These workhorses get water out of the way or send it where it needs to go.
Submersible pumps are a type of centrifugal pump. They’re designed to function with the pump and motor submerged in the water. The pump’s motor is sealed. It’s impossible for even a small amount of water to get into the motor and short it out.
Because they operate below the waterline, submersible pumps can have either a vertical or horizontal configuration. They’re a popular dewatering solution because it takes little time and effort to put submersible pumps to work. You can start these pumps at any level of water and not worry about the depth of the pumping level. Submersible electric pumps are quiet, have a small footprint, and they are easy to maintain. They have three conventional uses.
1. Storm water drainage
Big storms can dump more water than a municipal drainage system can handle. Debris in the excess water obstructs its movement. This only adds to the problem. The standing water must be removed as soon as possible to prevent additional damage.
Submersible electric pumps are perfect for this type of dewatering task. You can quickly get these pumps to flooded areas, and they need little supporting infrastructure other than an electrical source. That source can be a portable generator, usually the only solution if an area damaged by storms has also suffered power outages.
Property damage isn’t the only reason why storm water must be removed as soon as possible. This water is often contaminated and needs to be kept away from fresh water sources.
2. Flood Control
We think mainly of severe thunderstorms as the cause of flooding. This may be the most common natural event producing excess water. But there are other types. If you’re along the coast, you have rare super-high tides, hurricanes, and even tsunamis to worry about.
No matter where you are, there’s a potential for flooding caused by a natural event. There also is the possibility of existing flood control failure, such as a levee breach or dam burst.
Lineshaft pumps are the primary pumps used for flood control. These traditional high-volume pumps are used to remove as much water as possible. Submersible electric pumps capable of getting into confined areas assist the lineshaft pumps. The submersibles can literally be lowered into areas of standing water. They need little or no supporting infrastructure compared to other types of pumps.
3. Irrigation
When water for crops doesn’t come from the sky, it has to be delivered from another source. Whether that’s a nearby reservoir or a well, submersible electric pumps move irrigation water from where it rests, to where it needs to go.
The design of the submersible electric pump turns this into a quick and uncomplicated process. The pump is transported to the well or reservoir. Lower the pump into the water, connect it to transfer hoses and electricity, and you’re good to go. Time to give that thirsty crop a drink of water!
Nothing complicated
Submersible electric pumps are versatile pieces of equipment. They’ll make a fast job out of removing standing water. The design may be simple, but it’s effective. It’s why many of the submersible pumps used in industrial applications are just larger versions of what you can find at a hardware store.
There are a few additional benefits to submersible electric pumps besides being quieter and taking up less space.
- It’s not necessary to prime this type of centrifugal pump.
- There’s minimal concern about cavitation because the pump’s impeller and casing are always submerged.
- There’s no suction pipe.
Water conditions determine the type of submersible electric pump you’ll need. It may not be a concern for irrigation, but flood or storm water is often filled with debris.
The submersible pump you choose must be able to handle these solids. In these situations, you’ll need a submersible trash pump. These are more rugged versions that are capable of handling solids in the pumped water. These pumps have a heavy duty impeller that creates stronger centrifugal force. This pushes the debris and water out of the pump.
The motor is part of the pump
The distinguishing characteristic of a submersible electric pump is there’s no separate motor above grade. It makes the pump more versatile than other types, but it doesn’t detract from their ability to move water. They can pump up to thousands of gallons per minute. Learn more about MWI’s customizable line of submersible electric pumps here.