Pneumatic well pumps are fully-submersible pumps used for the extraction of contaminated groundwater from wells. The water is pumped by displacing it with air, producing much less fluid shear and emulsification than electrically-driven pumps. The pump is set in the well with an air supply line, an air exhaust line, and a water discharge line running to the surface. Water in the well enters the pump, either through the top or bottom, pushing open the fluid check valve, raising the float, and displacing the air in the pump. As the float reaches the top of the pump, a lever is triggered, closing the air exhaust and opening the air supply. The compressed air enters the pump, closing the fluid check valve and displacing the water and forcing it to the surface. When the water is displaced and the float falls to the bottom, the air supply is closed, the air exhaust is opened, and the cycle begins again. The pump is self controlled – it only consumes air and pumps water when the pump is full.
Pneumatic pumps can be used for remediation applications, and work well with corrosive and high-viscosity fluids. The pumps are also available in different materials and sizes to match a large variety of applications.
When selecting a pneumatic well pump, the required flow rate, well depth and diameter, and inlet location are the most important factors to consider.
MLE Equipment uses the QED AP-series pneumatic well pumps. Please see the provided specification sheets and manuals for more detailed information on pneumatic well pumps.
