Submersible Vertical Turbine Pump

A submersible vertical turbine pump is a specialized pump designed for full submergence in the liquid being pumped, commonly found inside wells, pits, or sumps. This design combines the proven hydraulic efficiency of vertical turbines with the compact footprint and operational flexibility of submersible motors.

​

These pumps are essential in critical water-related infrastructure, such as water and wastewater treatment plants, where they handle raw water intakes, stormwater movement, and lift station duties. Their compact installation, robust performance, and suitability for challenging submerged applications make them a staple for utility operators and engineers.

• Raw water intake wells (for potable or industrial water)
• Finished water pumping (clear wells to distribution systems)
• Stormwater lift stations
• Wastewater wet wells (sewage lift stations)
• Reuse or effluent pumping stations
• Process water clear wells and reservoirs

• Daily: Monitor pump operation — flow, pressure, motor current, and temperature
• Monthly: Inspect electrical panels, cable terminations, and visible hardware; log vibration, noise, and performance trends
• Annually: Where possible, shut down for comprehensive cleaning and mechanical/electrical assessment
• Maintenance: Inspect/replace motor seals and bearings; clean/backflush suction bell and screens; insulation test motor and cables
• Safety: Always perform lockout/tagout before accessing; check for leaks, abnormal noise, tripped overloads; use certified lifting and confined space procedures when removing pumps

• Pump Bowl Assembly: Contains impellers/diffusers for water movement; parameters set by required flow, head, and fluid characteristics
• Submersible Motor: Mounted below the bowl assembly; sealed and matched to site requirements
• Discharge Column Pipe: Transfers pumped water; material and dimensions chosen for pressure and compatibility
• Suction Bell: At the lowest end, directs water into the pump; sized for inlet and debris
• Cable and Sealing System: Specialized submersible electrical cables and mechanical seals, selected for electrical and compatibility needs
• Discharge Head/Base Plate: (where applicable) Anchor and support structure at grade or cover plate, tailored for installation and maintenance access

• Flow Rate: 50–15,000+ gpm (0.3–95+ L/s)
• Total Dynamic Head: 20–500+ ft (6–150+ m)
• Solids Handling Size: 0.5–2 in (12–50 mm); some models for larger debris
• Motor Power: 5–300+ HP (4–224+ kW)
• Bowl Diameter: 6–36+ in (150–915+ mm)
• Liquid Temperature: 32–120°F (0–50°C), limited by motor rating
• Voltage: 460V, 575V, or medium voltage (2,300–4,160V) for larger models

• MasterFormat Division: 43 21 13 — Vertical Turbine Pumps
• Also referenced under: 43 25 13 — Submersible Pumps

• Xylem (Flygt): Flygt 3000 Series Submersible Turbine Pumps
• Pentair (Fairbanks Nijhuis): Fairbanks Nijhuis Submersible Vertical Turbine (e.g., Series 7000)
• Grundfos: Grundfos Submersible Turbine Pumps (Model SP or S Series)

• Submersible Non-Clog Sewage Pumps  
• Advantages: Designed for large solids handling; uses robust non-clog impellers.  
• Disadvantages: Less efficient at high head or large flows; typically single-stage with limited multi-stage versions.
• Vertical Line Shaft Turbine Pumps  
• Advantages: Above-grade (not submerged) motor; simpler motor maintenance or replacement.  
• Disadvantages: Requires significant vertical space; more vibration; less compact overall.
• Horizontal Split Case Pumps  
• Advantages: Easy access for maintenance; high flow capacity; best for clean water, above-grade installs.  
• Disadvantages: Not submersible; can require suction lift or priming; bigger aboveground footprint.