Submersible Pumps Explained: Types, Working, and Applications

Water pumps are inevitable additions to a wide range of industrial and residential applications. They help transfer water efficiently from one location to another. Different kinds of pumps have been precisely designed to serve a purpose. One of the most widely used pumps is a submersible pump. So, here’s everything you need to know about this popular water pump right from what is a submersible pump to its working, types and applications. 

What is a Submersible Pump?

As the name suggests, a submersible pump, also known as an electrical submersible pump, is a water pump that is completely submerged in the water and can be used for a variety of applications. The electric motor used in the process is hermetically sealed and also close-coupled to the pump. One of the major advantages of a submersible pump is that it does not require priming because it has already been submerged in the liquid.

Such pumps are also highly efficient and do not require you to spend energy on moving the water inside the pump. Certain submersible pumps can handle solids well, while others are only effective with liquids. These are quiet as they are underwater, and also, since there is no spike in pressure with the water flowing through the pump, cavitation is never a problem. Now that the basics are clear, let’s learn more about the submersible pump working principle.

Submersible Pump Working Principle

If you are wondering about how a submersible pump works, here’s everything you need to know.

1. The submersible pump is completely submerged in the water and is used to push water towards the surface.
2. The water from the well or reservoir flows into the pump through the foot valve and strikes the impeller, which has multiple fixed blades.
3. This impeller is connected to an electrical motor via a shaft and rotates in conjunction with the shaft.
4. As the water strikes the impeller’s blades, they convert the water’s kinetic energy into speed, hence, increasing the speed of the water.
5. Water enters the diffuser after passing through the impeller, which further converts the speed of the water into pressure energy.
6. As a result, the diffuser raises the desired water pressure, and this high-pressure water then discharges through the pump’s outlet valve.

This is how a submersible pump works to push water to the surface.

Types of Submersible Pumps

Let’s learn about the different types of submersible pump options you can buy depending on your requirements.

1. Agricultural Submersible Pumps

Agricultural submersible pumps are commonly used to extract water from reservoirs and transport it directly to farmland or possibly to farm storage.

2. Residential Submersible Pumps

Residential submersible pumps can be used to pump water from a well to your home. Submersible pumps can also be used to remove stagnant water from your home.

3. Sewage Submersible Water Pump

A sewage submersible water pump can be utilised to transfer solid material from the pump’s inlet to the discharge without clogging. Such pumps frequently reduce sewage material to smaller particles for smoother handling as well as downstream treatment.

Selection of Submersible Pump

The selection of a submersible pump depends on several factors, such as

1. The type of submersible pump you want
2. The application you need a submersible pump for
3. The maximum flow of discharge by the submersible pump
4. Pressure head
5. Highest discharge force
6. The horsepower of the pump
7. Expulsion size of the submersible pump

Applications of Submersible Pumps

There are various submersible pump applications. 

1. Slurry pumping and sewage treatment
2. Mining
3. Oil wells and gas
4. Dredging
5. Sump pumping
6. Saltwater handling
7. Fire fighting
8. Irrigation
9. Drinking water supply

4 Tips to Buy a Submersible Pump

If you are looking to purchase a submersible pump and want to ensure that it is worth every penny, here are four tips to help you make the best choice.

1. Different pumps have different capacities. Understand the capacity you need and pick the submersible pump accordingly.
2. The maximum height a pump can raise the water to is determined by the delivery head. Pick the one that best fits your pump requirements.
3. Consider whether you need a submersible pump that turns on and off automatically. However, remember that such pumps cannot completely dry a surface.
4. Look for the accessories that come with the pump, as they are generally more user-friendly.

Conclusion

We hope this read helped you get a basic understanding of a submersible pump. If you want to deep dive into this topic, you can also read more about pumps and using centrifugal pumps to meet agricultural needs. Submersible pumps come with a variety of speeds, capacity ratings, and energy uses. Pick the submersible pump after thoroughly understanding your requirements. Explore the Crompton Pump buying guide and choose the right pump for each need.

FAQs on Submersible Pumps Working & Applications

1. What is a submersible pump used for?

A submersible pump is used to pump well water for agricultural irrigation, and for pumping sewage.

2. What is the advantage of a submersible pump?

A submersible pump is more efficient in comparison to other pumps. It can handle both solids and liquids and does not require external components to pump the water. A submersible pump does not require priming, has no cavitation problems, and is quite energy efficient.

3. Can submersible pumps run dry?

Yes, when the water level drops below the minimum required level, a submersible pump can run dry.

4. How long will a submersible pump last?

When used moderately, submersible pumps have a lifespan of 8–10 years and may last as long as 15 years.

5. How do I choose a submersible well pump?

To choose the right submersible well pump, you must consider the following factors:

1. Type of water
2. Discharge height
3. Float-and-flow switch
4. Cooling system
5. Suction depth
6. Outlet size
7. Borewell size