The submersible pump and submersible motor have been utilised in municipal water systems for decades. There are lots of advantages related to the motors – they are immune to several environmental factors which commonly impact hollow shaft motors, and they don’t need the bearings and driveshaft system that’s seen in traditional line shaft turbines.
That said, the motors are still liable to varying kinds of problems. They depend on water as their internal lubricator. Though they are extremely dependable when utilised within design limitations, there are lots of instances in which they are utilised in applications which accidentally exceed the limitations. This article offers some of the most common issues associated with submersible motors, and occasions for the pump’s repair.
- Temperature
One of the foremost problems impacting submersible motors is too hot temperatures. This could be brought about by overloading the motor, scale build-up, pumping hot water, loss of cooling flow, as well as frequentlystarting and stopping the motor.
The motors have to be capable of cooling themselves, which typically happens via the transfer of the motor’s internally generated heat into the water that’s flowing past it and into the pump. The motor’s thrust bearing supports the water column’s thrust weightthat’s lifted by the pump. A thin water film forms between the thrust components to offer lubrication. If the water starts boiling, the lubrication evaporates, and bearing surfaces collide directly with each other, bringing about rapid heating and the bearing’s inevitable failure. This is among the foremost problems of any submersible pump in Australia.
- Hydraulic loading
Hydraulic shock loading (sometimes called water hammer) happens when a fast-moving water column hits any obstacle within the system or otherwise undergoes a sudden velocity change. This is frequently brought about by the utilisation of multiple pumps on just one common supply manifold. Also, a water hammer could occur if there’s actuated valving.
- Voltage
All motors, submersible motors included, need enough voltage supply at their terminals. One of the foremost causes of submersible applications’ motor failure is lack of the appropriate voltage or, on the other hand, sudden high voltage spikes. Usually, under-voltage happens due to drop-cables’ sizing being too small, or supply of low voltage to the site from the utility grid.
Often, voltage spikes are caused by lightning, other motors going off, or the opening of a utility gear. This could be a grave problem in fields with several motors and pumps, as any time any of the motors goes off, the inductive energy that’s stored in the magnetic circuit of the motor returns into the power lines. This can bring about power outages.
- Motor seals
Motor shafts feature seals which prevent well water from getting into the motor. Both oil-filled and water-filled motors need these seals to prevent abrasives from impacting the motor’s internal bearings. If the seals fail, abrasive materials could get into the internal motor bearings and bring about corrosion, which then ends in improper functions and eventual failure.
For further information as regards the most common issues with the submersible pump and motor, and how they can be avoided, or if you require information regarding pump repair, just contact the foremost experts.
