Air Filled -vs- Oil Filled

Contributed by Zoeller Engineering Department

The long debate in the submersible wastewater industry has been which is better an air filled
motor or oil filled motor. An oil filled pump is defined as having the motor cavity filled with oil,
usually to cover the upper bearing and windings. An air filled pump is one the does not use any
oil to fill the motor cavity. This article will tell what the advantages and disadvantages of each
design and explain why Zoeller Company has chosen an oil filled type motor.
"With a submersible pump, heat transfer is accomplished by direct conduction to the
relatively constant temperature fluid being pumped. This more efficient heat transfer method
(verses a dry mounted pump) results in a lower operating temperature for the motor and its
internal components, and helps extend the life of the motor" - SWPA Handbook.
Lets take the above quote one step farther, if it is good to submerge the pump in sewage for
better heat transfer then why not submerge the stator in oil for the same reason. Oil filled motors
lower the winding temperature through extra heat transfer away from the stator, to the housings,
and then out into the liquid. We all know that heat kills electrical components so anything that is
done to lower the temperature inside the pump will give a longer lasting product. Other
advantages include a more uniform winding temperature, therefore eliminating destructive hot
spots in the motor and permanently lubricating the bearings / seals to extend life and lower
temperature.
The downsides to oil filling are the environmental consequences and a lower overall
efficiency when compared to an air filled type motor. The environmental issue can be easily
resolved by using a type of oil that is environmentally friendly . The lower efficiency carries
about a 2% increase in overall energy costs. Both of these penalties are pretty easy to offset
when the pros of oiling filling are explored.