Vertical Lineshaft vs. Submersible Turbine Pumps: Which Offers More Benefits for my Application?
If you’re weighing the merits of installing either a vertical lineshaft turbine or a submersible turbine pump – you’ve probably wondering how to choose. What makes one the better option for a job? Here’s what our experts recommend you consider:
- Do you need the capability to replace your motor down the road? Motors in vertical lineshaft turbine installations are typically more accesible and therefore, are easier to replace.
- What role does price play in your decision? With both types of pumps, pricing can depend on a lot of variables: How deep are you setting the system? What horsepower do you require? Smaller horsepower motors are typically less expensive in a submersible application.
- Are you looking for quiet operation? If your well is close to visitors on a golf course or near residential areas, you want to keep noise at a minimum. In these applications, a submersible pump is the better choice since it operates at a lower decibel level.
- How high of a flow rate do you require? Franklin Electric has submersibles with bowl sizes up to 12” while our lineshaft pumps go up to 42” making them better for very high-capacity applications.
- How important are ease of installation and required maintenance? Submersible pumps feature fewer moving parts, which can mean easier initial installation and less scheduled maintenance down the road. Keep in mind, due to pre-lubrication requirements for lineshaft and bearings, vertical lineshaft turbines demand a more involved initial installation process than submersible pumps.
When it comes to application-specific considerations, take into account the following aspects of your installation:
- Is your well straight or misaligned? If you’re installing a pump and you happpen to come across a misaligned well, a submersible pump is typically the better choice. A lineshaft and its bearings require a specific alignment – which can be challenging to achieve in a crooked well.
- Do you need high flow from a reduced diameter borehole? Submersibles are typically operated at higher speeds than lineshafts, enabling them to move more water with a slimmer diameter pump.
- Do you have top feeding well or open water application? If you are solving pumping needs for these applications, consider a vertical lineshaft turbine will not demand any cooling flow requirements due to its design, while a submersible turbine may require a flow sleeve to ensure cooling flow.
- Do you need a diesel-driven backup option? Vertical lineshaft pumps featuring a gear drive can deliver it.
- How deep are you setting the system? The depth at which well systems are set can vary significantly based on geographic location and the specific requirements of the application. For example, in Texas, where low horsepower (hp) applications are common, deeper sets are often utilized, and submersible pumps are favored due to their cost-effectiveness and simpler installation process. Conversely, in Nebraska, where higher hp applications are prevalent, deeper sets are also typical, but vertical lineshaft turbines tends to be preferred for its efficiency and performance advantages in these situations.
Franklin Electric offers a wide selection of both types of pumps, delivering flows up to 40,000 gallons per minute with heads that can go up to 2,500 feet deep.
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