Author: Joe Moser, Pump Product Manager, Atlas Copco Construction Equipment

Submersible dewatering pumps have one clear goal – to move water, whether it’s to another location for reuse or to simply remove water from a low-lying area. For the most part they require minimal maintenance.

But before you set and forget your submersible dewatering pumps, there are some preventative maintenance practices you should follow to keep them operating day in and day out so productivity keeps flowing in the right direction. And some of the most important practices start long before your submersible pumps hit the jobsite.

A Pump That Sizes Up
Electric submersible pumps are the most commonly used pumps for dewatering aggregate mines. They are small and lightweight and when it comes to maintaining the pumps, choosing the right one for the application is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Using a pump that isn’t sized for the application can lead to issues down the road, like a broken shaft, dislodged seal or thrown impeller. On aggregate mines where dewatering is often critical to production, that means costly downtime.

To avoid this, there are three things to consider: the material you are pumping, how far you need to pump it, and the elevation to which it will be pumped. If it will be moving water and aggregates rather than just water, you’ll need a model that is rated for that application and is equipped with impellers made of a durable material, like cast iron. Other materials, like polyurethane, can handle water, but the abrasive materials like aggregates can cause them to wear out quickly. Electric submersible pumps rated for these applications can typically move aggregates as large as 1 inch in diameter with minimal wear to components.

From there you will want to confirm the pump can move water as far as you need it to go. Generally, the further the pump is from the water site, the greater the gallons per minute (gpm) it will need to move the water to or from that location. And if the water has to move uphill, the pump also will need more head capacity. In other words, how high the pump can raise water. Electric submersible pumps operate with as much as 5,300 gpm and can pump water as high as 275 feet. Outputs can be as wide as 10 inches in diameter for even greater flow capacities.

Get Immersed in the Details
Once you’ve determined the right size, make sure the pump is built with durable materials and has features that will withstand long run times and the harsh conditions of aggregate applications. The pump’s wear plates and seals play an important role in that since they help protect the internal components. Choose pumps with double mechanical seals, which provide a consistent, watertight interface. Some manufacturers offer stainless steel seals, which last longer than rubber seals and are more durable, which makes them great for aggregate applications. Also look for mechanisms that stop the unit if it overheats or the electric current overloads the pump. On most models the pump will automatically restart after it has cooled. This helps protect the motor from damage and extends the life of the pump.

If your pump will be unattended, consider installing a float that automatically shuts the pump off when the water level becomes too low, then restarts it as the level rises. This prevents damage to the seal and premature motor failure.

In addition to pump components that keep damage from occurring, there are others that make maintenance faster and easier on the jobsite. For example, some pumps offer access to their interiors with the removal of just three bolts rather than several more on other models. Some pumps also don’t require users to remove additional components, like the seal, to access the interior. For even faster maintenance on the jobsite, many manufacturers offer a complete replacement package that includes a seal, shaft and impeller and everything users need to install them. Also consider where you can get parts and how long you might have to wait for them.

Now you’re ready to get things moving. But once you have your pump in place, don’t forget to pay it a visit once in a while.

A Little Goes a Long Way
While every piece of equipment with moving parts needs regular, preventative maintenance, it’s particularly important for equipment used in rugged applications like dewatering aggregate mines.

Electric submersible pumps have three main wear parts: the impeller, seal, and shaft. A drop of preventative maintenance goes a long way with all of them.

Since the seal is one of the most critical parts of a pump, it’s important to check the seal oil as often as once a week in heavy-use applications and refill it as needed. This will ensure the seal remains properly lubricated and watertight.

Inspecting hoses and cables for damage should be on your weekly checklist too, especially if they are exposed to the elements or in areas where traffic could cause damage. Typically a damaged pump hose is easy to spot as you’ll see water flowing from the hose. A damaged cord, on the other hand, might not be as noticeable, and if left unrepaired could be a danger to personnel or short the motor.

For pumps in permanent applications, you’ll also want to take them out of service about every four months to thoroughly inspect internal components like the impeller and shaft. Damage to these areas can allow water to leak into the pump and damage components. This also is a good time to change the seal oil as it can become thick and gummy over time and cause the pump to burn out. Don’t forget to shut down the power supply before performing any maintenance to eliminate the risk of injuries.

Finally, keep a backup pump on hand to keep water flowing if your pump needs maintenance or when you take it out of service.

Go With The Flow
The longevity and performance of your pump all trickles down from the preventative maintenance practices you perform. From the time you purchase a pump to the last day its on site, a clear preventative maintenance plan will keep water moving and productivity flowing in the right direction.

About the Author
Joe Moser is the pump product line manager at Atlas Copco Construction Equipment. He has more than ten years of industry experience.

Atlas Copco is a world-leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions. The Group serves customers with innovative compressors, vacuum solutions and air treatment systems, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. Atlas Copco develops products and services focused on productivity, energy efficiency, safety and ergonomics. The company was founded in 1873, is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 180 countries. In 2014, Atlas Copco had revenues of BSEK 94 (BEUR 10.3) and more than 44,000 employees. Learn more at www.atlascopco.us.