370 m³/h at 310 m: Can-Type Submersible Pump for Mountain Water Transfer

For this mountain water-transfer project, the customer needed to move a large amount of water through a pipeline with a high delivery head.

According to the confirmed project requirements, we supplied a can-type submersible pump rated at 370 m³/h and 310 m head. The pump is driven by a 560 kW, 10 kV submersible motor.

After installation, the customer sent us photos and videos of the pumping station, valve area and pipelines along the mountain. The feedback shows that the equipment has been installed in a multi-pump water-transfer system.

The flow and head above are the rated selection parameters. Because no formal site test report was provided, we do not describe them as measured operating results.

The project site is located in steep mountainous terrain. Water must be delivered from the lower pumping station through large steel pipelines that climb along the mountainside.

This application required both a large flow and a high head. The pump therefore could not be selected from motor power alone. Its hydraulic design had to match the required duty of 370 m³/h at 310 m.

The photos also show several pump units installed side by side. This arrangement gives the pumping station more flexibility when operating or maintaining the system.

The customer’s videos show the pump and motor installed horizontally inside a cylindrical protective sleeve.

A submersible motor normally depends on water flowing past its surface for cooling. In a horizontal installation or large water chamber, water may not naturally pass around the motor at the required speed.

The sleeve guides water along the motor before it enters the pump. This helps provide more reliable motor cooling while supporting the long pump-and-motor assembly.

The sleeve must be designed together with the pump. Its diameter, length, inlet clearance and support positions should all match the equipment.

The selected motor power is 560 kW. For a motor of this size, the electrical supply is an important part of the project.

The 10 kV motor operates with a lower current than a low-voltage motor of the same power. This is useful for high-power pumping stations, especially when the electrical cable route is long.

However, the motor must still be matched with suitable switchgear, cables, protection devices and a correct starting method. Cable connections, insulation and grounding must also be carefully checked before startup.

The customer’s photos and videos show several important parts of the completed installation:

• Multiple pump units installed horizontally inside protective sleeves

• Separate discharge pipes connected to each pump

• Isolation valves, pressure gauges and other pipeline components

• Large steel pipelines leaving the pumping station

• Pipelines supported along the steep mountain route

These images show that a large water-transfer project is more than a single pump. The pump, motor, sleeve, valves, electrical system and delivery pipeline must work together.

For a 310 m head system, the pipeline pressure rating must also be suitable. Pipe supports, bends, flanges and valves must withstand normal operating pressure and possible pressure changes during starting or stopping.

Before continuous operation, the site team should confirm:

• Correct pump and motor alignment

• Clear water passage through the sleeve

• Correct valve positions

• Reliable 10 kV cable connections and grounding

• Correct motor rotation

• Proper pipeline filling and air release

• Stable voltage and current

• Normal discharge pressure and flow

• No abnormal vibration or noise

• Correct operation of motor protection devices

The first startup should be monitored carefully. Actual flow, pressure, voltage and current should be recorded and compared with the approved pump data.

This project required a pump capable of delivering 370 m³/h at 310 m head in difficult mountainous terrain.

The 560 kW, 10 kV can-type submersible pump was installed horizontally inside a protective sleeve. The customer’s feedback shows the completed multi-pump arrangement, valve system and mountain delivery pipelines.

If you are planning a similar project, please send us the required flow, total head, water-source conditions, pipeline length and diameter, available voltage and site layout. SLAPK can select the pump and motor and provide the performance curve and installation dimensions for review.