Centrifugal chemical pumps are ideal for many applications, from filtration and circulation to storage and unloading.
Due to their harsh nature, corrosive chemicals must be handled carefully. As designers establish their systems, they must select pumps that are constructed to withstand the specific corrosive chemicals involved in their process.
Centrifugal Chemical Pump Types
Centrifugal pumps are available to transfer a wide range of flows. Using rotational energy supplied by an impeller, these pumps are able to move liquids safely and efficiently. Centrifugal chemical pumps are designed to transfer liquids that other pumps cannot safely handle.
Centrifugal chemical pumps are manufactured in two main styles: mechanically sealed and magnetically driven. These designs are distinct and are appropriate for different applications.
Pumps With Mechanical Seals
A centrifugal pump features an internal rotating impeller with a portion that connects to the motor through an opening in the pump housing. To prevent leakage, a mechanical seal is used for this opening. These are typically made of ceramic, silicon carbide or carbon rings that are carefully designed to seal the pump preventing leakage. One ring rotates as the shaft turns, while the other remains stationary in the pump. As the fluid travels through the pump, a small amount moves between these two seal faces to provide lubrication.
The main advantage to this type of pump is the initial purchase price. Compared to other types of pumps, such as stamping pump, sewage pump and magnetic pump, the initial investment is typically lower. A secondary advantage is the potential to handle some solids.
Magnetic-Drive Centrifugal Pumps
As the name implies, magnetic-drive (mag-drive) pumps are driven by magnets. This eliminates the direct connection between the impeller and the motor shaft, effectively eliminating the need for a seal. Magnets are mounted on the motor shaft to transfer the motor power through a solid barrier to other magnets inside the pump, which rotate the impeller.
The key advantage to this pump style is the lack of mechanical seal. With no seal to wear out or leak, this pump style offers lower maintenance and greater longevity than mechanically sealed pumps, and also, some models feature run-dry capability not commonly found among mechanically
