Airlift pump is a simple pump, which is powered by compressed air. Typically, the compressed air is pumped down a pipe into a well and bubbles into another larger diameter pipe. The air bubbles return to the surface in the larger pipe. Airlift pumps are often used in deep dirty wells where sand would quickly abrade mechanical parts. However airlift wells must be much deeper than the water table to allow for submergence. Air is generally pumped at least as deep under the water as the water is to be lifted. The airlift pump is a type of deep well pump, used to remove water from mines. It can also be used to pump slurry of sand and water or other gritty solutions. In the pump, the compressed air is piped down a shaft and the air then returns up a discharge pipe carrying water with it. The pump works by aerating the water in the discharge pipe.