Flow Optimizer Pump Suction Extension Tubes

Ensuring effective pump operation in wet wells is a critical aspect of maintaining reliable performance and reducing downtime in a variety of systems. Wet wells often face challenges such as inconsistent flow, vortex activity, and clearance issues, all of which can negatively impact the efficiency and longevity of pumps. These challenges require innovative and practical solutions to stabilize flow conditions, improve hydraulic performance, and prevent recurring issues. By addressing these concerns, operators can optimize wet well functionality, enhance system reliability, and support the long-term success of applications across industries.

Various measures can be taken to mitigate poor suction conditions in a wet well:

Potential Problems:

Non-Uniform Flow in Wet Well:
- Influent pipe curvature can cause a biased flow toward one side.
- This will cause surface-level circulation and non-uniform vertical flow distribution:
  - Downstream flow can be dominated by the upper water column.
  - Upstream flow occurred along the floor and up a sloped ramp.
Vortex Activity:
- Installing Floor splitters and Sidewall fillets greatly reduces vortex activity upstream. However, floor vortices can still affect downstream pumps.
- Also, Mid-flow vortex activity can form between adjacent operating pumps.
Bell to Floor Clearance Issue:
- Determine if the Pump clearance is too high, causing pumps to lose prime before the hydraulic jump could propagate across the trench floor.’

Possible Solutions

Extension Tubes:
- Using Pump Suction Extension Tubes to lower the Inlet below the trench floor invert.
- This adjustment enabled the hydraulic jump to travel the full wet-well length without losing prime.
Floor Cones:
- Installing Flow Optimizer Cones beneath the pump will improve flow alignment and can prevent floor vortex activity.
- Designed to address the large bell-to-floor clearance issue effectively.

Outcomes

Improved stability of flow conditions near pumps.
The clean-out cycle became effective, allowing better hydraulic jump propagation.
Reduction in vortex activity, enhancing pump performance and reliability.

Flow Adjustments

Vertical and Horizontal circulation around the pumps can be eliminated by these interventions.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling

Applications

Municipal Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants: Optimize wet well flow conditions for consistent pump operation.
Industrial Water Systems: Enhance pump performance in cooling, processing, and utility water applications.
Stormwater Management Systems: Reduce vortex activity and improve flow stability during high-capacity operations.
Irrigation Systems: Ensure efficient water flow and prevent pump priming issues.
Flood Control Systems: Maintain reliable pump operation during variable flow conditions.

Mining and Quarry Operations: Stabilize flow in heavy-duty dewatering applications.
Energy Sector: Optimize flow conditions in wet wells supporting power generation and oil & gas facilities.
Agricultural Water Systems: Improve efficiency in wet well pumping for irrigation and drainage.
Food and Beverage Processing: Enhance flow stability in wet wells for clean-in-place (CIP) systems and wastewater discharge.
Chemical Processing Plants: Ensure uniform flow and prevent pump-related issues in chemical transfer systems.