Vertical Turbine Pump

Vertical turbine pumps are centrifugal pumps featuring a vertical, multi-stage design optimized for transporting water or process fluids from deep sources such as wells, open basins, or sumps. Their configuration allows for installation in submerged environments, making them ideal for accessing water at significant depths without risk of loss of prime. 

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These pumps are widely used in municipal water and wastewater treatment plants, particularly where large flow volumes and high head delivery are required, such as for raw water intake, transfer from clear wells, and distribution to municipal systems. Their reliability, capacity to handle varying flow demands, and resistance to challenging water quality conditions contribute to their selection for critical infrastructure duties.

• Raw water intake from deep wells, pits, or open basins to treatment plants
• Transfer of finished or treated water from clear wells to distribution systems
• Pressurization at high service pump stations for municipal water delivery
• Internal recirculation or process water return within water and wastewater facilities
• (Occasionally) Supplying backwash water for filter cleaning processes

• Conduct daily visual inspections for leaks, unusual noise, and vibrations
• Record run hours, flows, and pressures as standard procedure
• Inspect/lubricate motor and shaft bearings per manufacturer schedule
• Perform annual inspections and trend analysis on performance
• Maintain shaft sealing, replace worn impellers and bearings during annual service
• Always apply lockout/tagout protocols before mechanical work
• Monitor vibration and temperature for signs of misalignment or bearing wear
• Confirm suction head to prevent impeller-damaging cavitation

• Bowl assembly – Contains impellers and diffusers, sizing by stages/material
• Column pipe – Vertical conduit sized by pump depth and water characteristics
• Line shaft/bearings – Transmits motor energy; bearing spacing and type critical for alignment/lubrication
• Discharge head – Outlets water above grade; provides mounting/mating for motor/accessories
• Drive motor – Surface-mounted, selected for power and environmental conditions

• Flow rate: 100–20,000+ gpm (~23–4540 m³/hr)
• Total dynamic head: 30–400+ ft (9–120+ m)
• Solids handling: Typically clear/slightly turbid water, solids < 0.5 in (13 mm)
• Motor power: 10–1500 HP (7.5–1100 kW), selected by application
• Maximum column length: up to 200 feet (60 m) or more
• Bowl material: cast iron, bronze, stainless steel per water aggressiveness

• MasterFormat Division 43 – Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification and Storage Equipment
• Section 43 25 19 – Vertical Turbine Pumps

• Flowserve – Model VTP
• ITT Goulds Water Technology – Model lineshaft VIT/VIT-HT
• Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis – Vertical Turbine Pump

• Horizontal Split Case Pump – Simpler maintenance and suited for high flow but moderate head; larger installation footprint and less suited to deep wells or high suction lift.
• Submersible Well Pump – Entire pumping unit is submerged, which eases priming and streamlines installation for smaller/medium flows; however, maintenance is complex and access is more difficult.
• Vertical Inline Centrifugal Pump – Compact and space-saving; well-suited for confined spaces and easy alignment, but limited on depth/suction lift and not ideal for high-head/deep well applications.