Submersible mixed flow column pumps are innovative and versatile pieces of equipment that have found widespread use in various industries. These pumps combine the benefits of both axial and radial flow designs, making them highly efficient and adaptable to a wide range of applications. In this article, we will explore the definition, working principle, advantages, applications, and design features of submersible mixed flow column pumps.

Definition and Working Principle

A submersible mixed flow column pump is a type of centrifugal pump designed to operate while fully submerged in the fluid being pumped. What sets it apart from other submersible pumps is its unique impeller design, which produces a combination of axial and radial flow. This hybrid flow pattern is achieved through the specific geometry of the impeller blades and the pump casing.

The working principle of a submersible mixed flow column pump is based on the conversion of mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. As the impeller rotates, it imparts both axial and radial velocity components to the fluid. The axial component moves the fluid parallel to the pump shaft, while the radial component creates pressure by centrifugal force. This combination allows the pump to handle high flow rates while also generating significant head pressure.

The mixed flow design is particularly effective because it leverages the strengths of both axial and radial flow patterns. Axial flow is efficient for moving large volumes of fluid, while radial flow is better at generating pressure. By combining these two flow patterns, mixed flow pumps can achieve a balance of high flow rates and high head pressures, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Advantages

Submersible mixed flow column pumps offer several advantages over other pump types, making them a popular choice in many industries:

High head and flow: The unique impeller design allows these pumps to achieve both high head pressures and high flow rates. This makes them suitable for applications that require pumping large volumes of fluid to significant heights or distances.

Suitability for challenging media: These pumps are well-suited for handling fluids containing solids or fibers. The mixed flow pattern helps prevent clogging and reduces wear on the pump components, even when dealing with abrasive or fibrous materials.

Compact design and easy installation: Submersible mixed flow column pumps have a relatively small footprint compared to their pumping capacity. Their vertical orientation saves space, and the submersible design eliminates the need for a separate pump house or extensive above-ground infrastructure.

Energy efficiency: The combined axial and radial flow allows these pumps to operate efficiently across a wide range of flow rates and head pressures. This can lead to significant energy savings compared to other pump types, especially in variable flow applications.

Low maintenance requirements: The submersible design protects the motor and other critical components from external contaminants, reducing wear and extending the pump's service life. Additionally, the self-priming nature of submersible pumps eliminates issues related to air locking or loss of prime.

Applications

The versatility of submersible mixed flow column pumps makes them suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries:

Wastewater treatment: These pumps are commonly used in wastewater treatment plants for tasks such as lift stations, effluent pumping, and sludge transfer. Their ability to handle solids and fibrous materials makes them ideal for raw sewage and activated sludge applications.

Industrial wastewater treatment: Many industries, including food processing, chemical manufacturing, and pulp and paper production, use these pumps to manage their wastewater. The pumps can handle the diverse range of contaminants found in industrial effluents.

Mining: In the mining industry, submersible mixed flow column pumps are used for dewatering operations, slurry pumping, and process water circulation. Their robust design allows them to withstand the harsh conditions often found in mining applications.

Municipal water supply: These pumps are used in water treatment plants and distribution systems for tasks such as raw water intake, filter backwash, and booster pumping. Their high efficiency and reliability make them well-suited for continuous operation in municipal water systems.

Flood control: The high flow capacity of these pumps makes them valuable in flood control applications, where large volumes of water need to be moved quickly.

Agriculture: In irrigation systems, submersible mixed flow column pumps can efficiently deliver water from wells or reservoirs to crops. Their ability to handle varying flow rates makes them suitable for precision agriculture applications.

Design Features

The performance and reliability of submersible mixed flow column pumps are largely due to their specific design features:

Impeller design: The heart of the pump is its mixed flow impeller. The blades are designed with a specific curvature and angle to create both axial and radial flow components. This design allows for efficient energy transfer from the impeller to the fluid.

Pump casing shape: The casing is engineered to guide the fluid flow smoothly from the impeller to the discharge. Its shape helps maintain the mixed flow pattern and minimizes energy losses due to turbulence.

Seal and bearing system: These pumps typically use mechanical seals to prevent fluid from entering the motor chamber. The bearing system is designed to handle both axial and radial loads, ensuring smooth operation and long service life.

Motor cooling: Submersible motors are often cooled by the fluid being pumped. Some designs incorporate additional features like internal circulation or jacketed cooling systems to ensure proper motor cooling even in challenging conditions.

Materials of construction: Depending on the application, these pumps can be constructed from a variety of materials, including cast iron, stainless steel, and special alloys. The choice of materials is critical for ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion and abrasion.

Submersible Mixer Manufacturers

Tianjin Kairun offers a range of submersible pumps and mixers suitable for various applications. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their ISO 9001 certification. For those considering Tianjin Kairun as a potential supplier for submersible mixers or pumps, you can contact them at catherine@kairunpump.com for more information about their products and how they might suit your specific needs.

References:

Gülich, J. F. (2010). Centrifugal Pumps. Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

Karassik, I. J., Messina, J. P., Cooper, P., & Heald, C. C. (2008). Pump Handbook. McGraw-Hill Education.

Nelik, L., & Brennan, J. (2005). Progressing Cavity Pumps, Downhole Pumps and Mudmotors. Gulf Publishing Company.