International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage Commission Interationale des Irrigation et du Drainage



Pumps

Pumps commonly used for irrigation fall into the following categories based on the design of the pump.

 

Displacement Pumps: Displacement pumps force the water to move by displacement. Displacement pumps are used for moving very thick liquids, creating very precise flow volumes, or creating very high pressures. With the exception of fertilizer injectors these are not typically used for irrigation systems.

 

Centrifugal pumps: A centrifugal pump uses an "impeller" to spin the water rapidly in a "casing", "chamber", or "housing". This spinning action moves the water through the pump by means of centrifugal force.

 

Submersible Pumps: Submersible pumps are installed completely underwater, including the motor. The pump consists of an electric motor and pump combined in a single unit. Typically the pump will be shaped like a long cylinder so that it can fit down inside of a well casing.

 

Turbines and Jet Pumps: A turbine pump is basically a centrifugal pump mounted underwater and attached by a shaft to a motor mounted above the water. The shaft usually extends down the centre of a large pipe. The water is pumped up this pipe and exits directly under the motor. Turbine pumps are very efficient and are used primarily for larger pump applications.

 

Booster Pumps: A booster pump is used to increase the water pressure of water that is already on its way somewhere. That is, a booster pump is used to "boost "the water pressure.

 

Floating Pump: A floating pump is simply a submersible pump or a turbine pump that is attached to the bottom of a float. The pump hangs below the float, and the float is anchored in a lake, pond, or river. A flexible pipe is used to take the water from the pump to the irrigation system. A floating pump is a good option to look into for installing a pump in a pond or lake.

Irrigation

Sources of Irrigation

Application of Irrigation water

Purpose of Irrigation

Instruments and implements of Irrigation

Irrigation Management

Irrigation and environment

Capacity Development

Dictionary - Pumps Terms

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