Submersible well pumps - Submersible solar pumps lift water from wells with high reliability and low maintenance.
A submersible well pump is a type of pump that is designed to be fully submerged in the fluid it is meant to move, typically from a well or borehole. Unlike traditional pumps that are installed on the surface and pull water up, a submersible pump pushes the water from below, which is a more efficient method. The entire unit, including a hermetically sealed motor and the pump body, is encased in a waterproof housing.
How They Work
The working principle of a submersible pump is based on converting electrical energy into pressure energy to move water.
Submersion: The entire pump assembly is lowered into the well until it is fully submerged in the water.
Motor Activation: When the motor is turned on, it spins a series of impellers.
Water Intake: The spinning impellers create a low-pressure area, drawing water into the pump through an intake screen.
Pressure Generation: As the water is pulled in, the impellers' rotation increases its kinetic energy. The water then enters diffusers, which convert this kinetic energy into pressure.
Water Discharge: The high-pressure water is then pushed up and out of the pump's discharge outlet, through a pipe, and to the surface.
This "pushing" action is highly efficient because it eliminates the need to create a vacuum to lift the water. It also prevents a common problem known as cavitation, which can occur in above-ground pumps when water vaporizes due to low pressure, causing damage to the pump.
Key Advantages
Submersible well pumps are a popular choice for a number of reasons:
High Efficiency: Because they are submerged and push the water rather than pulling it, they require less energy to move water from deep wells.
Reduced Noise: The water surrounding the pump acts as a natural sound insulator, making them much quieter than surface pumps.
Space-Saving Design: Since the pump is located inside the well, it doesn't take up any valuable space above ground.
Reliability: The hermetically sealed motor is protected from external elements, and the cooling effect of the surrounding water prevents it from overheating, which contributes to a longer lifespan.
Applications
Submersible well pumps have a wide range of applications, including:
Residential Water Supply: They are a standard solution for providing water to homes in rural areas that rely on private wells.
Agriculture: They are extensively used for irrigating crops and providing water for livestock on farms.
Municipal and Industrial: They are used in municipal water systems for groundwater extraction and in various industries for dewatering, wastewater management, and fluid handling.
Oil and Gas: In the oil and gas industry, they are known as Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) and are used for "artificial lift" to help extract oil and gas from deep wells.
The market for submersible pumps is growing, driven by factors like increasing agricultural and industrial activities, and the need for efficient water management solutions.