Understanding and Selecting the Best Lift Station Pump for You

May 6, 2021

When selecting a water pump, there are plenty of choices available—which means you’ll need to understand how each pump type works, their advantages and disadvantages and what they’ll be used for. This will help you make the right decision for your lift station’s specific needs. Here’s how to select the right pump for your lift station in Camden County, MO.

What will you be pumping?

Most pumps can handle wastewater, storm water and potable water. They may vary depending on whether you’re pumping slurry, suspended solids, different viscosities or clean water. However, there are also specialized pumps that can handle glycol and other types of fluid. Before you choose a pump, be very clear on the type of fluid you’re pumping and its general viscosity. Then pick the pump designed for that particular fluid condition. This will ensure that your pump is able to manage the jobs you need it to do.

Types of pumps

  • Dry-pit pumps: Dry-pit pumps are installed next to a wet well or sump, which allows you to use a non-clog centrifugal pump. Keep in mind that if your dry pit floods, it will ruin the dry-pit pump and motor. If flooding is a concern, consider a dry-pit submersible pump instead. The benefits of dry-pit pumps center around the fact that you can work on the motor at any time, since it’s not submerged in wastewater or other fluids.
  • Submersible pumps: Submersible pumps are submerged in the fluids. They have a completely sealed motor that eliminates the need for a dry pit to house them. Most of these pumps have oil surrounding the motor, and alarms that will alert management if any water is detected in the oil. This protects the motor from potential flooding. To service the pump, you’ll need to remove it completely from the water or fluids.
  • Self-priming pumps: Finally, you might find that self-priming pumps work for your needs. Self-priming pumps are installed above ground, and use suction to move fluids. Some of these are designed to handle solids. Generally, they have a longer lifespan than submersible pumps.

Types of impellers

  • Enclosed channel impeller: This type of impeller is generally considered quite efficient, although you may encounter issues with stringy, fibrous solids. These impellers have enclosed channels for solids to pass through.
  • Semi-open impeller: This type of impeller is partially enclosed, and allows three- to four-inch spherical solids to pass through with no trouble. They’re more efficient than vortex impellers, but less so than enclosed channel impellers. Use them with any of the pumps listed above.
  • Vortex impeller: Finally, vortex impellers are used in submersible and dry-pit wells. They create a whirlpool to remove solids and fluids through the pump.

When you need help selecting the right pump and impeller for your lift station in Camden County, MO, Enviro-Line Co., Inc. is happy to lend our expertise. Our wide knowledge of pumps, impellers and other equipment will ensure you get the right tools for the job. Get in touch with us today!

Categorised in:

Enviro-Line Co, Inc.