or tanks are typically of the end suction single-stage volute-style centrifugal type, close-coupled to a submersible motor. These pumps are mounted vertically with the motor end up. They can be provided with a mounting stand that allows the pump to rest directly on the sump floor, or with a discharge elbow and a guide rail assembly that eases installation and removal of the pump without disturbing the discharge pump. Most submersible pumps are large and heavy enough that they require a hoist or crane for removal via a lifting chain, but the smallest and lightest ones can be removed by hand.
When a pump is installed inside the sump, the installation is called a wet pit or wet well configuration. Submersible pumps can also be installed in a dry chamber that is adjacent to the wet sump. This configuration is known as a dry pit or dry well installation. This configuration requires more space, but makes the pumps more easily accessible for monitoring and maintenance. In a dry pit configuration, the motor is not submerged in the fluid, so it will have a cooling jacket to regulate the motor temperature.
Deep well submersible pumps are typically installed inside boreholes for pumping water to the surface from aquifers.These well pumps have a narrower profile than an end-suction centrifugal because they are intended for installation inside the borehole. They consist of a motor end that is mounted below a multi-stage diffuser-style pump end. Water flows across the motor surface to cool it, then enters the pump end through a screened intake toward the center of the unit and is pumped vertically to the surface. Two common uses for deep well submersible pumps are to provide clean water for irrigation, or to pump contaminated groundwater to the surface for treatment.
Each type is specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of its intended application, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
Certain pump models are designed to handle solids such as debris, sludge, or other particles in the pumped fluid effortlessly, making them highly suitable for applications involving wastewater, mining operations, and more.
Some of the most common industrial applications for submersible pumps include:
Finding the right pump equipment for your systems and applications can make all the difference in operational performance, efficiency, and overall profitability.
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a submersible pump for a specific application, including flow rate, head pressure, construction materials, motor power, and more. Sunair's expert team understands the diverse operational requirements of various industries, and provides tailored pump solutions for your needs.
When it comes to selecting the best submersible pump solutions, Sunair Co. is a trusted partner that collaborates with leading pump system manufacturers throughout the industry.
Sulzer is a prominent pump manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology—producing a range of ABS legacy brand submersible pumps engineered to deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Sulzer’s heavy-duty model ABS XFP submersible pumps are specially designed to handle challenging conditions, including high concentrations of rags and solids, for industrial and municipal use. They were the first in the industry to feature high-efficiency motors and their patented Contrablock solids-handling impeller technology with adjustable bottom plate ensures clog-free, efficient operation. Dual seals with moisture sensor, motor winding RTDs, and cooling jackets are all available features.
Note that the ABS XFP replaced the later model ABS AFP.
The axial flow propeller pump model ABS VUPX is ideal for high flow, low head storm water or flood control and dewatering, and the submersible mixed flow column pump model ABS AFLX is designed to be installed in the pipework.
The ABS Piranha is a medium-duty, high-pressure, effluent grinder pump with an impeller designed to shred soft soft solids and rags.
Light-duty drainage and waste water pumps for commercial and residential use include, for example, the ABS Robusta and ABS Scavenger..
The ABS JS and ABS XJS series sludge pumps are excellent solutions for pumping dirty water with solid mixtures. The ABS J and ABS XJ series drainage pumps enable efficient and convenient transport of water and dirty water mixed with light abrasives. The ABS JC and ABS XJC drainage center-line pumps also handle dirty water mixed with light abrasives and feature a slimmer, easier to carry design, making it more convenient for operations with limited installation space.
Barmesa is a leading submersible pump manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of models for diverse applications, including sump/utility, effluent, solid handling, sewage, grinder, cutters, dewater, slurry, and light slurry, as well as pumps with stainless steel construction, each showcasing the company’s expertise and commitment to quality.
Pumps feature rugged construction and efficient designs combining durability with cost-effectiveness to provide reliable and efficient pump solutions.
Submersible pump model BSV stainless steel submersible with vortex impeller, CUT cutter pumps with Barmesa’s patented RotoBlade, CBSE with explosion-proof motor, and K series dewatering and slurry pumps with or without high chrome agitator are some highlights of their extensive product range.
Dual seals with moisture sensors and motor winding RTDs are available options.
Cornell Pump Company submersible pumps are available with enclosed impellers for clean liquids or soft solids, or a delta impeller for handling stringy materials and rags.Pumps can be powered by a high efficiency, explosion-proof electric motor or hydraulic drive. Heavy-wall volutes and smooth-passage impellers ensure long life and efficient operation in abrasive applications. The pumps also feature replaceable wear rings and a back pull-out design for easy maintenance. Dual seals with moisture sensors, cooling jackets, and motor winding RTDs are all available options.
Cornell also offers an immersible pump model, which can operate for up to 2 weeks under flooded conditions.
Discflo Pumps submersible pumps feature their pioneering boundary layer, viscous drag pumping Discpac technology and are ideal for applications involving viscous, abrasive, and high-solids fluids. These pumps have proven their effectiveness in some of the most challenging conditions, including digester sludge, toxic slurries, nuclear waste, dewatering tank transfers, drilling operations, dredging projects, and environmental clean-up efforts.
Discflo’s Discpac technology is characterized by wide internal clearances and easily handles viscosities as high as 200,000 cPs and slurries containing up to 80% solids. The non-impinging Discpac design is inherently resistant to damage that can be caused by upset such as deadhead operation against a closed valve.Dual seals with moisture sensors, cooling jackets, and motor winding RTDs are all available options.
Xylem is a global leader in water technology, providing a comprehensive range of submersible pumps specializing in reliable and efficient pumping for the toughest wastewater applications.
Models include bilge pumps, submersible column pumps, slimline pumps, dewatering, ultra-low head water pumps, wastewater and treatment pumps, and water well pumps and motors.
Xylem’s Goulds Water Technology manufactures an extensive range of light- and medium-duty pumps for residential, commercial, and light industrial sump pumping involving clean or solids-laden fluids, with various impeller, seal, motor, monitoring, and mounting options.
SEEPEX specializes in progressive cavity pumps, and their model E semi-submersible pump models are designed to operate in empty barrels, pits, basins, and containers efficiently. They can even withstand the demands of abrasive or corrosive media with low to high viscosity. This makes them a cost-effective alternative to conventional pump systems, particularly in applications with critical suction heads or limited installation space.
Hevvy Toyo DP series pumps are the world’s original agitator pump, capable of transporting up to 70% solids, ideal for dredging and other extreme duty services. The DL series submersible pump is a versatile dewatering pump capable of transporting up to 20% solids, featuring high chrome wear components and run dry capability. The DXL series submersible pump is a hard wearing, dependable and low-cost dewatering pump capable of up to 20% solids.
Hevvy Pumps' submersible pumps are engineered with robust construction and capable of handling abrasive slurries, high solids content, and even corrosive fluids—ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh conditions.
Franklin Electric offers submersible deep well and turbine pumps, effluent pumps, grinder pumps, and non-clog pumps with optional explosion-proof motors. Franklin is an integrated supplier and the world's largest manufacturer of submersible electric motors.
Sunair Co. carries the best submersible pump equipment from the most reliable manufacturers in the world. Trust our vast industry expertise and steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction in providing the perfect pump equipment for your systems and applications.
Our dedicated service and repair center also ensures 24 / 7 support for repairs, preventative maintenance, breakdown service, system upgrades, and replacements.
Contact Sunair Co. today to outfit your operations with the highest-quality submersible pumps and reliability equipment.
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