A dewatering pump is a pump used to remove water from an area. The said area could be a ditch in a quarry, construction site or flooded basement. It could also be a flooded field or mine.
Essentially, a dewatering pump controls and manages water levels. Therefore, it is useful in many industries, including construction, mining, agriculture, excavation and flood control. You can use a dewatering pump in any industrial or domestic work that involves managing water levels.
This article will cover the basics of dewatering pumps and dewatering pump systems.
Essential Components of a Dewatering Pump
To understand how a dewatering pump works, you need to know the essential components. We have identified eight. They all play crucial roles in a dewatering pump system.
1. Pump Casing
The pump casing provides shields and houses the internal components. It protects them from wear and tear.
The casing is built from durable materials and designed to withstand harsh environments. As a result, the dewatering pump can survive on industrial, mining and excavation sites.
2. Impeller
The impeller is a rotating component that generates the force that allows a dewatering pump to do its job (aka, pump water away from a place). Impellers vary in design, which affects the pump’s capacity and performance.
For example, Industrial impellers are usually stronger. Therefore, they can handle high water volumes. However, the most basic types are open and closed impellers.
3. Motor
The motor is the powerhouse of a dewatering pump. It is usually electric, diesel, or hydraulic. In a dewatering system, the motor powers the pump by converting electricity or fuel into mechanical energy.
In submersible dewatering pumps, the motor is protected by a watertight compartment. This stops water from getting into the motor, allowing the pump to function correctly and last long.
4. Shaft
The shaft connects the motor to the impeller. It allows the motor to transfer mechanical energy. The impeller then uses this energy to pump water.
A good shaft doesn’t just allow the dewatering pump system to function. It also ensures energy efficiency.
5. Sealing System
This protects sensitive components from water. The motor of a submersible dewatering pump is a great example. However, there are other examples.
Most of the internal components are also sensitive to some degree, even in non-submersible dewatering pumps. They still need some form of protection because dewatering pumps are primarily used in harsh conditions.
6. The Outlet or Discharge Port
This is where water gets out of the pump. It is typically connected to hoses or pipes. The pump’s flow rate and total capacity depend on the size of the discharge port.
7. Suction Inlet
This allows a dewatering pump system to suck in water. The suction inlet also affects the flow rate and total capacity of the pump.
8. Float Switch
The float switch is used to automate a dewatering pump system. It switches the pump on or off at specified water levels. A float switch increases efficiency. It also lessens the need for human labour. This is crucial in fluctuating water conditions.
How Does a Dewatering Pump Work?
A dewatering pump works by drawing water in through its suction inlet and pushing it out through its discharge port. Let’s explain this by looking at how the essential components of a dewatering pump system work together.
The motor generates energy, which the impeller uses to create a centrifugal force. This creates a low-pressure zone at the centre, which draws water from one end of the pump (the suction inlet) to the other (the outlet).
The entire process is efficient and continuous, enabling rapid water removal.
Types of Dewatering Pumps
There are several types of dewatering pumps. None is necessarily better than the others. It depends on what you want to use it for.
Centrifugal Dewatering Pumps
These are the most common types of dewatering pumps. They use centrifugal force to move water through a pipe system. They can handle various flow rates and pressure levels.
Centrifugal dewatering pumps are perfect for sites that need to transfer large volumes of water, such as construction sites or flooded areas.
Submersible Dewatering Pumps
Submersible pumps are designed to operate underwater. They are built to be resistant to water and high-pressure requirements. You can use a submersible dewatering pump in basements, construction sites, wastewater systems, or mines.
Diaphragm Dewatering Pumps
Diaphragm pumps use a reciprocating diaphragm to move water. This makes them ideal for water bodies with a high concentration of solids. This type of dewatering pump system is excellent for handling muddy or sandy water.
Trash Dewatering Pumps
Trash dewatering pumps are even more rugged. They are designed to handle water bodies with significant debris, such as rock, sand, and waste. Therefore, trash dewatering pump systems are better for muddy or particle-ridden water.
Wellpoint Dewatering Pumps
Wellpoint Dewatering Pumps are designed to reduce groundwater levels. The point is to stabilise soil in construction areas and sites. Wellpoint systems are also called vacuum-assisted dewatering pumps.
What Are Dewatering Pumps Used For?
A dewatering pump can be used in pretty much anything involving water management and flood prevention or control. Examples include:
Construction Sites
Dewatering pumps can manage water accumulation and prevent flooding in foundations and excavations. They also help stabilise the soil by removing excess water.
Mining Operations
During mining operations, dewatering pumps help manage groundwater and surface water to keep the work area dry and allow for safe access to materials.
Agricultural Fields
Farmers use dewatering pumps to prevent waterlogging, which can damage crops and reduce yield. Dewatering systems help to maintain stable water levels in fields and improve crop health.
Municipal and Infrastructure Projects
Dewatering pumps are also used in municipal projects, such as sewage systems, flood control, and water treatment facilities.
Emergency Flood Control
Dewatering pumps play a critical role in flood management by quickly removing floodwater from affected areas, helping reduce damage, and restoring access to essential areas.
The Key Benefits of Dewatering Pumps
Here are a few benefits of dewatering pump systems.
Efficient Water Removal
Dewatering pumps can handle large volumes of water and drain them away quicker and faster. So you don’t need to depend on drainage systems alone or pray for the water level to drop by themselves.
Improved Safety
By keeping the soil dry, stable and accessible, dewatering pumps reduce the risks of trips and waterlogging.
Versatility
There are many different types and sizes of dewatering pumps. So, it’s not that difficult to find the right one for your project.
Durability
Most dewatering pumps are designed for challenging environments. So, they last long.
Environmental Protection
Proper dewatering helps to manage water levels, prevents soil erosion, and mitigates the risk of contamination from stagnant water.
