19 Jun Submersible Pumps | Pump Power Consumption

Controlling the Power Consumption of Submersible Pumps

Uniquely designed to control the movement of liquids whilst being completely submerged, submersible pumps form a crucial part in applications such as wastewater treatment facilities, drainage of sublevel areas for water extraction, or crop irrigation, to name a few. As submersible pumps are basically out of sight, little attention gets paid to the operating costs, amongst which power consumption is the greatest concern. With these pumps being vital to a pumping system, we at Prochem Chemical Pump Manufacturers would like you to consider all the factors that have a drastic influence on the life expectancy and power of the pump.

Factors to Consider Before Selecting Submersible Pumps

Every decision made when selecting submersible pumps directly affects the pump’s performance and the amount of power consumed whilst the pump is in operation. Here are a few factors you should consider before you decide which pumps to purchase:

• The composition of the liquid, including whether solid particles need to be pumped through, has a direct bearing on the size and material composition of the pump required. If there is a presence of solid particles in the liquid, the particles’ sizes need to be considered.
• The amount of liquid to be pumped must be accurately determined beforehand as this greatly affects the size of the pump. When considering the pump’s efficiency, you need to factor in that the pumping volume must be greater than the maximum inflow of liquid in the tank.
• The height at which the liquid needs to be pumped also needs to be considered. It impacts the pump’s ability to lift the liquid to the required height.
• The correct diameter of the piping system is another important consideration as this directly affects the flow rates and has an impact on the discharge pressure.

These crucial factors play an important role in the pump’s efficacy and choosing the correct one will reduce unnecessary wear and tear, which, in turn, will greatly improve energy costs when the pump is running.

Best Operating Efficiency Point of Submersible Pumps

Submersible pumps must be evaluated to ensure that they operate at maximum efficiency and produce the desired results at minimal consumption and operational costs. Ideally, all submersible pumps need to operate at the best efficiency point (BEP), which is calculated based on the head and flow rates that need to be achieved. The amount of power used in relation to head and flow rates determines the correct efficiency at which the pump must perform.

Often referred to as a pump curve, a point needs to be reached where the pump delivers optimum performance. For example, 1 HP submersible pumps used for moving water from wells or boreholes to the surface operate at approximately 750 watts. Continuous pumping for 10 hours means that the pump will use 7.5 kWh.

If a 1 HP pump is operating below or above 7.5 kWh, it is not running at BEP, which could mean that there is friction loss in the piping system, the head diameter isn’t sufficient for the amount of solids in the liquid, or the height that the liquid needs to be pumped hasn’t been properly calculated.

Every one of these factors, including the size of the pump, will drastically increase the power consumption of the pump.

Consult with the Leader in Chemical Pump Manufacturing

Submersible pumps are an investment, and to keep yours in prime working condition, consult with the experts in chemical pump manufacturing – Prochem Chemical Pump Manufacturers. Although our principal range lies in chemical pumps, we offer a range of pumping solutions starting from entry-level water pumps to the most state-of-the-art pumping technology in the industry. Our professional, independent, and unbiased input in pump-management systems assures you of the best advice when choosing the right pump for your application. Contact us today for more information.