Borehole water pumps work by using different mechanisms to bring water from underground up to the surface. The method used depends on the type of pump installed.
Types of Borehole Pumps
There are primarily two common types of borehole pumps: submersible pumps and centrifugal pumps.
| Pump Type | Mechanism | Placement in Borehole | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Submersible Pump | Pulls water upwards | Submerged inside the water within the borehole | The pump operates by using a motor and impeller that draw water upwards through a pipe. |
| Centrifugal Pump | Pushes water upwards | Situated at the top of the borehole, not submerged in water | The pump utilizes an impeller that spins, creating centrifugal force that pushes the water up to the surface. |
Submersible Pumps: Pulling Water from Below
- Submersible pumps are designed to be fully immersed in the water within the borehole.
- They are typically long, cylindrical units lowered into the well.
- These pumps work by pulling the water upwards using a motor and impeller mechanism.
- The impeller rotates, creating a low-pressure area that sucks water into the pump, while simultaneously pushing it upwards into a delivery pipe.
- These pumps are well-suited for deep wells as they don't rely on atmospheric pressure to function.
Centrifugal Pumps: Pushing Water from Above
- Centrifugal pumps, in contrast, are usually located at the top of the well.
- They operate by using a spinning impeller.
- The impeller pushes water upwards through the delivery pipe.
- This type of pump is often more cost-effective and easier to maintain than submersible pumps, but their use is limited by the depth of the well.
- Centrifugal pumps are most efficient when the water source is close to the surface and does not require water to be pulled up from great depths.
Practical Insights
- The choice between a submersible and centrifugal pump typically depends on the depth of the borehole, the required flow rate, and specific site conditions.
- Submersible pumps are generally preferred for deep wells due to their ability to pull water upwards.
- Centrifugal pumps are more suitable for shallow wells and where pump maintenance is a consideration.
- Borehole pumps are crucial for ensuring access to water supplies where surface water is not easily available.
