Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic drive (mag drive) pumps are sealless pumps that use a magnetic coupling instead of a mechanical shaft seal to transmit power. They are widely used for corrosive, toxic and hazardous liquids where leak-free containment is critical. AxFlow offers the largest choice of magnetic drive (mag drive) pumps available in the UK, including sealless centrifugal pumps, magnetically driven vane pumps, mag drive turbine pumps and mag drive gear pumps.

HOW do MAG DRIVE PUMPS WORK?

Magnetically driven pumps transfer power using a drive magnet fixed to the motor shaft. This rotates an internal magnet connected to the impeller via the magnetic field between the two magnets. Because the motor shaft does not pass through the rear pump casing, the pump can operate without a dynamic seal, in other words it is sealless.

Advantages of Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic drive pumps offer a number of advantages over conventional mechanically sealed pumps, particularly in applications where safe, reliable fluid containment is essential.

Key benefits include:

• Sealless design for leak-free transfer of hazardous and corrosive liquids
• Reduced maintenance by eliminating mechanical seal wear
• Excellent chemical resistance with a range of metallic and non-metallic materials
• Improved process safety by minimising the risk of fugitive emissions
• Reliable performance for continuous chemical and industrial processing
• Lower total cost of ownership through reduced downtime and maintenance

Mag Drive Pump Applications

Mag drive pumps are commonly used when you really don’t want any leakage, such as with corrosive liquids and toxic liquids.

They are also well suited to temperature extremes:

• High temperature applications: there is no seal to leak, and the magnetic coupling helps accommodate thermal movement.

• Low temperature and cryogenic applications: suitable because no heat is transferred from the motor into the pumped liquid in the way that can occur with some alternative arrangements.

Examples of Mag drive pump applications include...

Chemical Processing: Transfer of acids, alkalis, solvents and other aggressive chemicals, with excellent corrosion resistance and leak-free operation.

Pharmaceuticals & Fine Chemicals: Safe handling of high-value and hazardous process fluids while helping minimise the risk of contamination.

Water & Wastewater Treatment: Reliable transfer and dosing of treatment chemicals, including sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda and ferric chloride.

Semiconductor & Electronics: Ideal for handling ultra-pure and corrosive chemicals where product purity and containment are essential.

Industrial Manufacturing: Used across metal finishing, surface treatment and general manufacturing for reliable transfer of corrosive process fluids.

Engineered for Your Application

AxFlow supplies magnetic drive pumps in a range of metallic and non-metallic materials to suit different chemicals and operating conditions. Our engineers can recommend the most appropriate pump based on fluid compatibility, flow rate and process requirements.

How to Choose a Magnetic Drive Pump

Selecting the right magnetic drive pump begins with understanding the demands of your application. To achieve reliable performance and maximise pump life, consider the following factors:

• Flow rate and duty point – Ensure the pump is correctly sized to deliver the required flow and pressure efficiently.
• Fluid properties – Consider the liquid's viscosity, specific gravity, temperature and vapour pressure, as these all influence pump performance.
• Chemical compatibility – Select the appropriate pump casing, containment shell and wetted materials to suit the process fluid.
• Operating conditions – Evaluate suction conditions, NPSH available and system layout to help prevent cavitation and maintain reliable operation.
• Temperature range – Verify that both the pump materials and magnetic coupling are suitable for the operating temperature.
• Installation environment – Consider factors such as ATEX requirements, ambient conditions and available space when selecting the pump configuration.

AxFlow's application engineers can help specify the most suitable magnetic drive pump for your process, ensuring optimum performance, reliability and long-term operating efficiency.

Why Buy Mag drive Pumps From AxFlow

AxFlow UK offers a particularly large mag drive pump range. It includes sealless centrifugal pumps, magnetically driven vane pumps even mag drive turbine pumps. Many of our mag drive pumps are ATEX rated and our range even includes canned pumps which represent the ultimate in mag drive pump design.

AxFlow has an extremely large number of magnetic drive pumps as we represent several different manufacturers of magnetic drive and canned pumps in the UK. Argal who specialise in plastic mag drive pumps, Gruppo Aturia who offer a range of metal and plastic mag drive pumps including ISO 5199 and API 685, Wernert who offer a lined mag drive pump, Pulsafeeder who make mag drive gear pumps Blackmer who offer the Blackmer Magnesmag drive vane pumps and Hermetic who specialise in canned pumps.

AxFlow's mag drive pump portfolio includes plastic magnetically driven pumps API 685 and ISO 2858 mag drive pumps, magnetic drive vane pumps, mag drive turbine pumps and magnetic drive gear pumps.

Here are links to the different types of magnetic drive pumps that we have..

AxFLOW MAG DRIVE PUMP RANGE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a magnetic drive pump?

A magnetic drive (mag drive) pump is a sealless centrifugal pump that uses a magnetic coupling to transmit power from the motor to the impeller. By eliminating the mechanical shaft seal, it provides leak-free containment for hazardous, corrosive and high-purity liquids.

How does a magnetic drive pump work?

A magnetic drive pump uses two sets of permanent magnets separated by a sealed containment shell. As the outer magnet assembly rotates, it drives the inner magnet and impeller without direct mechanical contact, allowing the pump to transfer liquid while preventing leaks to the atmosphere.

What are the advantages of a magnetic drive pump?

Magnetic drive pumps offer leak-free operation, reduced maintenance, excellent chemical resistance and improved process safety. They are particularly suited to transferring corrosive, toxic and environmentally hazardous liquids where preventing leakage is a priority.

What liquids can magnetic drive pumps handle?

Magnetic drive pumps are commonly used for acids, alkalis, solvents, chemicals, water treatment chemicals and other corrosive or hazardous process fluids. Material compatibility should always be confirmed to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Can magnetic drive pumps run dry?

No. Most magnetic drive pumps rely on the pumped liquid to lubricate and cool the internal bearings. Running the pump dry can cause rapid bearing wear and damage. Dry-running protection or suitable system controls are recommended where there is a risk of loss of flow.

Can magnetic drive pumps handle solids?

Magnetic drive pumps are generally designed for clean or lightly contaminated liquids. Fluids containing abrasive particles or large suspended solids can accelerate wear of the internal bearings and reduce pump life. Alternative pump technologies may be more suitable for slurry or solids-handling applications.

What is the difference between a magnetic drive pump and a mechanically sealed pump?

The main difference is that a magnetic drive pump has no mechanical shaft seal. Instead, torque is transferred through a magnetic coupling, eliminating one of the most common sources of pump leakage and reducing maintenance requirements.

Which industries use magnetic drive pumps?

Magnetic drive pumps are widely used in chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, semiconductor manufacturing, metal finishing, industrial manufacturing and other applications where safe, leak-free fluid transfer is essential.