Fighting Falling Lake Levels with an On-Shore Centrifugal Pump
Commerce, Texas, relies on nearby Lake Tawakoni for supplying water, but falling lake levels were creating problems for its vertical turbine pumps. When lake levels dropped, the pumps were exposed to air and could not reliably pull water from the lake.
Pierce Pump Company, chosen by the city to explore the problem, proposed a self-priming, centrifugal pump. The pump could be installed on-shore and included a cartridge-type rotating assembly, the ability to pump solids with 3 in diameters, removable back cover plate and a check valve.
Don Drake, a Pierce representative, proposed adding a welded steel platform to the end of the existing concrete pier, which extended approximately 300 yards into the lake and housed the three existing pumps. The new pump was installed on the platform in conjunction with a long suction line extending to a deep spot in the lake.
The new pump runs at its design point for smooth and reliable operation.
A welded steel platform extended approximately 300 yards into the lake and housed the three existing pumps.
Individual Involved in the Program: Lisa LeTang, The Gorman Rupp Company
Nominated By: Kari Palmer, RMD Advertising
