How Industrial Sump Pump Systems Work

In simple terms, a sump pump is just one used to remove water accumulated in a localized depression known as a “sump.” While sump pumps are often found in residential basements in places prone to flooding or high water tables, industrial sump pump systems can be found in places like construction sites, military bases, mining operations, power plants, and other facilities where water accumulation can cause problems. They are also used when extracting water from aquifers for municipal water plants to keep the ground above it stable. Industrial sump pumps help provide solutions for handling water in areas where it’s not wanted for numerous other industries as well. Due to their widespread use in many applications, understanding how industrial sump pumps operate is useful knowledge for workers and managers in the industries that utilize them.

Industrial Sump Pump Systems & How They Work

One of the more common uses for industrial sump pumps involves dewatering applications where contaminated water in effluent, industrial waste, raw sewage, or slurries requires removal. Normally powered by electric motors, sump pumps are used in lowland areas prone to flooding, including for construction sites that remove surface water or groundwater. Industrial sump pump systems are also used for drainage in many production facilities, including juice-making operations and other manufacturing processes. Additionally, they’re placed to contain spills and protect against contamination.

Most industrial sump pumps require greater power than those used for domestic purposes, as they need to handle higher flow rates. Due to this, sump pumps used industrially are most often equipped with 3-phase motors designed to work at a constant speed. Whether domestic or industrial, sump pumps transport water from the sump pit and away from the building or area that’s being dewatered. However, modern industrial sump pump systems integrate computerized sensors to monitor fluid levels and other automated technology that signals the pump when to turn on or off, or when to switch to a backup pump.

Like those used in residential areas, industrial sump pumps utilize mechanisms to detect and react to high water levels. Most industrial sump pump systems will have at least two pumps in the same sump pit, while some systems feature three or more pumps. Once the pit fills with water, the piping systems attached to the sump pump transport water away from the area experiencing flooding via impellers that spin. As more water fills the pit, these impellers force water through the piping, while a valve system that operates one way keeps this water from flowing back towards the sump pit. 

Importance of Industrial Sump Pumps

Fluid management is also important for an array of industrial applications, such as petrochemical processing and wastewater treatment. For these sectors, industrial sump pump systems remove excess fluid and overflow from modules that keep fluids moving, pig launching stations, sample pots, seal pots, and skids. Sump pumps are also used in oil fields to manage fluids necessary for maintaining operational efficiency and safety, allowing oil wells to work smoothly and without interruption. For drilling operations, industrial sump pumps work to prevent groundwater from building up around the well and remove the mud that often results from drilling. They also collect and transport fluids that may contaminate the surrounding environment as well, pumping these liquids or slurries into containment areas or tanks for disposal.

Industrial sump pump systems will include all or most of the following: 

• Sump pump: The core component of industrial sump pump systems, these pumps work to transfer fluids from the sump to where fluids are disposed of or stored.
• Locking hatch: Allows access to the water containment area for inspection and maintenance, securing it so that only authorized individuals can enter to thwart tampering.
• Leak detection system: This safety feature is integral for modern industrial sump pump systems, especially when an application involves handling hazardous fluids; these systems involve probes and sensors that are positioned strategically to monitor for leaks or spills in the containment area to make work areas safer and mitigate contamination.
• Instrumentation: These will include gauges, meters, sensors, and other instruments that provide operators with real-time data to track fluid levels, pressures, temperatures, and other factors necessary to optimize pump performance.
• Flame arrestor: When an application involves flammable fluids, flame arrestors act as a safety barrier to reduce the likelihood of a fire or potential explosion.
• Electric motor: The exact type of motor used for industrial sump pump systems will depend on the application for which it’s used, with some pumping systems incorporating backup motors to make them more dependable.
• Controls: Used to govern the operation of industrial sump pumps, these allow operators to respond to real-time data from sensors to make better decisions; today’s industrial sump pump systems often utilize programmable logic controllers or other computerized automation to ensure the pumping system runs smoothly and responds appropriately to any changing conditions.

When it comes to transporting water, industrial sump pumps are perhaps the most effective means for moving it from one place to another. Additionally, how they operate means they use less energy than pumps that use suction or otherwise “pull” fluids.

Types of Industrial Sump Pumps & Systems

As noted previously, industrial sump pump systems normally have a primary pump and at least one backup. Though the primary pump does much of the work, the secondary pump will take over in case of a malfunction or a higher-than-normal influx of water. There are two basic varieties for industrial sump pumps: submersible or pedestal configurations. Both types can be used for either the primary or backup pump.

Submersible Sump Pumps

As per their name, these industrial sump pumps work while submerged in water or other fluids. Since they’re immersed in the sump pit, these pumps tend not to freeze in cold weather but are self-priming and less likely to overheat. Submersible sump pumps also run more quietly, though they’re more expensive. Industrial sump pump systems of this style draw water through the intake valve as water fills the sump pit. The water is then forced through the impeller, discharging via the outlet valve and into the piping system. The pump’s bottom is usually covered with a grate or flat screen to keep debris out of the system. These industrial sump pumps are also sealed within an airtight and waterproof housing that keeps water from infiltrating from the sump pit. However, though this hermitic sealing helps prevent water damage to the motor, it makes maintenance much more difficult.

Pedestal Sump Pumps

Less expensive and simpler in design than submersible pumps, pedestal sump pumps are also easier to access for repair and maintenance, as the motor isn’t submerged. These industrial sump pumps feature an intake valve in the sump pit, along with the impeller that moves the fluid, while the pump’s motor is on top. Because of the motor’s position, pedestal sump pumps tend to be much louder. Piping from the pump reaches into the pit to push water out. Though pedestal pumps last longer and are easier to maintain, they’re also unable to handle solids well, limiting their applications.

Industrial Sump Pump Systems from Hayes Pump

Hayes Pump, Inc. distributes an array of high-quality municipal, commercial, and industrial sump pumps, along with components and capabilities to install whole sump pump systems. Hayes Pump’s selection of industrial pumps can handle every type of application, from pumps that transport corrosive chemicals to those used for municipal drinking water. To learn more about the industrial sump pumps and other pumps we distribute, contact Hayes Pump for more information.