If you have been following along with this blog, then you know that water pump complications are not uncommon.  However, you may also have come to realize that with the right sensors and controls, many of the devastating problems that arise can be avoided.

Here we go again with yet another pump issue.  This time, the story comes to us from southern Florida where a water pump was sitting idle during some very nasty flooding.  Just a mile from some of the worst flooding seen as a result of the recent Hurricane Hermine, the pump was doing nothing to assist.  When questions started circulating regarding the dormant pump, it was discovered that it required manual activation.  With everyone having been evacuated in advance of the storm, it apparently never occurred to operators to return to turn on the pump.

Now, the folks that are served by this pump want a more permanent installation. In order to have a properly operating system, which will turn out without the manual flip of a switch, the controls for the system have to be correct as well. In this particular case there should be some level indicators, with redundant pump backup.  These should be combined with remote- and local controls, so that operators can still properly control and monitor the systems.

The application will likely require level indicators placed in succession, with the final level indicator placed at one of the highest increments, so that, when water levels reach that point, it will activate a second pump. The controls can be programmed to deactivate the pump when water falls to the designated low end level indicator. With remote access and monitoring, those in charge can ensure the pump is operating correctly, and that there are no issues with the pumps, even when they have been evacuated from the area. SRP controls supply the level indicators required for this installation, along with pressure transmitters that will allow for better system controls.