Modeling a submersible pump

Applies To
Product(s): HAMMER, WaterGEMS, WaterCAD, SewerGEMS, SewerCAD
Version(s): V8i, CONNECT Edition
Area: Modeling
Original Author: Scott Kampa, Bentley Technical Support Group

Problem

How can you model a submersible pump?

Solution

WaterCAD, WaterGEMS and HAMMER

If the pump is submerged in a well, connect the pump to a reservoir on the upstream side, with a short, frictionless pipe (for example, large diameter and smooth friction coefficient). The reservoir elevation would represent the water surface elevation (hydraulic grade) of the well. You will need to decide on a hydraulic grade to use at the reservoir, perhaps based on an average drawdown or a conservative estimate for transient modeling purposes (HAMMER). You would take the difference between the reservoir elevation and average drawdown to come up with the pump head for your pump curve data. Refer to the information under the "See Also" section for how to account for well drawdown.

For a transient simulation in HAMMER, you could neglect the transient impact of the pipe between the upstream reservoir and the pump. Using a large diameter, frictionless pipe should help reduce the impact.

SewerGEMS, SewerCAD, StormCAD and CivilStorm

Similar to the Water products, connect a pressure pipe from the pump to a wet well. The pump should be connected with a short pipe (about 1 ft.) to move the water with negligible head loss and smooth friction coefficient should be used. The elevation (Invert) for the submersible pump should be the low point of the pump inlet and the well initial elevation.

Refer to the information under the "See Also" section for how to account for well drawdown.

See Also

Modeling a vertical turbine or multi-stage pump

Accounting for well drawdown with a variable speed pump

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