If you have considered getting a water pump for your tank, you are probably trying to learn about different kinds of pumps, including a submersible pump. This article will explain to you what a submersible pump is and when it is used to help you decide whether or not they are the right fit for your needs.
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What is a Submersible Pump?
As the name suggests, these are fully submerged in water. It is a centrifugal water pump, meaning that the motor powers an impeller designed to rotate and push water outwards. The motor is set within a waterproof seal and attached to the body of a pump it supplies power to. These pumps are designed to be placed within the reservoir of water that has to be pumped out. Therefore, they find their use in drainage, especially during floods, sewage pumping, lifting water out of ponds or lakes or even used as pond filters in Canada. In the case of a water tank, submersible pumps are placed inside the tank to pump water out to where it is needed.
When to Use Submersible Pumps?
Perhaps the most significant advantage is that they are quiet when operating as the water drowns the noise. They are also energy efficient as they do not need much energy in pushing the water in which the pumps are submerged. These pumps are seated at the bottom of the design and push the water upwards through the roof. Therefore, they are generally used in underground tanks where the water needs to be pushed to the surface. These can also be used in water tanks above the ground. The possible downside of submersible pumps is accessibility, especially if it requires maintenance and repair. And since they occupy space within the tank, it means a few fewer liters of water; however, the setbacks are negligible compared to the invisibility and quietness.
Components of a Submersible Pump
- Submersible water pump: This component of the pump is the one that is completely submerged in the water and is used to push the water towards the surface. This is component has to work efficiently and should have the self-priming capability.
- Check valve: It is also known as a no return valve and is used to stop the backflow of the fluid inside the pump. The location and number of check valves required in a pump are decided based on the depth of the well. As the depth increases, more valves are needed to be installed. For instance, installation within 200 feet requires two valves – one on the surface and one on the pump exit.
- Clamps: A pipe clamp is used to seal the poly pipe against a barbed insert fitting to make the pool of connection and watertight seal reliable.
- Safety Rope: The safety rope directly connects the pump and the wellhead. It is primarily used to prevent the pipe from separating, leading to the loss of the pump in the tank base. It also provides a backup to pull the pump out of the borehole. The installer must secure each pump with a safety rope before hanging it in the well.
- Pump Stands: A submersible pump stand in Canada is designed to be used in lakes, rivers or other water bodies where one must install a submersible pump. These stands provide steadiness and stabilization and mechanical protection performed without jeopardizing their performance.
- Pump Cable: These are used to transfer electricity to the pump. Most pumps need cables that have two or three wires. Cable and zip ties are needed to secure the cable’s riser between cable guards.
- Pressure Switches and Gauge: The pressure switch regulates the operation of a submersible water pump with a built-in membrane that moves forward and backward to exchange the water system’s pressure. Pressure gauges allow easy monitoring of the operational status of the pump. These gauges are located in the accessory parts that point up to the t-head of the water tank.
- Impeller: This is the pump’s rotating component, which has multiple fixed blades. This part converts the kinetic energy of the water into speed.
- Inlet and Outlet Valves: The inlet valve is used to suck the water inside the pump, while the outlet valve is used to discharge the water out of the pump.
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Advantages of a submersible pump
Perhaps the most significant advantage of a submersible pump is that it is quiet, does not have cavitation problems and requires no manual priming. They are also highly efficient compared to other types of pumps and are energy efficient and save a lot of energy as they suck the water inside themselves by using the water pressure. It has sufficient internal pressure to pump the water out. The cables for this pump are well suited for both fresh and saltwater and can control both liquids and solids. It must be ensured that the pump is completely submerged in water; otherwise, it may cause significant damage. Another issue with these types of pumps is that some parts may deteriorate over time, making them difficult to maintain and repair.
Despite these minor setbacks, these pumps are of significant advantage that make them suitable for various places.