4.12.3. Air-Lift Pumps Water can also be lifted inside a well by releasing compressed air into an air discharge pipe (air line) lowered into the well. Because of the reduced specific gravity, aerated water is lifted to the ground surface. Air-lift pumping is inefficient and requires cumbersome and expensive equipment and is, therefore, rarely used as a permanent pumping system.
The main factors which must be considered while selecting a pump for water well are the anticipated pumping conditions, specific installation and maintenance conditions, and the basic pump characteristics. As in well construction, the initial cost of a pump and its installation are relatively less important than the performance, reliability, and operating costs during the life span of the pumping equipment.
