Page 146 - Centrifugal Pumps Design and Application

124 Centrifugal Pumps: Design and Application

Figure 9-10. Incline-mounted line shaft pump.

the bottom of the cavern, where the pumps take suction. During mainte-
nance, water is let into the cavern, and with the petroleum floating on top of
the water, the bottom of the caisson is sealed off with a water "plug," pre-
venting undesirable gases from escaping. The water level in the cavern can
be maintained with separate pumps.

Mine Dewatering Pumps

Vertical well pumps are often preferred for mine dewatering. All sensi-
tive electrical equipment, including control panels, can be located well
above levels where accidental flooding might occur or where explosive
gasses may be present. This includes both conventional motor driven
pumps and submersible motor pumps. The pump may be installed in an
open mine shaft, or a separate well may be sunk for the purpose of dewa-
tering. The mechanical construction of the pump is similar to a water
well pump.