COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
Why choose a Magnetic Drive pump ?
There are so many different types of pumps that it can be confusing and difficult for pump users to know if they have the best pump for their application . To make selection easier it is vital that pump companies are given as much information on the application / process upfront with a request for a quotation . It saves time and can prevent a lot of work being done in the pump selection process which may all be wrong when the correct process data is received and then has to be redone , or the incorrect pump could be offered and sold .
What information does a pump supplier require ?
Below is a useful list of basic technical criteria that should be answered by pump users or process designers / engineers and then issued to a pump company when requesting a pump selection and quotation .
What is the pump application ? Is it a new application or upgrade ?
If an existing application or upgrade , what pump is currently used and are there problems with it ?
Installed location and site utilities information ? Operating conditions ? Properties of the medium to pump ?
Pump duty eg . Flow , Head , Speed , Efficiency , quantity pumps , delivery lead time required ?
Type of pump wanted eg . Centrifugal , gear , rotary lobe ? Pump materials of construction ?
Type of prime mover required on the pump eg . Air , electric , hydraulic ?
Pump specifications applicable eg . EN733 or EN2858 ?
Food & Beverage industry Standards applicable eg . FDA compliant ?
Health & safety regulations applicable eg . ATEX rated equipment ?
Quality Management System & Quality Control requirements eg . Material certificates , pump testing ?
Spare parts requirements ? Commercial terms & conditions ?
Another factor to consider when buying a pump is the history and credibility of the manufacturer / supplier you are dealing with . Will they be able to give you the back-up services and spares that you will require when using their pump ?
In conclusion , make sure you consider the Life Cycle Costs of ownership of the pump you purchase . Initial cost is a small part of the overall ownership cost . There is plenty of literature on LCC available on the internet for review and self-education . Pump companies can also provide their own data on this .
So when should you choose a Magnetic Drive pump ?
Applications :
Mag-drive pumps are a suitable pump if the application in question requires the complete containment of the process fluid being pumped ( liquids that are corrosive , explosive , flammable , toxic , ultrapure and / or expensive ).
Magnetic coupling :
For a magnetic drive pump , instead of having a shaft that passes through the body of the pump , which requires a dynamic seal , the pump has one assembly of external magnets attached to the shaft of the motor and a second assembly of internal magnets attached to the impeller inside the pump body . When the motor rotates , the magnetic field generated between the two magnets means that the impeller turns in the pump body . The liquid to be pumped is therefore contained within the hermetically sealed pump housing without the risk of any leaks from the shaft seal . This means that there is no direct or indirect path through which any fluids or gases can escape which can pose a risk to both operators and the environment .
It is important to understand that the term magnetic drive applies to the coupling mechanism and the nature of construction , so magnetic drive options are not just restricted to centrifugal pumps , but can be used on gear pumps , rotary vane pumps , and screw pumps for example .
Designs :
Mag-drive pumps are available in close-coupled and long-coupled ( base frame mounted ) configurations . They are made out many different metallic and non-metallic materials , giving a wide choice for excellent chemical compatibility and scope to handle these difficult liquids . In closecoupled design systems , many mag-drive pumps offer a back pull-out design allowing pipe work and associated pumped fluid to be kept in-situ , allowing for the motor to easily be removed
4 NOVEMBER 2021 read online : www . surfaceworld . com