How-to: Select a Submersible Pump
A submersible pump is any pump that operates while submerged in the medium it is pumping. There are a wide variety of submersible pumps available, designed for optimal performance in different kinds of applications – from agricultural, to industrial, to sewage handling, to potable water transfer and more.
With so many options available, each one boasting different features and construction materials, choosing the right pump for your application can seem complicated. Our experts have put together a handy guide that covers basic considerations when looking for a submersible pump.
Pumping Medium
The medium that is being pumped will strongly influence the submersible you need – with different impellers, free passage and material configurations to suit different mediums. Below are a few examples:
Potable water – a pump’s body and components must be deemed safe to handle potable water, the easiest way to determine if a pump is suitable for this is whether it is WRAS approved. The Water Regulations Approval Scheme is an independent UK body that certifies if a product is safe for use with potable water.
Solids – there are a few ways in which you might want to handle a medium that contains solids.
For construction sites where sand, silt and larger suspended solids may be present, a submersible pump with a large free passage is the most reliable option. A large free passage will mean the solids can pass through the pump with the chance of a blockage being reduced.
Slurry and fibrous materials that are present in agricultural applications may need to be chopped or ground before they are transported, this may be to ensure the medium makes it to its destination without any blockages or to achieve more consistent anaerobic digestion when utilising slurry for fertiliser. Pumps with grinder impellers or chopping mechanisms are perfect for these applications.
Liberator Vortex - Heavy Duty Drainage Pump
Compact dewatering pump with a 38mm free passage and steel coating for maximum durability against abrasive solids. Ideal for construction sites and emergency dewatering with solids present.
Cri-Man PTS 40 - Submersible chopper pump
Multi-Channel impeller and double chopping system designed for preliminary chopping of heavy-duty, suspended solids. Designed for handling and chopping agricultural solids such as slurry
Permanent Installation or Portable Use
Permanent - you will want a pump that can easily be accessed for any necessary maintenance and repairs – accessories such as an auto-coupling set include guide rails, a pedestal/duckfoot and a pump hook. These allow for easy initial installation and for the submersible to be removed without needing to drain the chamber it sits in.
Portable - Contractors pumps are perfect for on-the-go applications and sites with harsh conditions, such as building sites. They are designed to be compact and portable, made from hardwearing materials for maximum durability in rough environments.
Ideal for permanent installations or installations in tight spaces where accessing the pump for maintenance or servicing can pose a health and safety risk to operatives.
KTSE - Submersible Drainage Pump
The Kino Titan range of contractors pumps is compact and built from hard-wearing materials, suitable for use across multiple sites and in emergency applications.
Pumping Needs
The size of a submersible pump’s motor will determine the maximum head and flow rate it can deliver – so be sure to consider how far you need to pump your chosen medium and the direction it is being pumped, such as from below to above ground.
Zenit ZUG OC - High Performance Sewage Pump
The OC from Zenit's UNIQA Series of submersible pumps offers heads of up to 100m, with motor sizes available up to 355kW - suitable for use in below ground pumping stations.
T-T's PuddlePal puddle pumps have smaller motors, capable of head rates up to 15.5m and able to pump liquid down to a level of 1mm, ideal for removing nuisance and flood water from a residence.
For custom support in finding the right submersible pump for your application, contact our friendly experts by calling +44 (0)1630 647200, emailing pumpsales@ttpumps.com or completing our online enquiry form.