new submersible well pump

 

Am looking for a new submersible well pump.  The existing one is a 1/3
hp Redjacket in a 230 ft well.  So far I have checked the groups but
only found one posting ~ 6 years ago, which I imagine is now somewhat
dated.
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.energy.homepower/browse_thread/thread/f01bb836e3121521/0e544c7e0d8b13f1?lnk=st&q=grundfos+vs+goulds&rnum=1&hl=en#0e544c7e0d8b13f1


Appreciate any recommendations!

Gene

 

On 1 Sep 2005 10:38:51 -0700, genosmm@yahoo.com wrote:


I assume you're off-grid...

I posted to that thread with some negative comments about my
experience with a Grundfos JetSub. Since then I've had some very
positive experiences with a different model, the Grundfos SQFlex.
http://store.solar-electric.com/grsqpu.html  Recently I helped a friend
install an 11 sqf-2, pumping depth 90 ft, output 10 gpm on 250 Watts.
It will run on less PV with lower output. These pumps accept a wide
voltage range, AC or DC. We disconnected the 11 sqf-2 from the 48VDC
array, and plugged it into a Honda EU2000 (110VAC). It worked
perfectly, and with such a small load the generator might run all day
on a single tank of fuel. Another friend has had one for about two
years, no problems. These pumps aren't cheap, about $1500 for the pump
and control box (which is optional, but the display and diagnostics
are nice).

I've also had a little experience with the Dankoff ETA. Price and pump
head is similar to the SQFlex helical rotor models, but the ETA uses a
separate converter box, and supply must be DC.

If you don't need the high efficiency of either of those, or want a
lower price, then any standard AC submersible will run from a
correctly-sized generator. Our own 1/2 hp. Jacuzzi has been going
strong for ten years on a pair of SW4024 inverters. Normal use is only
about 100 gallons per day, but for some months each year (now for
instance) we're watering cattle, so we're pumping about 500 gallons
per day.

Wayne

 

Wayne,

Thanks for the info!

While we are presently on the grid I would like to consider all the
possible options plus we have had power outages during storms.  It is
during these power outages that I am interested in the possibility of
using some type of backup system.

Gene

 

The Grundfos pumps - with the right controller - will run from anything from
arount 40 volts to 250 volts AC or DC.

 


Windsun wrote:

Windsun,

Thanks for the info and links!  Must add that I am trying to anticipate
future developments.  For example my next vehicle may be a hybrid.
Expecially like the hybrid pickups that have AC outlets.  Have only
read a small blurb so do not know if this is both 120 and 240.  Also
after having a number of portable NiCd power tools prefer either 120 or
240 V but will take NiCd or NiMH over LeadAcid any time!  Hopefully the
future hybrids will have the ability to take off either AC or DC power.


Question: What is the right controller to run the Grundfos pumps from
40 to 250 V AC or DC?

I checked with Grundfos USA but was unable to speak to an engineer.
The person who helped me recommended their SQE pumps.  I did some
searches
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:nOXyNxXclX0J:www.wsu.edu/~ewb/articles/PumpSelectionReport061505.doc+grundfos+usa+sqe+pump&hl=en
 but was unable to find anything that explained the difference between
the SQE and SQF pumps.
http://www.us.grundfos.com/web/FAQs.nsf?OpenDatabase&Start=1&Count €&Expand=3

Forgot to mention that our Redjacket is a 240V pump.  Found out that
they became part of ITT in 2001.  After some calls it seems like they
are quite similar to Goulds except have crimped rather than threaded
cases..... so seems to be oriented to the low end market?
http://www.redjacketwaterproducts.com/

When checked with Goulds I was told that most or all of their
submersible pumps could be converted to a soft start motor if their
balanced flow controller was used and was suggested that a BF20 would
be appropriate for our situation.
http://www.goulds.com/product.asp?ID $9&MASTERID=3

Gene