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English (US)
5.1.3 Installation depth
Pumping sand or well sediment can occur when
the pump motor is installed lower than the top of
the well screen or within 5 ft of the well bottom.
This can reduce the performance and life
expectancy of the pump and should be avoided.
If the pump is to be installed in a lake,
containment pond, tank or large diameter well,
the water velocity passing over the motor must
be sufficient to ensure proper motor cooling.
The minimum recommended water flow rates
which ensure proper cooling are listed in section
9.1 Minimum water flow requirements for sub-
mersible pump motors on p. 13.
5.1.4 Electrical supply
The motor voltage, phase and frequency
indicated on the motor nameplate should be
checked against the actual electrical supply.
5.1.5 Wire cable type
The wire cable used between the pump and
control box or panel should be approved for
submersible pump applications. The conductor
insulation should have a continuous Teflon®
jacket with no splices and must be suitable for
use with submersible pumps.
5.2 Mechanical installation
5.2.1 Riser pipe or hose
The riser pipe or hose should be properly sized
and selected based on estimated flow rates and
friction-loss factors.
A back-up wrench should be used when
attaching a riser pipe or metallic nipple to the
pump. The pump should only be gripped by the
flats on the top of the discharge chamber. The
body of the pump, cable guard or motor
should not be gripped under any
circumstance.
5.2.2 If a steel riser pipe is used
An approved pipe thread compound should be
used on all joints. Make sure the joints are
adequately tightened in order to resist the
tendency of the motor to loosen the joints when
stopping and starting.
After the first section of the riser pipe has been
attached to the pump, the lifting cable or
elevator should be clamped to the pipe. Do not
clamp the pump.
When raising the pump and riser section, be
careful not to place bending stress on the pump
by picking it up by the pump-end only.
The drop cable should be secured to the riser
pipe at frequent intervals to prevent sagging,
looping or possible cable damage.
5.2.3 If plastic or flexible riser pipe is used
Use the correct compound recommended by the
pipe manufacturer or specific job specifications.
Make sure that joints are securely fastened.
Besides making sure that joints are securely
fastened, the use of a torque arrester is
recommended when using these types of pipe.
Do not connect the first plastic or flexible
riser section directly to the pump.
Always attach a metallic nipple or adapter
into the discharge chamber of the pump.
When tightened, the threaded end of the
nipple or adapter must not come in contact
with the check valve retainer in the discharge
chamber of the pump.
The drop cable should be secured to the riser
pipe at frequent intervals using an approved clip
or tape to prevent sagging, looping and possible
cable damage.
Leave enough slack between tie points to allow
for this stretching. This tendency for plastic and
flexible pipe to stretch will also affect the
calculation of the pump setting depth. If the
depth setting is critical, check with the
manufacturer of the pipe to determine how to
compensate for pipe stretch.
When these types of pipe are used, it is
recommended that a safety cable be attached to
the pump to lower and raise it. The discharge
piece of SPE submersibles is designed to
accommodate this cable; see fig. 1.
Fig. 1 SPE submersible with safety cable
attached
When tightened, the first section of
the riser pipe must not come in
contact with the check valve
retainer in the discharge chamber
of the pump.
Make sure that the electrical cables
are not cut or damaged in any way
when the pump is being lowered in
the well.
Important — plastic and flexible
pipe tend to stretch under load.
This stretching must be taken into
account when securing the cable to
the riser pipe.
TM05 0853 1711
SPE_ US.book Page 4 Thursday, May 5, 2011 8:18 PM