Pumping Plant Components Irrigation Pumps Pump designs vary depending on the application. Specific features of each pump are discussed in Extension Service publication AG-389, Water Supplies for Subirrigation. Most types of pumps are available over a wide range of operating efficiencies. Turbine pumps tend to have the highest effciencies but over a relatively narrow range of operating conditions. Effciencies of some vertical-shaft turbine pumps approach 90 percent.
Typical efficiency ranges of irrigation pumps.
Most irrigation dealers offer a variety of pumps spanning the entire efficiency range shown. Values are representative for most pumps, but there are some exceptions in all categories. Pump characteristic curves shoule be consulted to select a pump that provides the desired efficiency for a particular set of operating conditions. Submersible pumps are generally lower in effciency. Depending on the size and design, they are typically 3 to 5 percent less efficient than vertical-shaft turbine pumps of the same capacity.