Case Study: Borewell Submersible Pump Failure and Solutions

Analysis of Borewell Submersible Pump Not Working Due to Sand Clogging and How It Can Be Prevented

Client: A Farmer from Muzaffarpur, Patna 

Complain: The Pump Was Not Working

• The Lubi’s 4″ Water Filled Borewell Submersible Pump LRP 25  is a highly specialized pump that has been specifically designed to cater to the increasing demands of residential societies as well as commercial establishments to pump water from depths of over 82 feet.

The Situation:

• A farmer from Patna, had installed our newly designed submersible pump in a newly dug borewell to draw ground water for domestic consumption. After functioning properly for a while, the pump stopped working.
• Upon receiving a call, our service technicians reached the site and met the pump operator.
• On checking the basic parameters, our technician found that the pump was consuming too much ampere.   

Note: One of the reasons submersible pumps draw too much power is when “the flow of water is obstructed” in any manner.

• They first checked if there was power coming into panel before checking if anything was wrong with outgoing power supply or capacitors. They found that everything seemed normal according to these parameters but decided further investigation was needed regardless.
• In order to conduct detailed inspection, our technicians asked the operator to pull out the pump from the borewell.

Findings:

• The motor was “jammed” and was not spinning as it should.
   

• What they discovered next is that there was sand inside the motor due to which it had jammed. This could have caused motor failure down the line if left unchecked.
   

• On further inquiry, we found out that they hadn't cleaned out all of sand from within the bore-well using a compressor.

Note: The primary reason a “newly installed pump” could get stuck could be “the presence of external elements” like sand, sludge or other debris in the pump. 

Solution:

• Our team cleaned it and refitted the pump. After this, when they tried to rotate the shaft of the pump, it was able to spin smoothly.
• Our technician asked the pump operator to wash the bore with a high-powered compressor before re-installing the pump in it.
• The operator did so and when he checked the pump again, it worked fine.

Common problems during new installations:

• A pump installed in a newly dug bore can “stop working” because of the following reasons:

1. Accumulation of sludge or debris in the pump.

2. Improper Power connection:

   • Check the voltage recommendation mentioned in the owner’s manual

   • Check if there is any fault in the wiring

3. Leakage in the delivery pipeline.

4. Jammed Pump: The pump is “jammed” and there is insufficient “play”
    

5. Weak Capacitor (This situation is highly “unusual” for new pumps).
    

Recommendations:

• We can assure you that your submersible pump will last longer and work efficiently if you follow the below recommendations along with the other essentials mentioned in the owner’s manual.

1. It is advisable to install an inner casing (with appropriate screen opening and a gravel pack around it) to avoid external particles to enter the well.
2. It is also advisable to flush/clean a borewell before installing a new pump.
3. Always ensure that the Submersible Pump remains “completely” submerged in water. Install auto cut (if not available) to prevent dry runs.
4. Check the motor’s continuity, insulation and resistance using Ohms and Megger Meters.
5. Make sure your pump operates at duty point declared by the manufacturer for maximum efficiency. Please contact our customer support team to know more about duty point.
6. Get your pump inspected at regular intervals (as recommended in owner’s manual)
7. Before installing a new pump, always open both the drain plugs of the pump’s motor and fill it with clean water, till it drains from the other side.

Remarks:

• For smooth and uninterrupted working of your pump, always follow the instructions and standard operating procedure issued by the manufacturer.

1. Why my submersible pump is not working?
   
   It is possible that the submersible pump is not working due to one of the several potential issues. For instance, the motor could be jammed or there could be external elements clogging up the pump. It is also possible that the required voltage is too low or that there is a problem with the wiring. Additionally, it could be an issue with leakage from the delivery pipeline.
    
2. Why my motor is jammed?
   
   The primary reason a jammed motor and it could get stuck could be “the presence of external elements” like sand, sludge or other debris in the pump.
    
3. Why is my pump not pumping water?
   
   Always ensure that the Submersible Pump remains “completely” submerged in water. Install auto cut (if not available) to prevent dry runs.
    
4. Why is my bore motor not working?
   
   It is advisable to install an inner casing (with an appropriate screen opening and a gravel pack around it) to avoid external particles to enter the well. It is also advisable to flush/clean a borewell before installing a new pump.
    
5. Why is my pump stuck?
   
   It is advisable to flush/clean a borewell before installing a new pump. check the motor’s continuity, insulation and resistance using Ohms and Megger Meters. Make sure your pump operates at the duty point declared by the manufacturer for maximum efficiency. Please contact our customer support team to know more about the duty point.