How-to: Select a Submersible or Surface Mounted Pump
Submersible and surface mounted are two different pump configurations that have unique benefits, making each one suitable for different kinds of applications. Our expert guide will cover the basic differences between the two pump types and where they can be installed.
Submersible Pumps
Submersible pumps are installed submersed in the medium they are pumping. They are designed to be watertight and are typically constructed from corrosion resistant materials, such as stainless steel, in order to prevent damage from long-term submersion.
Benefits
Equipment Vibration
Due to their complete submersion, these pumps experience fewer vibrations during operation. These pumps therefore operate more quietly, are less likely to experience components becoming loose and are subject to less wear and tear from the movement.
Installation Space
Submersed pumps occupy less space when installed as they are situated directly into the area that the pumping medium is stored, such as a wet well or reservoir. This means no additional space on site is needed to be allocated to the pump’s installation.
Energy Efficiency
Because these pumps are directly installed into the medium they are pumping, they bypass the need to draw the fluid up and into the body before it can be pumped away. Instead, they use the natural pressure of their submersion depth to intake fluid to be pumped. This also means there is less pipework needed for the pump to operate and therefore less friction losses, increasing the system’s overall energy efficiency.
Maintenance
These pumps are protected from environmental impact, weather and vandalism due to their submersed and inaccessible location, negating any damage from these sources and reducing the need for repairs.
Surface pumps were once favoured for the easy access they provide for maintenance and repairs, but advancements in the design and construction of submersible pumps mean they now require much less frequent maintenance and repair.
Submersible pumps are now also much easier to access - Auto-coupling sets, such as T-T’s Duckfoot, are fitted at the bottom of a pump chamber and allow for the pump to be raised and lowered without the chamber needing to emptied.
Typical Applications
- Groundwater supply
- Drainage
- Sewage Pumping
Cri-Man PTSH - Submersible Chopper Pump
Features a heavy-duty cutting system for efficient solids handling, ideal for agricultural waste handling.
KTH/S - Corrosion Resistant Pump
A highly corrosion and wear-resistant contractors' pump designed for dewatering in extreme conditions.
Zenit DR Bronze - Durable Electric Pump
Electric pump with a bronze body for long-term submersion into and handling of chemically aggressive liquids.
Surface-Mounted Pumps
Surface-mounted pumps are installed outside (and usually above) of the medium they are pumping, drawing the liquid up and into the body before it can be pumped away.
Benefits
Maintenance
Surface mounted pumps will not experience corrosion from the pumping medium due to being installed outside of it. Surface pumps are often cheaper than submersibles due to not requiring the same corrosion resistant level of construction materials.
Even with auto-coupling for easy access to submersed pumps, surface pumps are still quicker and easier for operatives to access for maintenance and repair needs.
Typical Applications
- Domestic/commercial water transfer from wet well
- Agricultural/groundskeeping irrigation
SCR Range - Engine Driven Pump
Lightweight and powerful pumps that require minimal maintenance and are easily transportable for emergency dewatering.
SAER AP/AL - Self Priming Pump
Durable construction materials and a fully repairable design make this pump perfect for surface-mounted industrial pumping.
Self-priming pump with an open impeller for reliable solids handling in heavy-duty dewatering applications.
Both submersible and surface-mounted pumps come in many different models with features that make them more suitable for applications such as solids handling and chopping, abrasive liquid pumping, water boosting and viscous medium transfer.
Submersible pumps are the best choice in the majority of applications, however many industrial or hygienic applications may require a surface-mounted pump that allows for regular access for cleaning.
Browse T-T’s comprehensive range of pumps and buy online for 5% off your order.
Alternatively, if you need help selecting the most efficient pump model for your application, contact our a member of our team by calling +44 (0)1630 647200, emailing pumpsales@ttpupms.com or completing our online enquiry form.