Tech Tips

Magnetic Coupling

Consists of two magnets, a drive magnet that attaches to the motor shaft and a driven magnet that is completely sealed within the pumphead and is connected to the driving gear. The driven magnet is a wetted component and is totally encapsulated. The two magnets couple automatically such that the drive magnet turns the driven magnet and gears without physical contact.

Decoupling occurs when the pump load exceeds the coupling torque between the two magnets. This feature can act as a safety device to prevent damage to the pump and motor as well as associated piping. The magnets can be recoupled by bringing the motor to a complete stop, then eliminating the cause of the decoupling and restarting.

Conventional Mechanical Sealing

Many pumps utilize a dynamic seal on the pump shaft. These types of seals, either mechanical seal or packed glands, rely on the control of fine clearances to minimize pump leakage. However, these seals require cooling and lubrication across the seal face. This cooling is often provided by a controlled leak of the process fluid, resulting in environmental contamination or contamination of the process fluid.

Dynamic seals also convert friction to heat. This increased heat can transfer to the liquid and cause vaporizing (cavitation) within the pump requiring larger motors, increased power consumption, and shorter life.