Pumping Chemicals
When it comes to pumping chemicals, centrifugal pumps remain the undisputed workhorse of industry. From water treatment and plating baths to chemical manufacturing and effluent handling, their principle of operation is the same: a rotating impeller imparts velocity to the liquid, which is then converted into pressure for transfer.
What changes, however, is the configuration — and the right configuration can make all the difference for safety, efficiency, and maintenance.
Fluimac offers three distinct centrifugal pump ranges that prove the point: COMPASS (magnetic drive), DRAGON (horizontal mechanical seal), and TYPHOON (vertical immersion). While the core hydraulic principle is shared, each is tailored to specific operational needs.
COMPASS – Leak-Free Magnetic Drive for Aggressive Chemicals
The COMPASS series uses a hermetic, seal-less magnetic drive to eliminate shaft seals — and with them, the risks of leakage and emissions. This makes it ideal for handling highly corrosive or high-purity liquids where contamination or vapor release is unacceptable.
Key advantages:
- Casing & impeller in PP or PVDF for broad chemical resistance.
- No mechanical seal means minimal maintenance and longer life.
- Suitable for liquids up to 200 CPS viscosity and 35 m³/h flow.
- Positive suction design for clean, solids-free liquids.
By replacing a traditional mechanical seal with a magnetic coupling, COMPASS pumps reduce wear, prevent corrosion of motor components, and keep maintenance costs low — a perfect fit for light-to-medium duty chemical transfer.
DRAGON – Horizontal Workhorse for Dirty Fluids
The DRAGON line offers horizontal centrifugal pumps with a semi-open impeller capable of handling dirty fluids and small suspended solids. This makes them a favourite in applications where fluids are less than pristine — think chemical effluent, plating baths with residues, or liquid transfer from sumps.
Highlights:
- Mechanical seal with PTFE bellows for extreme corrosion resistance.
- Flows up to 80 m³/h and heads up to 45 m.
- Capable of pumping fluids with viscosity up to 500 CPS.
- Available in PP and PVDF for aggressive chemical compatibility.
With its robust design and ease of inspection via a rear lantern, DRAGON is built for frequent operation and quick service in demanding environments.
TYPHOON – Vertical Immersion for Tank-Mounted Applications
Where pumps must be installed directly into a tank or sump, the TYPHOON vertical centrifugal range is the go-to choice. The pump column is immersed in the liquid, allowing for immediate priming and minimal footprint.
Benefits include:
- Lengths from 250 mm to 1750 mm for a variety of tank depths.
- Semi-open impeller handles dirty liquids up to 500 CPS viscosity.
- Flows up to 80 m³/h and heads to 45 m.
- Flexible coupling design absorbs misalignments and vibration.
By eliminating the need for suction piping and priming, TYPHOON pumps simplify installation and reduce the risk of dry running in continuous operations.
Pumping Chemicals – One Principle, Many Solutions
While COMPASS, DRAGON, and TYPHOON share the same centrifugal pumping principle, their differences lie in seal type, installation method, and fluid compatibility. Selecting the right configuration ensures not only optimal performance but also longer equipment life and lower total cost of ownership.
In chemical handling, “one size fits all” rarely works. Fluimac’s three centrifugal solutions show that by matching the pump to the process — magnetic drive for leak-free purity, horizontal mechanical seal for dirty fluids, or vertical immersion for in-tank applications — plant operators can maximize safety, efficiency, and reliability.