Reader Response Draft #4

The article “Submersible Pump: Working, Types, Applications, & How To Prime It” by Waqar (n.d.-a) gives a brief introduction to submersible pumps, highlighting their key features and advantages. Waqar (n.d.-a) explains that submersible pumps are specialised devices used in leachate environments to move fluid while submerging in liquid. As these pumps mostly operate underwater, they avoid the possibility of cavitation forming, resulting in greater lifetime and dependability. Additionally, they do not require any priming, simplifying the setup procedure and thus increasing their efficiency. These features allow the pump to excel in handling a wide range of applications that revolve around liquid. For instance, they are able to collect groundwater in deep wells and regulate sewage and drainage systems in cities. Overall, these pumps are essential for fluid management due to the combination of cavitation prevention and the overall operational simplicity. While centrifugal pumps are an alternative in the market, engineers in leachate environments prefer submersible pumps because they reduce cavitation and are simple to install.

One of the features of a submersible pump is their cavitation prevention. Cavitation is the formation of vapour bubbles caused by a drop in liquid pump pressure below the vapour pressure level. Aniket (2024) states that submersible pumps are less likely to experience cavitation. The article discusses how submersible pumps can prevent cavitation by sustaining appropriate pressure levels when submerged by stopping vapour bubbles from forming. When compared to centrifugal pumps, submersible pumps are regarded as efficient due to their ability to successfully regulate internal pressure underwater. Centrifugal pumps are often installed above ground and rely on suction lines to prevent cavitation. If these suction lines are poorly designed or have any obstruction to them, cavitation is likely to arise due to pressure fluctuations. As submersible pumps can internally control pressure, these pumps excel in wastewater environments, where they are placed deep in leachate environments to transport liquid.

Another feature of the submersible pumps is their ease of installation. The unique design of a submersible pump allows it to be placed in deep locations such as pits or deep wells. Submersible pumps are more space efficient as they are only operational underwater, making them perfect for tight or confined spaces. In contrast, centrifugal pumps are usually installed above ground, which requires much more space for installation (Crompton, 2024). In addition, submersible pumps do not require any form of priming. According to Adam (2024), submersible pumps do not require any manual effort to eliminate air bubbles from the pump and suction line, thereby providing convenience and reliability. Whereas centrifugal pumps are generally not known to be self-priming. Most of these pumps require to be manually started up to remove any air from the pump and suction lines. A drop in fluid level or air entering the system might cause the pump to lose its prime, making it impossible to function optimally unless it is manually primed again.

While submersible pumps come with their advantages, there are some challenges associated with their use. Unlike other types of pumps, centrifugal pumps can readily pump in large volumes within a short time. These pumps are applicable in leachate environments due to their fast flow rates and ease of use. Crompton (2024) says that submersible pumps are best at consistently holding the same level of flow while high flow rates at not very low pressures are typical for centrifugal pumps. As centrifugal pumps can hold high flow rates, they can transport large amounts of liquid instead of slowing down and managing at a consistent and slower pace. In addition, as stated by Eddypump (n.d.), submersible pumps can be challenging to access for regular inspections or maintenance, particularly in deep-well applications. This limitation sometimes leads to their use until failure, resulting in replacement rather than preventative maintenance. However, despite these drawbacks, the reliability, compact design, and ability to prevent cavitation from submersible pumps still prevail over the limitations it has. This makes them an indispensable choice for leachate environments and applications that require steady and low-maintenance.

Overall, submersible pumps in leachate environments can prevent cavitation and are reliable and efficient due to not requiring a constant manual start-up. The compact design of the pump allows it to be installed in confined spaces like deep wells or landfills. While centrifugal pumps can offer a higher flow rate, submersible pumps are ideal in wastewater management and fluid transportation in leachate environments because of their steady results and low maintenance.

References

Crompton. (2024, August 23). Centrifugal Pump Vs. Submersible Pump: Know The Differences. https://www.crompton.co.in/blogs/pumps/centrifugal-pump-vs-submersible-pump

Hurlbatt, A. (2024, June 23). How submersible pumps work: Advantages and disadvantages of submersible pumps. Pump Solutions Australasia. https://pumpsolutions.com.au/how-submersible-pumps-work-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-submersible-pumps/

Raj, A. (2024, April 25). Unlocking efficiency: A comprehensive guide to submersible pumps. EDDY Pump. https://eddypump.com/blog/guide-to-submersible-pumps/

Waqar, E. (n.d.-a). Submersible pump: Working, types, applications, & how to prime it. Mechanical Boost. Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://mechanicalboost.com/submersible-pump/#more-2846

Waqar, E. (n.d.-b). What is centrifugal pump?: How does a centrifugal pump work?. Mechanical Boost. Retrieved October 2, 2024, from https://mechanicalboost.com/centrifugal-pump-an-overview/#Centrifugal_Pump_Working

What you need to know about submersible pumps. EDDY Pump. (n.d.). https://eddypump.com/education/what-to-know-about-submersible-pumps/