The vertical turbine pump is popular in deep well applications, but how well do you understand it? This overview has all you need to know about the pump’s meaning, working, and typical uses in various industries and settings.
What is a Vertical Turbine Pump?
A vertical turbine pump is an elongated centrifugal pump for greater depths. It excels in deep well extraction and high-pressure distribution, making it a versatile device for different uses.
“Vertical” denotes its vertical orientation, while “turbine” indicates its rotating impellers, which work like turbines. The impellers fly media around a circumference, propelling it up the assembly and to an outlet.
It has many applications, such as deep well and sump pumping, water distribution, firefighting, and wastewater treatment. Others include irrigation, dewatering, HVAC, and industrial processes.
Vertical Turbine Pump Parts
Learning about the pump’s operation is essential to understanding its working and care. The following are its main sections, starting from the top.
Motor/Driver Assembly
The drive is either an engine or an electric motor. It provides the kinetic energy the device needs to work, and is usually mounted on the upper end (discharge head). From here, it connects to the impeller or impellers through the shaft.
Discharge Head
The discharge head is the upper section. It supports the motor/drive and provides connection points (outlets) for the discharge lines. It also has seals and various other parts, including flange connections and valves.
Column Assembly
The column assembly is the middle section. It houses the line shaft, shaft sleeve, and support bearings. It bears the fluid pressure when the motor operates, and must be sturdy enough to resist damage.
Bowl Assembly
The bow assembly contains the impeller and the suction bell. It allows the liquid to enter the pump smoothly, without turbulence, and reach the impeller vanes for acceleration.
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nttWAEAFSd4
Vertical Turbine Pump Working Principle
The vertical turbine pump operates in three main stages: fluid intake, acceleration, and discharge. Here’s what occurs in each stage and how it helps transfer liquids.
Fluid Intake
Fluid goes into the device at low pressure, facilitated by the impeller rotation. The impeller now rotates at a very high speed, assisted by a shaft.
As we saw earlier, the shaft derives its energy from the drive located above the body or assembly. Submersible pumps have motors in the bowl assembly.
Fluid Acceleration
The rotating impeller imparts force on the fluid, increasing its pressure. In multistage types, the fluid goes up the column pipe and exits through the discharge head. Multistage types have the fluid pass through various impellers.
Discharge Stage
The fluid is now under high pressure. The discharge head lets it out, directing it to the exit pipe or pipes. The water is now at a high pressure and speed, enabling its transfer over long distances.
Types of Vertical Turbine Pumps
Vertical turbine pumps are available in various designs and constructions. The variants suit different uses depending on the project requirements. They include those described below.
Line Shaft Turbine Pump
This type operates with the motor or engine suspended above the liquid being moved. It mainly suits shallow applications, such as tanks and other reservoirs.
Submersible Turbine Pump
The submersible types work inside the fluid. The motor is usually contained in the assembly and hermetically sealed. Submersible pumps are best for deep pumping where the length may not reach the fluid level.
Canned Turbine Pump
These have can-like structures in their design. The cans contain individual impellers. This design offers various benefits, such as improved efficiency and power.
Radial vs. Axial Turbine Pump
A radial type has the impeller mounted perpendicular to the shaft. The construction increases the amount of pressure, making the pump more effective for higher heights.
Axial types have the impellers mounted in parallel with the shaft. They achieve low head characteristics but achieve good flow and are best for lower height pumping.
Mixed Flow Turbine Pump
A mixed-flow type uses axial and radial impellers. The design improves two operational aspects: head and flow. These pumps mainly suit supply applications, such as municipal water distribution.
Single Stage vs. Multistage Turbine Pump
A single-stage type has one impeller, making it suitable for less demanding uses. A multistage impeller pump uses two or more. The difference in the number of impellers translates to a variation in the pressure and flow.
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3AjevV_82w
What are the Advantages of Vertical Turbine Pumps?
Vertical turbine pumps offer various benefits. Their advantages range from the ability to extract fluid from deep sources to reduced installation space.
Deep Source Pumping
They are primarily deep well pumps. Their vertical design and length allow them to reach far down into the fluid. They are also scalable to match the depth requirements, especially when getting water from wells.
High Flow Capacity
The impellers increase the flow capacity, making the pumps powerful enough for various applications, from water extraction to supply and industrial processes.
Increased Efficiency
Most turbine pumps are self-priming, which reduces operation requirements. The impeller action is also less energy-consuming, resulting in overall power savings compared to most other pump types.
Space Savings
The vertical arrangement reduces the amount of ground needed for installation. In other words, you can mount it in tight places, including near pipes. More importantly, it fits where horizontal types may not, such as well bores.
Vertical Turbine Pump Disadvantages
Given their many benefits, vertical turbine pumps are popular in many settings. However, as explained below, they also have a few downsides that you must know about.
Complex Maintenance
The pumps are generally easy to keep in good condition. However, they operate with the suction section inside the fluid, and sometimes fully submerged.
The underground and underwater operation makes them more challenging to maintain. It includes using special equipment and procedures to access the hidden parts.
Higher Cost
They cost slightly more than most other pumps, given their elaborate construction. The price may vary from a few hundred to a thousand dollars. It depends on the design and other features, such as material and size.
Resource: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP-RHApXmTY
What is a Vertical Turbine Pump Used For?
A vertical pump is helpful when the liquid to be moved is below the ground level, although it also works in above-ground settings. The following are applications where it helps transfer liquids.
- Clean water supply
- Crop irrigation
- Dewatering/flood control
- Wastewater systems
- HVAC systems
- Firefighting equipment
- Power generation plants
- Oil and gas production
- Chemical and water pumping in manufacturing processes
Considerations When Buying a Vertical Turbine Pump
Anyone planning to invest in a vertical turbine pump must understand the factors to consider. That’s because the product is available in many configurations. Consider the following when buying one.
- Head and Flow Rate: How much fluid in gallons per minute will you move–and how high? Ensure the pump perfectly meets the need. It helps prevent oversizing or undersizing.
- Fluid Type: What type of fluid will you use it for? Some liquids are more viscous than others, while some are corrosive.
- Pump Type: Vertical turbine pump manufacturers supply the product in many design options. Choose a construction that fits your application requirements.
- Impeller Type: The impeller determines performance. Understand their differences and make your choice based on the properties of each.
- Single Stage or Multistage: Depending on the head and flow needs, determine which type to go for.
- Material Type: Select a material that will not suffer damage in the application environment. It should be wear and corrosion-resistant, among other features.
- Installation and Maintenance: Ensure the pump is straightforward to mount and care for. You may also want it to be scalable for future changes.
Conclusión
The vertical turbine pump is a powerful liquid transfer device with a wide range of uses. It mainly lifts water from deep sources but also suits above-ground uses, such as water distribution and irrigation. It has a high efficiency rate, takes up less space, and has various other benefits.