How to Select a Submersible Pump

What is a Submersible Pump?

Submersible Pumps are designed for a range of applications, offering efficient performance and ease of use when pumping fluids mainly consisting of water. Submersible Pumps are predominantly used for drainage of flat surfaces, sewages, dewatering of spring, rain, and groundwater, as well as sludges and slurries containing particles, as they are designed to empty water when a certain level of fluid has been reached. For added versatility, they can also be used as a mobile and easy-to-use evacuation pump for applications where you need to get rid of unwanted water or slurries.

Advantages of Submersible Pumps:

All Tapflo Submersible Pumps are available with a range of impellers to enhance your operating parameters. For enhanced solids-handling capabilities, opt for a vortex impeller, as this impeller type allows for the handling of up to 70% of the inlet ID. As an example, if you have a 4” pump, you can handle up to 70mm solids. An added benefit of this design is the impeller is not in contact with the media being pumped, ensuring product integrity. Some key benefits of using Submersible Pumps are:

• The discharge channel forms part of the motor housing, ensuring effective motor cooling
• Overheating protection which stops the pump when temperatures are too high. This protection automatically cools the system down, starting it up again when the required temperatures are reached
• Automatic level control with optional float switch and level sensor, controlling the operation based on the water level
• To ensure correct impeller rotation, a protection system included that protects against reverse operation
• Available with agitators, ensuring minimal clogging for free passage clearance
• Pump body and motor constructed from robust materials for added versatility

Common industries & applications:

• Construction
• Deep Well Drilling
• Draining Rooms
• Sewages
• Rainwater Collection
• Irrigation
• Industrial Water Extraction

What are your fluid & media transfer characteristics?

To choose the appropriate Submersible Pump for your application, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What media will be pumped? Consider the chemical composition of the media you will be pumping – is it chemically neutral or corrosive, shear sensitive etc.
2. What is the viscosity of the media you intend to pump? Consider viscosity limitations, shear sensitivity etc.
3. Do you need to pump fluids containing solids?
4. Is your environment or fluid explosive?
5. Do you require CIP/SIP?
6. Do you require self-priming capabilities?

Materials Available:

• Stainless Steel: Excellent corrosion resistance
• Cast Iron: Cost-effective, good corrosion resistance
• Thermoplastic: Great chemical resistance, high impact resistance

Some of our materials offer an ATEX option on request for explosive applications and environments.

Maintenance required to keep your Submersible Pumps running:

• Visual inspections of the pump’s components to look for signs of wear or leaks
• Listen for any strange/excessive noise as this could indicate a problem, such as excessive vibration
• Check the oil and top it off if required
• Ensure the bearings temperatures are at optimal levels
• Ensure the gasket is free of any leaks
• If a self-flushing system is present, check to ensure there is no wear or damage
• Ensure operating parameters, such as flows, pressures, and temperatures, are all running in accordance with the pumps’ specifications

Depending on the size of your pump and the fluid you are pumping, a more detailed maintenance schedule may be required.

Related Articles:

• Submersed or Submersible – What’s the Difference?