CAT CLASS: HQ-10792

6+ in Submersible Pump

6+ in submersible pumps are heavy-duty, high-volume dewatering units designed for deep shaft, quarry, and mine applications where the pump is installed underwater for extended periods—often months at a time. With discharge ports ranging from 6 to 24 inches and flow capacities from 990 to 20,000 gallons per minute, this size class handles the largest-scale continuous dewatering jobs in the industry. These pumps sit at the top of the submersible pump ladder, representing the most robust portable dewatering equipment available.

251

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Discharge port diameter	6–24 in (15.2–61.0 cm)	Large-diameter ports accommodate massive flow rates and reduce friction losses in long discharge runs
Flow rate	990–20,000 gpm	Wide range supports everything from deep shaft dewatering to full-scale quarry flood control
Max head	35–119 ft (10.7–36.3 m)	Vertical lift capacity determines pumping depth and discharge elevation in shaft and pit applications

How to choose

6+ in submersible pumps are specified for deep shaft, quarry, and mine dewatering where the pump remains submerged for weeks or months and flow demands exceed 1,000 gpm. When jobs require continuous pumping from depths beyond 50 feet or total volumes approach tens of thousands of gallons per minute, this size class is the appropriate choice. For shallower excavations, construction sites, or shorter-duration jobs with flow needs below 1,000 gpm, 4-6 in Submersible Pump units offer easier handling and lower operating costs. No larger size class exists; jobs exceeding the capacity of a single 6+ in unit typically require multiple pumps or permanent pumping systems.

What this size handles

Continuous dewatering of active rock quarries below the water table
Deep shaft construction for tunneling, mining, or geothermal projects
Emergency flood control in underground mines and caverns
Long-term groundwater management during dam or levee construction
Municipal pump station bypass during maintenance or repair
Dewatering of flooded underground parking structures or basements

Safety & operation

Electrical lockout/tagout procedures are critical during installation, maintenance, or removal of submerged pumps
Confined space protocols govern access to shafts and pits where pumps operate
Rigging and lifting plans must account for pump weight, cable management, and load dynamics during installation
Operators monitor motor current, bearing temperature, and vibration to detect seal failure or impeller blockage before catastrophic damage occurs

Transport & logistics

Units require heavy equipment for handling; pumps with 12+ in ports often weigh several thousand pounds
Flatbed or heavy-duty equipment trailers transport pumps to site; cranes or excavators position units in shafts or pits
Discharge piping is transported separately, often requiring multiple truckloads for large-diameter runs exceeding 100 feet

Power & supply

Three-phase 480V power is standard; larger units may require 600V or custom transformer setups
Power cables run from surface-mounted motor control panels or switchgear down to submerged pump locations
Dedicated generator sets rated 100–500 kW or higher supply power at remote mine and quarry sites

Frequently asked

What determines whether a job needs a 6+ in pump versus a 4-6 in unit?

Flow rate is the primary driver. Jobs requiring continuous pumping above 1,000 gpm or handling inflow rates that smaller pumps cannot keep pace with justify the 6+ in class. Depth and vertical lift requirements also matter, but volume capacity is the distinguishing factor.

How long can these pumps operate continuously without service?

Design intent is for months-long operation in shaft and quarry applications. Actual service intervals depend on suspended solids, motor load, and seal integrity, but many units run 2,000+ hours between inspections when conditions are favorable.

Can a 6+ in pump handle solids, or is it for clear water only?

Most models in this class handle solids up to 3–6 inches in diameter, making them suitable for quarry slurry, mine tailings, and silt-laden groundwater. Specific solids-handling capacity varies by impeller design and manufacturer.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Flow rate	Max head	Engine power
Griffin 6T	990 gpm	72 ft (21.9 m)	-
Griffin 6MH	1,500 gpm	80 ft (24.4 m)	-
Griffin 6MHL	1,800 gpm	119 ft (36.3 m)	-
Griffin 8T	1,490 gpm	80 ft (24.4 m)	-
Griffin 10T	3,450 gpm	94 ft (28.7 m)	-
Griffin 12T	5,000 gpm	55 ft (16.8 m)	-