About Joseph Warrender - President at Warrender, Ltd. edit
Magnetic Drive Pumps
Magnetic Drive Pumps are inherently seal-less designs, eliminating the problems and expenses associated with mechanical seals. These are pumps that work without any dynamic seals and are based on the technology of a concentric external (drive) and internal (driven) magnets that are isolated by a static shroud. The internal magnet is affixed to the impeller that moves fluid through the pump. A rear casing or containment shell separates the drive magnet from the inner magnet, which creates an enclosed containment that doesn’t require rotating shaft seals.
A Magnetic Drive Pump is considered valuable for its ability to prevent leakage, even under extreme process conditions, and this averts any potential release or loss of hazardous or expensive liquids. Another significant advantage of using magnetic drive pumps is the absence of fugitive or harmful emissions, which makes this pump completely compatible with the environmental regulations and necessary compliances.
The simplicity of Magnetic Drive Pumps is evident by its simplified maintenance that minimizes down-time of the operation process by way of a quick-change rear cartridge assembly. The chance of failure of magnetic pump is also reduced by the elimination of troublesome mechanical seal that eventually will leak.
The Principles of a Magnetic Drive Pump
Unlike a conventional Magnetic Drive Pump with impeller and motor having a direct drive shaft connection, a magnetic pump works by creating a balanced magnetic field that rotates the fluid impeller. The outside of a rear casing is aligned with outer magnetic bell housing, which is mounted at the end of the pump shaft.
A smaller internal magnet assembly holds the pump impeller that rides on an internal shaft. This smaller “driven magnetic” assembly is mounted in between the center of magnetic field of the outer bell housing. The magnetic fields operate in a regular and well-balanced manner even though a fluid barrier separates the two magnets. The external “drive magnet” in the outer bell housing rotates synchronously with the internal “driven magnet” as the pump motor is engaged.
As a result, the inner impeller magnet rotates by means of the rotating magnetic field or flux emitted by both aligned, concentric magnetic fields. This process drives the 2 ‘crowns” of segmented magnets simultaneously that drives the pumping mechanism, which displaces the process fluid.
The Benefits of Magnetic Drive Pumps
Zero emissions, leak-proof, Magnetic Drive Pumps are used for various applications in chemical processing plants, oil and gas refineries, metal and steel treatment, and OEM systems. However, these pumps are typically unsuitable for high viscosity or solids laden mediums.
The pump casing and entire “liquid end assembly” is completely sealed from the drive end, thus these pumps don’t use conventional close-coupled or long-coupled drive shaft mechanisms. The Magnetic Drive Pumps concept has proven its effectiveness in many services preventing leakage to plant operations and the environment. Absence of leakage also leads to absence of any failure or production loss. These seal-less meet zero emissions in demanding applications to ensure no contamination.
Magnetic drive pumps are typically synchronous (non-slipping) to enhance pump efficiency and reduce motor horsepower]]. All these benefits make them the best choice for applications in chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. These pumps are also in demand for transferring or circulating expensive chemicals and hazardous materials for the inherent leak-proof feature.
<b Magnetic Drive Pumps: Scope of Applications
Magnetic drive pumps are used for a wide gamut of applications in different industrial sectors for their functional benefits and features. Following are the some of the areas where these pumps are utilized:
- Heat Transfer
- Refrigeration Systems
- Chemical Blending & Transfer
- Oil Refining Applications
- Electro Plating Solutions
- OEM Cooling Systems
- Salt Water Aquariums
- Solar Equipment
- Etching Equipment
- Microchip Manufacturing
Ideally 2 types of Magnetic Drive Pumps are available in the market namely stationary shaft and rotating shafts. Depending on their usage and afield of applications, magnetic drive pumps can be made of either high-grade thermoplastics, Fluoroplastics, or various metallurgies. These pumps can operate in a broach range of temperatures, based on the process requirements and materials of construction from which they are made.