Submersible pumps are unlike any other type of pump, as they’re entirely immersed within the fluid they transport. Lengthening their lifespans requires understanding the applications they often use and how they operate. Submersible pumps are designed so that the pump and its motor remain fully submerged within a processing solution or other liquid, which requires that they remain sealed. The impermeable nature of this enclosure surrounding the motor protects these pumps from failure. To keep submersible pumps operating properly in harsh conditions, certain best practices should be followed to ensure they last as long as possible.
Submersible pumps convert rotational energy into kinetic energy, which transports fluids throughout a pumping system. These pumps are designed to be fully submerged, which requires the motor to be hermetically sealed. As a result, the motors of submersible pumps need to be positioned within the pump’s housing, along with sequentially placed impellers. The liquid they pump also acts as a coolant when fully submerged.
Applications for submersible pumps include:
Though commonly used for pumping liquids from wells, tanks, underground reservoirs, or other sources in which they’re submerged, submersible pumps are used for various applications. These include crop irrigation, extracting groundwater, pumping water for fighting fires, or supplying water to buildings. However, one key aspect of their design is that they must remain completely immersed in a liquid; otherwise, they will likely experience cavitation, and damage to the motor or seal can also occur. For this reason, they should never be run when dry.
Before considering ways to extend their lifespan, let’s examine the factors that can affect how long submersible pumps last. The lifespan of submersible pumps can be affected by the quality of installation, duty cycle, sedimentation, materials from which they’re made, power supply, the use of pump protectors, and how well they’re maintained. These factors should be considered when choosing a submersible pump for a particular application and ensuring it operates reliably throughout its lifespan.
How well submersible pumps are installed plays a key role in how long they last, with improperly fitted systems more likely to experience breakdowns and failures of critical components. Pump installation requires a deep understanding of pumps and how they operate in specific applications, so this must be done by people with sufficient expertise. Though professional installations of submersible pumps might cost more initially, they’re likely to be cost-effective over time by reducing maintenance costs and the need for repairs and replacement of parts.
The frequency at which submersible pumps operate affects their lifespan, otherwise known as their duty cycle. It’s a critical element for determining how long they’ll last. While certain submersible pumps only intermittently function, others activate frequently or work continuously. Frequency can shorten a pump’s lifespan, especially if it’s not the best pump. Selecting the best submersible pump for an application involves matching its capacity to its recommended output rate. Without adequate capacity, submersible pumps experience more wear, which leads to shorter lifecycles.
Sediments can significantly affect the lifecycle of submersible pumps. Solids within the water or other liquids being pumped may be abrasive, for example, thus causing considerable wear to the pump, especially its bearings and rotational components. Generally, the higher the level of sedimentation, the harder submersible pumps must work and the lower their lifespan. As debris tends to clog submersible pumps’ intakes, which then reduces flow and may lead to damage, it’s essential also to install them away from areas that may present a source for debris, like organic matter, rocks, or silt. For this reason, it’s vital to choose submersible pumps made from tougher materials when they’re working with fluids containing higher amounts of sediment. This is especially true when used for dredging, mining, sewage, or other applications where abrasive wear can lead to premature failure.
Typically, submersible pumps are made from materials like thermoplastics, stainless steel, or cast iron. Submersible pump composition affects lifecycle, as each material has advantages and disadvantages, depending on their precise application. For example, though cast iron submersible pumps tend to be less expensive, they’re more vulnerable to corrosion than ones made from stainless steel. Though submersible pumps made from thermoplastics also resist corrosion, the material often doesn’t stand up well when used for heavier-duty applications.
How much power submersible pumps produce affects their lifecycle. Too little power can slow the pump, resulting in premature wear of the impeller or other pump parts. Too much power can also cause premature failure, as it may lead to overheating. Submersible pumps should be powered as recommended for the application.
It’s also essential to deactivate submersible pumps when fluid levels drop to keep them from running dry, which sometimes results from too much sedimentation in the pumped fluid. Pump protectors for submersible pumps shut the pump off when problems like this occur. This helps prevent damage, saving money on repair or replacement of parts like seals.
The maintenance of submersible pumps is the most important element in extending their lifecycle. A range of best practices regarding submersible pump maintenance allow pump operators to recognize and focus on issues before they become real problems. Maintaining submersible pumps is key to ensuring they continue performing efficiently throughout their lives.
Maintenance tips regarding submersible pumps should include:
Regular maintenance that includes following the above tips will ensure a longer life for a submersible pump. It will also improve its efficiency and reliability, ensuring it continues to work optimally throughout its lifetime.
As the largest distributor of commercial, industrial, and municipal pumps throughout the Atlantic Northeast, Hayes Pump offers submersible pumps from several different manufacturers. We also supply parts and ancillary products for submersible pumps to ensure optimal operation.
Hayes supplies submersible pumps under brands that include:
Contact the pump experts at Hayes Pump to learn more about our selection and servicing of submersible pumps and to inquire about the best one for your application.