An industrial submersible pump is designed to operate while submerged in the liquid being pumped. The pump and motor are housed as a compact unit and installed directly in a sump, pit, tank or other pumping location.
Industrial submersible pumps are commonly used for:
- Sewage transfer
- Industrial wastewater
- STP and ETP applications
- Construction dewatering
- Mining and quarry dewatering
- Drainage
- Sludge handling
- Slurry pumping
- Effluent transfer
- Fibrous wastewater
Flow Chem Pumps manufactures submersible pump solutions for sewage, wastewater, drainage, dewatering, cutter, effluent and slurry applications. The company states that it has been manufacturing submersible pumps since 2002 and operates an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India.
Why Correct Pump Selection Matters
An incorrectly selected pump can create operational problems even when the motor starts and water is being pumped.
Common problems include:
- Insufficient flow
- Inadequate pumping head
- Frequent clogging
- Excessive wear
- High electricity consumption
- Motor overheating
- Mechanical seal failure
- Frequent maintenance
- Reduced service life
- Unexpected downtime
For this reason, pump selection should begin with the application requirements rather than with a particular pump model.
1. Identify the Liquid Being Pumped
The first question is simple: What liquid will the pump handle?
Different liquids can require different pump configurations.
| Liquid/Application | Pump Category to Consider |
|---|---|
| Drainage water | Submersible drainage pump |
| Construction-site water | Dewatering pump |
| Raw sewage | Sewage/sludge pump |
| Fibrous wastewater | Cutter pump |
| Industrial effluent | Effluent/wastewater pump |
| Heavy sludge | Sludge or slurry pump |
| Abrasive slurry | Slurry/agitator pump |
Flow Chem's current product range is organized around these application differences, including sewage and sludge, drainage, dewatering, wastewater, cutter and agitator slurry pump solutions.
2. Determine the Required Flow Rate
Flow rate indicates how much liquid the pump needs to move during a specified period.
It is commonly expressed as:
- m³/hr
- Litres per second (L/s)
- Litres per minute (L/min)
When calculating the required flow, consider:
- Average inflow
- Peak inflow
- Required transfer capacity
- Number of pumps operating
- Standby pump capacity
- Expected operating hours
A pump should not simply be selected because it has a large flow rating. The flow must be considered together with the required head and actual system resistance.
3. Calculate the Total Head
Head is another critical pump-selection parameter.
The pump must generate sufficient pressure to move the liquid from the suction location to the discharge point.
Total head can include:
- Vertical lifting height
- Pipeline friction
- Valves
- Pipe fittings
- Pipeline length
- Discharge pressure
For example, a pump may have a high flow rating under low-head conditions but deliver significantly less flow when operating against a higher system head.
Therefore, buyers should evaluate the pump at the actual required flow-head duty point.
4. Check the Solids Size
Solids handling is particularly important for sewage, wastewater, sludge, mining and industrial applications.
The liquid may contain:
- Sand
- Silt
- Sludge
- Organic solids
- Fibres
- Mineral particles
- Rags
- Other suspended solids
The maximum solids size should be compared with the pump's free passage and impeller configuration.
Using a pump with insufficient solids-handling capability can increase the risk of clogging and reduced performance.
5. Decide Whether a Cutter Pump Is Required
Some wastewater streams contain fibrous material that can become wrapped around conventional pump components.
Examples include:
- Rags
- Wipes
- Fibres
- String-like materials
- Other difficult solid waste
In these conditions, a submersible cutter pump may be considered.
A cutter pump incorporates a cutting mechanism designed to reduce suitable fibrous and solid materials before they pass through the pump.
This can be useful in wastewater applications where clogging is a recurring concern.
6. Consider Slurry Concentration
Mining and industrial applications can involve liquids containing significant quantities of suspended solids.
Important slurry parameters include:
- Solids concentration
- Particle size
- Particle shape
- Specific gravity
- Abrasiveness
- Settling characteristics
Dense slurry can impose significantly different demands on a pump compared with relatively clean water.
For applications where solids settle at the bottom of a sump, an agitator slurry pump can be considered. Flow Chem's agitator slurry pump range is designed for applications including STP desludging, ETP sludge handling, mining slurry and construction sumps.
7. Consider the Material of Construction
The liquid's chemical and physical characteristics can influence the required pump materials.
Depending on the application, buyers may need to consider:
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
- Special alloy components
- Wear-resistant components
- Compatible mechanical seal materials
For relatively normal wastewater applications, standard construction may be sufficient. More aggressive industrial effluent may require additional material compatibility evaluation.
Flow Chem's product information identifies cast iron as a common construction option and provides stainless-steel options for applications requiring different material characteristics.
8. Check the Mechanical Seal Arrangement
The mechanical seal is an important component of a submersible pump because it helps protect the motor and internal components from the pumped liquid.
When selecting a pump, consider:
- Single or double mechanical seal
- Seal-face materials
- Oil chamber arrangement
- Liquid characteristics
- Operating temperature
- Expected operating hours
For demanding sewage, sludge and slurry applications, seal configuration should be evaluated as part of the overall pump selection.
9. Determine the Motor Power
Motor power should be selected based on the actual hydraulic duty rather than simply choosing the highest available horsepower.
Motor selection depends on factors such as:
- Required flow
- Total head
- Liquid density
- Solids concentration
- Pump efficiency
- Operating duty
- Electrical supply
Oversizing can increase energy consumption and operating costs, while undersizing can result in inadequate performance or motor overload.
10. Consider Continuous-Duty Operation
Industrial pumps may operate for long periods, sometimes continuously.
Before selecting the pump, determine whether the application requires:
- Continuous operation
- Intermittent operation
- Frequent starting and stopping
- Standby operation
- Seasonal operation
For continuous applications, motor protection, cooling, sealing, bearings and wear components should all be considered.
Flow Chem's product information describes continuous-duty configurations across its industrial pump range, depending on the specific pump category and model.
11. Consider the Installation Environment
Submersible pumps are commonly installed in locations where access can be difficult.
Before installation, review:
- Sump dimensions
- Installation depth
- Water level
- Discharge pipe diameter
- Guide-rail requirements
- Electrical supply
- Cable length
- Maintenance access
- Pump lifting arrangement
Good installation planning can make future inspection and maintenance easier.
12. Choose the Right Pump for the Application
The pump category should follow the application requirements.
For Sewage
A sewage or sludge pump should be evaluated where the liquid contains significant solids and organic material.
For Construction Dewatering
A dewatering pump can be considered for removing accumulated water from excavations, foundations, construction areas and similar locations.
For Drainage
A drainage pump can be used for stormwater, basement water, utility-area drainage and other suitable water-removal applications.
For Fibrous Wastewater
A cutter pump can be evaluated where rags, wipes and fibrous materials create a significant clogging concern.
For Heavy Slurry
An agitator slurry pump may be suitable where solids settle rapidly and need to be re-suspended before pumping.
Flow Chem provides these different pump categories rather than treating every wastewater and industrial pumping application as the same duty.
Industrial Applications of Submersible Pumps
Industrial submersible pumps are used across many industries and operating environments.
Wastewater Treatment Plants
STPs and ETPs require pumps for sewage transfer, sludge movement, wastewater handling and other treatment processes.
Construction
Construction sites can accumulate groundwater, rainwater and other water that must be removed from excavations and foundations.
Mining
Mining operations can require dewatering from pits, tunnels and low-lying areas. Where abrasive solids are present, pump selection needs to account for the slurry characteristics.
Industrial Plants
Industrial facilities may require pumps for effluent, wastewater, process liquids and sump applications.
Municipal Applications
Municipal wastewater systems can use submersible sewage and sludge pumps for collection and transfer duties.
Common Industrial Pump Selection Mistakes
Choosing Only by HP
Motor horsepower is only one part of pump selection. Flow and head must also match the application.
Ignoring Solids
Failure to account for solids size and concentration can lead to clogging and excessive wear.
Ignoring Chemical Compatibility
Industrial wastewater may require different construction materials or sealing arrangements from ordinary drainage water.
Underestimating Head
Incorrect head calculations can result in lower-than-expected discharge performance.
Choosing the Cheapest Pump Without Considering Operating Cost
The initial purchase price is only one component of pump ownership. Electricity, maintenance, spare parts, downtime and service requirements can all contribute to the overall cost.
Flow Chem's own published guidance emphasizes evaluating total cost of ownership rather than focusing exclusively on the initial purchase price.
Industrial Submersible Pump Selection Checklist
| Parameter | Information to Collect |
|---|---|
| Application | Sewage, wastewater, drainage, dewatering, slurry, etc. |
| Liquid | Water, sewage, effluent, sludge or slurry |
| Flow | Required m³/hr or L/s |
| Head | Vertical lift and system losses |
| Solids | Maximum size and concentration |
| Temperature | Operating liquid temperature |
| pH/Chemistry | Required material compatibility |
| Duty | Continuous or intermittent |
| Power | Voltage, phase and frequency |
| Installation | Sump depth, pipe size and access |
Why Choose Flow Chem Pumps?
Flow Chem Pumps is an industrial submersible pump manufacturer based in Gujarat, India. The company states that its manufacturing experience dates back to 2002 and that its facility is ISO 9001:2015 certified.
The company's product portfolio covers multiple application categories, including:
- Submersible sewage and sludge pumps
- Submersible wastewater pumps
- Drainage pumps
- Dewatering pumps
- Cutter pumps
- Agitator slurry pumps
- Effluent pump solutions
- Jet aerator pumps
This application-based product range allows customers to evaluate the pump according to the actual liquid, solids and operating requirements rather than selecting a generic pump for every duty.
What Information Should You Give a Pump Manufacturer?
When requesting a quotation or technical recommendation, providing complete application information can make pump selection more accurate.
Ideally, provide:
- Application type
- Liquid type
- Required flow rate
- Total head
- Solids size
- Solids concentration
- Liquid temperature
- pH or chemical characteristics
- Pit or sump depth
- Discharge pipe size
- Operating hours per day
- Electrical supply
- Required quantity
Flow Chem's published pump-selection guidance similarly recommends sharing application, flow, head, solids and other operating information so the technical team can recommend an appropriate configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an industrial submersible pump?
An industrial submersible pump is designed to operate directly in the liquid being pumped and is used for demanding applications such as sewage, wastewater, dewatering, drainage, sludge and slurry handling.
How do I select an industrial submersible pump?
Start with the liquid characteristics and determine the required flow, total head, solids size, solids concentration, operating duty, materials and installation conditions.
Which submersible pump is suitable for sewage?
A sewage or sludge pump should be evaluated for raw sewage and solids-containing wastewater. The final selection depends on solids size, flow, head and other application conditions.
Which pump is suitable for construction dewatering?
A submersible dewatering pump can be considered for construction excavations, foundation pits and other areas where accumulated water needs to be removed. The required flow, head and solids handling should be checked before selection.
When should I use a cutter pump?
A cutter pump may be considered when wastewater contains fibrous materials that create a significant risk of clogging conventional pumping equipment.
Can submersible pumps handle slurry?
Some submersible pumps are specifically designed for slurry. Heavy or settled slurry applications may require an agitator-equipped configuration to help re-suspend solids before pumping.
What information is required for a pump quotation?
At minimum, provide the application, liquid type, required flow, head, solids information and installation conditions. Additional information such as temperature, chemistry, operating hours and electrical supply can help refine the selection.
Conclusion
Selecting the right industrial submersible pump starts with understanding the application. Flow rate, head, solids, liquid chemistry, motor duty, materials, installation conditions and maintenance requirements all contribute to the final pump selection.
Instead of choosing a pump based only on horsepower or purchase price, evaluate the complete operating requirement and match the pump category to the actual application.
Flow Chem Pumps provides submersible pump solutions for sewage, wastewater, drainage, dewatering, cutter, effluent and slurry applications. For application-based pump selection, provide the required flow, head, liquid characteristics, solids information and installation details to the Flow Chem technical team.
Explore the Flow Chem submersible pump range or contact Flow Chem Pumps for your industrial pumping requirement.