Vertical turbine pumps are centrifugal pumps, also known as the vertical pump, deep well, or line shaft pump. They are built to be fully submerged in water and are designed to move water from underground wells or reservoirs. They are commonly used in water applications, but there is a wide range of these pumps for many industries and applications. Because of its vertical design, it is much more practical than a similar submersible system. This keeps the engine dry and free of potential risks that would come from a submersible pump.
How do they work?
Vertical turbine pumps are made up of a motor, discharge head, and at least one rotating impeller that is attached to a shaft that directs water into a diffuser casing called a bowl. These pumps work when water enters the pump through a bell-shaped part called the suction bell. It then moves into the first stage impeller, which raises the water’s velocity. The water then enters the bowl immediately above the impeller, where this high-velocity energy is converted into high pressure. The bowl directs the fluid into the next impeller, which is located directly above the bowl, and this process continues through all of the stages of the pump. After the water leaves the final diffuser bowl, it passes through a vertical column pipe as it rises the well toward the surface. The elective motor is above ground, connected by a long vertical shaft to impellers at the bottom of the pump. The spinning shaft inside is supported with sleeve bearings mounted inside the column and lubricated by the water passing through. The pump discharge head is located at the surface, and it allows the flow to change direction toward the discharge pipe.
Where is it used best?
Vertical turbine pumps are commonly used in wells that provide irrigation or to provide water supply for municipalities that rely on groundwater rather than surface water. They are primarily used when a submersible pump is not possible because the flow is above the range of turbines, or the motor mounted at the top of the pump is preferred. These are usually multistage pumps with several levels of impellers encased in a bowl assembly and are typically classified as deep well or short set pumps.
What are the advantages of vertical turbine pumps?
Vertical turbine pumps have multiple advantages that can make them easy to use in all kinds of industries. Since the motor sits on the surface, this allows for motor replacement and repair without removing the entire pump assembly. The drive motor choice can be more flexible, including gas and electric options. They can pump from an open body of water like a reservoir, river, or pump intake structure. They can be easily customized and are highly efficient on high-head, low-flow applications.
Our legacy brand Floway® vertical turbine pumps are highly engineered vertical pumps and have a unique level of service and support for the life of your operation. No matter your industry, our dedicated Trillium Flow Technologies™ team ensures your success and gives you confidence year after year, project after project. We can assure you of guidance, responsive solutions, and long-term plans that optimize your efficiency and resources.
