Submersible pumps can work well in various applications, from pumps for wells, to those capable of pumping sewage. They can be useful on job sites, as well as houses with flooded cellars. Submersible pump design varies from application to application, which helps to make these pumps so versatile. As is common in industry, many companies manufacture more than one kind of submersible pump.

For submersible pumps basics, look for information that should help your company choose the pump that will best suit your needs. Consider these options to see if you can put a submersible pump to work for you.

1. Rely on submersible sump pumps to cure a flooded cellar.

2. Let submersible water well pumps deliver drinking water.

3. Pump sewage with submersible sewage pumps.

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Reclaim a flooded cellar with submersible sump pumps

Submersible sump pumps can be rated as industrial submersible pumps or as residential submersible sump pumps. Both the industrial sump pumps as well as the residential can be made of cast iron or stainless steel. Some submersible sump pumps can also be plastic. However, the submersible pump design is for clear water only. Submersible sump pumps also work well in over flow tanks, cooling towers and drainage pits. Submersible centrifugal pumps are another form of submerged water pump that works well in applications such as lawn sprinkling or irrigation.

I recommend: Grainger has a wide selection of submersible sump pumps for industrial as well as residential use. Another reliable manufacturer of these submersible sump pumps is AMT.

Allow submersible well pumps to pump drinking water from wells

The submersible pump design varies within the submersible well pump classification. These pumps can work in shallow or deep wells. Some of these submersible well pumps are capable of not only residential use, but for irrigation use as well.

I recommend: Goulds Pumps manufactures submersible water pumps, as does Central Pump and Supply.

Move sewage with submersible sewage pumps

Some of the most hard-working pumps are the submersible sewage pumps that pump not only liquid, but sewage as well. These pumps function without clogging. Some of the submersible sewage pumps are even explosion-proof. While not technically submersible sewage pumps, some submersible centrifugal pumps are capable of transferring 'dirty water' that contains solids that are up to two inches in diameter.

I recommend: Stancor Pumps and Hydromatic Pump are among many manufacturers that make submersible sewage pumps. Cat Pumps is one manufacturer among many who makes submersible centrifugal pumps.

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• •  The manufacturers of submersible pumps would be happy to provide submersible pump information. These versatile pumps are worthwhile investments for your company.

By definition, submersible pumps are designed to be fully immersed within the media they are installed to move, with motors sealed away from the media they are transferring. Employ submersible pumps to move fluid of any viscosity, from water to wet sand. Wastewater treatment, wells, paper mills, steel production facilities, food processors and agri-businesses utilize a submersible pump.

Submersible water pumps aren’t just for water. Think about where in your business you need to transfer anything that can be moved in a fluid motion from one place to another. Chances are a manufacturer markets a submersible pump design to fit the bill. Three main job categories to consider include:

1. Transferring fluids at high pressure with submersible well pumps.

2. Grinding up solids before transferring out with industrial submersible pumps.

3. Moving out sludge and slurry with submersible sewage pumps.

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Reach the deep end with submersible well pumps

Pump producers design well pumps with a narrow, cylindrical shape to drop down well holes easily. Use these pumps to de-water mine shafts or pump out oil deposits.

I recommend: Baker Hughes produces Centrilift electrical submersible pumps, multiple stage centrifugal pumps that work in a wide range of applications from slim-hole oil wells and high production water wells to coal bed methane applications. Flowserve manufactures the Byron Jackson and Pleuger brands of deep-well submersible pumps.

Chop it up with industrial submersible pumps

Rather than risk byproducts suspended in water from your manufacturing process coagulating and clogging pipes, install a pump with a chopper at the intake to pulverize any solids prior to pumping.

I recommend: Vaughan Co. breaks up scum or sludge in municipal wastewater treatment, scraps in food processing plants or mineral scaling or slurries in industrial processes. D&D Machine & Hydraulics manufactures hydraulically driven, submersible digester pumps that can break up more viscous materials for the agricultural, construction, industrial, mining, petroleum and municipal markets.

Go with the flow with submersible centrifugal pumps

Submersible pump design has developed pumps with open, flow-through bodies that can allow fluids with up to 70% solids to pass right through, good for mining and dredging operations.

I recommend: GPM is the original equipment manufacturer of the Eliminator submersible and slurry pump line. Since 1960, Grindex has designed and manufactured electric submersible pumps for slurry removal for industrial, mining and construction applications.

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• •  As you review submersible pump information, keep in mind four main specifications: 1) Discharge flow, which depends on the pressure head where the pump feeds into your system; 2) Discharge size, which your system's outlet connection also determines; 3) Maximum discharge pressure; and 4) Horsepower, which is usually how the pump's power rating is advertised.

Submersible pumps are used for wells, ponds, sewage treatment and a variety of industrial purposes. They are generally made with a waterproof casing which prevents electricity from coming into contact with the water using thermal overload sensors, making them safe and efficient for a variety of purposes.

Submersible well pumps, submersible water pumps or submersible sewage pumps generally have simple setups that require very little training to install. However, industrial submersible pumps can be more complicated, requiring more training and a general knowledge of electronics. Whether working with a light-duty or industrial submersible pump, learning how to install and maintain the model is important.

1. Knowing submersible pump basics like part identification and what each part is used for can help make installation and maintenance easier.
2. Proper submersible pump installation is easily learned and applied, preventing problems later.
3. Always read safety guidelines before attempting to install, repair or operate a submersible pump.
   

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Learn how submersible pumps work

Being able to identify the parts of submersible water pumps and knowing what they're for can save you time and hassle when there's a problem. Being able to identify which part is malfunctioning allows you to order a new one quickly and easily, without costly inspections or expert repairs. In addition, knowing the parts and purposes of basic submersible water pump parts can make installation and maintenance easier.

I recommend: Check out an overview of how submersible pumps function from Pumps-in-Stock, or read frequently asked questions about submersible pumps at Environmental Equipment and Supply.

Find out how to install a submersible pump

While the installation of your submersible pump will vary, depending on whether you're installing an industrial or residential model and what purpose you plan to use it for, most installations can be done without professional help. Larger products, like specialized pumps for certain industrial uses, sometimes require professional oversight. Learn how to install your submersible pump in a well, pond or other water source.

I recommend: Get detailed submersible pump information on installation and maintenance from ByExample or the Homeowner's Blog.

Enroll in classes for more submersible pump information

Submersible pump classes and class materials are available for those who want to learn more. Often, these classes can be taken at a vocational school, as part of a college degree program or online. Courses in submersible pumps tend to cover specific aspects of the industry, such as using submersible water well pumps or how submersible pumps are used in the mining industry.

I recommend: Find submersible pump classes online from Training Classes, or take a course on water well pumps from the International School of Well Drilling.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  More submersible pumps education and training can often be found by contacting the submersible pump manufacturer and asking about any trade shows, conferences or workshops they plan to host or attend. This type of activity can advance your submersible pump education without requiring extra classes or on-the-job training.

A submersible pump is designed to be fully emerged in the product it is pumping. The pumps are completely enclosed to protect the mechanisms within. There are many types of submersible pumps and many regulations and certifications for them. When shopping for submersible pumps, do not get bogged down by words and phrases you don't understand. Review submersible pumps key terms to gain an understanding of what terms you may come across.

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Alloy

An alloy is a metal that is created by combining other metals. The metals that are combined are selected for various attributes and for what they can create when put together. Some alloys are stronger or more flexible than the original metals.

I recommend: San Jose State University provides more information about alloys.

Reinforced composite

Reinforced composites are a combination of two or more constituent materials that are different in qualities and chemical make up. These composites also contain fiber, rubber or other materials used to reinforce the composite to make it stronger.

I recommend: Learn more about reinforced composites at the Federal Highway Administration. Science Direct also has information about fiber reinforced composites. Visit Nova to learn more about composites.

NSF

The NSF is the National Sanitation Foundation. This foundation tests and certifies submersible pumps among many other products. A product with an NSF certification has little to no discharge or harmful waste.

I recommend: The National Sanitation Foundation website offers information about NSF policies and standards. Read more about NSF inspections at Dominion Soil Science.

VFD

A VFD is a variable frequency drive, also known as a variable speed drive, VSD adjustable frequency drive, AFD, variable voltage drive, variable frequency drive or a VVVF drive. VFDs are used in pump motors to regulate rotation speed and AC electricity.

I recommend: Learn more about codes and news regarding variable frequency drives at Joliet Technologies. Penton Media also has information about VFDs.

Inverter duty motors

Inverter duty motors are motors designed to work with a VFD. Inverter duty motors are also equipped with an internal cooling system to keep the motor at proper temperatures.

I recommend: Learn more about inverter duty motors at AutomationDirect.com.

ASME

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or ASME, is a non-profit organization that certifies many mechanical products including submersible pumps. Most American submersible pumps are certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

I recommend: Visit ASME International to find all the codes and standards for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Learn more about the ASME at IHS.