One of the primary differences between a general pump and a submersible axial flow pump lies in their submersion capabilities. Submersible axial flow pumps, as their name suggests, are designed to be fully submerged in the fluid they are pumping. This unique characteristic allows them to operate efficiently underwater, making them ideal for applications where the pump needs to be placed directly in the liquid source.

The submersible nature of these pumps offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need for priming, which is often required in other pump types. Priming is the process of filling the pump casing with liquid to create suction, and it can be time-consuming and sometimes challenging, especially in deep well applications. By being already submerged, submersible axial flow pumps can start pumping immediately upon activation, saving time and effort.

Another significant benefit of the submersible design is the reduced risk of cavitation. Cavitation occurs when vapor bubbles form and collapse in the liquid, causing damage to the pump components. Since submersible axial flow pumps are always surrounded by the fluid they are pumping, the risk of air entering the system and causing cavitation is greatly minimized.

In contrast, general pumps encompass a wide range of pump types, and their submersion capabilities can vary significantly. Many common pump types, such as centrifugal pumps, are typically installed above the fluid level. These pumps rely on suction to draw the fluid up into the pump casing, which can sometimes lead to priming issues or increased risk of cavitation, especially if the suction lift is too high.

However, it's important to note that not all general pumps are limited to above-ground installations. Some pump types, like vertical turbine pumps, can have their impellers submerged while the motor remains above the liquid surface. This design provides a middle ground between fully submersible pumps and those that operate entirely above the fluid level.

Design

The design of submersible axial flow pumps and general pumps differs significantly, reflecting their intended applications and operating environments.

Submersible axial flow pumps feature a hermetically sealed motor that is integrated with the pump body. This sealed design is crucial for underwater operation, protecting the motor and electrical components from water ingress. The motor is typically filled with oil for cooling and lubrication, ensuring reliable operation even when submerged for extended periods.

The compact nature of it is another key design feature. These pumps are often designed to fit into narrow spaces such as wells or tanks. The slim profile allows them to be lowered into boreholes or installed in confined spaces where larger pumps wouldn't fit. This compact design also contributes to their efficiency, as it reduces the distance the fluid needs to travel from the intake to the discharge point.

In contrast, general pumps can have a wide variety of designs, depending on their specific type and intended use. Many general pumps, particularly those designed for above-ground installations, have open structures that allow for easy access to the pump components for maintenance and repairs. The motor and pump body in these designs are often separate units connected by a axial, rather than being integrated as in submersible pumps.

For example, a typical centrifugal pump might have an exposed impeller housed in a volute casing, with the motor mounted on a base plate alongside the pump. This design allows for flexibility in motor selection and easier maintenance but is not suitable for submerged operation.

Other general submersible axial flow pumps designs, such as positive displacement pumps, may have entirely different structures. For instance, a rotary gear pump consists of two gears meshing together inside a casing, while a diaphragm pump uses a flexible diaphragm to create suction and discharge.

The diversity in general pump designs reflects the wide range of applications they serve, from transferring water in municipal systems to handling viscous fluids in industrial processes. Each design is optimized for specific operating conditions, fluid types, and performance requirements.

Operation

The operation of submersible axial flow pumps and general pumps can differ significantly, impacting their efficiency, maintenance requirements, and suitability for various applications.

It operates with both the motor and impeller submerged in the fluid being pumped. This submersion provides several operational advantages. Firstly, it reduces the starting torque required to begin pumping. Since the impeller is already surrounded by the fluid, there's less resistance to overcome when starting the pump, which can lead to lower energy consumption and less strain on the motor during startup.

The submerged operation also allows for continuous operation as long as the pump remains submerged in liquid. This is particularly beneficial in applications where the fluid level may fluctuate, such as in wells or reservoirs. As long as the pump remains submerged, it can continue to operate efficiently without the risk of losing prime or suffering from cavitation.

Another operational advantage of submersible axial flow pumps is their ability to handle high pressures. The column of water above the pump in deep well applications creates significant pressure, which these pumps are designed to withstand. This makes them ideal for deep well and high-pressure applications where other pump types might struggle.

In contrast, the operation of general pumps can vary widely depending on the specific type of pump. For example, centrifugal pumps, one of the most common types of general pumps, use rotational energy to push fluid through an outlet. They typically require priming before startup, especially if they're installed above the fluid level. This priming process involves filling the pump casing and suction line with liquid to create the initial suction needed to draw fluid into the pump.

Many general pumps, particularly those installed above ground, may also require special consideration for cooling and lubrication. Without the benefit of being submerged in the pumped fluid, these pumps often rely on external cooling systems or lubricating mechanisms to prevent overheating and ensure smooth operation.

The operational flexibility of general pumps is one of their key advantages. Depending on the specific type, they can handle a wide range of fluids with varying viscosities, temperatures, and particulate content. For instance, positive displacement pumps excel at handling high-viscosity fluids, while centrifugal pumps are well-suited for high-flow, low-head applications.

However, this flexibility can also mean that general pumps may require more careful selection and sizing to ensure optimal performance in a given application. Factors such as net positive suction head (NPSH), flow rate, and discharge pressure need to be carefully considered when choosing and operating a general pump.

Submersible axial flow pump manufacturer

Tianjin Kairun Flow Pump stands out as a reputable option when choosing a manufacturer for submersible axial flow pumps. The high quality and dependability of their products are guaranteed by the company's compliance with various industry standards and regulations, including ISO 2858. If you're looking for submersible axial flow pumps, you can get in touch with us at catherine@kairunpump.com for more details or questions.

References:

1. Grundfos. (2021). "Submersible pumps: The complete guide." 

2. KSB. (2020). "Pump Types and Applications." 

3. Hydraulic Institute. (2019). "Pump Types and Applications." 

4. Sulzer. (2022). "Submersible Pumps." 

5. World Pumps. (2018). "Understanding submersible pump applications." 

6. Engineering ToolBox. (2003). "Pumps - Introduction."