Apr 12, 2024 | Industrial
Loading materials in and out of facilities is both vitally important to production and at risk of sudden, expensive accidents that threaten to stop production altogether. Bulk loading keeps facilities functioning whether a facility is moving petroleum for fueling or raw materials like dairy for food manufacturing. Safety & efficiency are vital to maintaining everyday operations. Northwest Pump is a provider of premier bulk loading solutions to maintain the highest levels of safety and efficiency for our customers’ needs.
Industries We Support
Bulk loading equipment comes in a variety of styles, materials, and designs for optimal performance depending on the application. Northwest Pump works with OPW to provide bulk loading equipment for chemical applications, industrial manufacturing, food & beverage manufacturing, pulp & paper manufacturing, rail & truck transportation, and fleet fueling.
Bulk Loading Equipment
Pumps & Air Compressors
Pumps are essential for bulk-loading applications, whether for liquids, gasses, or even solids. Northwest Pump offers a wide range of products to meet all your bulk loading needs, such as air compressors, fueling pumps, corrosive duty pumps, sanitary pumps, and more.
Blackmer’s vane pumps are the undisputed champion of fuel transfer. Offering unbeatable reliability and top-of-the-line performance, Blackmer is the clear choice for any fuel transfer job. The sliding vane technology behind Blackmer’s vane pumps ensures continued, consistent performance for each pump’s lifetime, even after the vanes wear out and need replacement. The SGL series Sliding Vane pumps from Blackmer use ductile iron for their construction to add another layer of protection for the pump to extend its lifespan working with corrosive materials. Another reason to use Blackmer for liquid transfer is its line-stripping capabilities. Even working with petroleum, Blackmer’s vane pumps can adjust the suction power to extract the remnants of fluids within the piping and the tank, improving your output without substantial changes to your pump system.
Finding the right chemical duty pump can be challenging to balance the chemical compatibility of the materials and the pump’s lifespan. Almatec provides cutting-edge chemical transfer with its PTFE-carved AODD pumps. No metal in the wetted housing means that this pump withstands the harsher chemicals it encounters and makes it a quintessential choice for industries like Semiconductor manufacturing.
For solid material transport, air compressors replace pumps in loading systems. Compressed air provides the force to move materials like flour, sand, or bitumen on and off trucks or trains. For stationary applications, Sullair provides state-of-the-art rotary or centrifugal compressor options to move solid materials where they need to be.
Loading Arms
OPW offers custom-built loading arms to match your exact needs. Our team works with you to determine the specifics of your application, the size and style of the arm, and the deadline your facility needs to meet your delivery and quality expectations.
These loading arms are versatile, and are either top or bottom-loading, depending on the material being transported. They come with different support options such as fixed, gas-strut, and fully supported with jack-knife storage options. The piping size varies from a two-inch diameter to a four-inch diameter for top-loading styles. For bottom-loading styles, the range goes from a two-inch diameter to a six-inch diameter. OPW offers loading arms in three materials – carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum – to suit different industrial needs.
Hoses, Couplings, Swivels, and other Accessory Equipment
To complete your brand-new bulk loading system from OPW, they also offer the accessories connecting the pumps to the loading arms including hoses, coupling, swivels, and even hose sleeves from start to finish. These products have API certification for quality assurance and give you peace of mind. To prevent product loss in case of accidents, OPW provides breakaway couplers and smart hoses in addition to the standard options. OPW’s couplers, such as the Lynx API Series Bottom-Loading coupler, come with a simple one-pin-style opening mechanism to simplify repairs when they are needed.
Safety Equipment
Loading sites are RIFE with opportunities for workplace injuries. Northwest Pump has partnered with SafeRack to provide OSHA-compliant safety equipment solutions including gangways, fall prevention systems, ladders, and more to protect our customers and their workers from these risks.
Gangways
SafeRack offers three main gangway styles: flat ramp, flat ramp telescopic, and self-adjusting stair. Telescopic gangways extend beyond the standard flat ramp-style gangways for flexible access with additional protection. SafeRack uses aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel to build the gangways, with rubber bumpers and stainless steel quality bearing rods to ensure the integrity of the designs. Depending on the application, the gangway can be as thin as two feet wide up to six feet. Optional mounting universal angling clips are also available for these gangways.
For additional security when using these gangways, SafeRack offers the Retractalok. The Retractralok is a plug-and-play solution that eliminates the springs and their associated failures while lifting and lowering gangways to their desired height. It offers an automatic lock to prevent manual overriding when the gangway is in use. Retractaloks have three power options to best suit a variety of facilities, air-powered, solar-powered, and standard electrical plugin.
Fall Protection/Arrest Systems
Whether looking to prevent a fall entirely or arrest it prematurely, SafeRack offers complete systems to protect your workers where the risk is greatest. From harnesses to complete articulating safety platforms, SafeRack offers fall prevention and fall arrest solutions.
Mobile Access Units
The Mobile Access Unit – Industrial Model, or MAUI, is a mobile access platform designed for dependability, flexibility, and safety. MAUI offers a telescoping ladder to access the different heights and needs required. This comes in handy especially when working with both trucks and rail applications. MAUI comes with solid rubber tires, preventing ill-time flat tires, and even an ATV option for rough, unsteady terrain.
Next Steps
Looking for solutions for your next bulk loading system? Northwest Pump has the tools for the job. Reach out to begin designing your custom system with our team of experts using the Contact Us button below. For service needs on your current pumps & air compressor equipment, request service using the button on the right.
Mar 14, 2024 | Industrial, Services
One common pain point for manufacturing plants is repeated pump failure in and around washdown applications. Facilities risk losing tens of thousands of dollars when using equipment not meant for washdown. Whether preventing a failure before it happens or troubleshooting existing washdown equipment, our team of pump experts, engineers, and service technicians can help with washdown needs in your facility.
What kind of facilities need washdown equipment?
Washdown processes are not necessary for every industry. The three industries that typically require washdowns are food & beverage, marine, and those working with heavy-duty chemicals. Without these features, corrosive chemicals or bacteria can damage washdown equipment. This is especially true for marine applications with seawater and bacteria ever-present.
What kinds of pumps are best for washdown applications?
Because of the specific industry-specific needs for washdown applications, pumps designated for washdowns need stainless steel for the wetted housing or use a sanitary-grade industrial coating. Both prevent untimely wear and tear on the pump itself.
The two most common styles of pumps for washdown applications are centrifugal and air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD). Centrifugal pumps are some of the most common on the market because of their pressure-boosting capabilities and the tendency towards higher flow applications. AODD pumps, on the other hand, have a significant advantage in washdown applications: the motorless design prevents the leading cause of pump failure during washdowns.
What is a motor washdown rating & how important is it?
The biggest concern when working in washdown applications is not the style of a pump but the motor. Washdown-rated motors protect the fragile electrical components against the large volumes of water required for these types of applications. A standard motor is prone to rust or water leakage into the electrical components that enable the pump to run, making it unsuitable for washdowns. Additionally, long-coupled pumps will require a washdown-rated coupling guard to protect the coupling element from water damage.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) designed an Ingress Protection, or IP, rating system to specify how a motor’s enclosure protects from outside contaminants. Manufacturers display the IP ratings on the motor tag and in the motor’s manual. This rating uses two numbers, each representing how it blocks solids or liquids. The first digit will be a number from 0-6, and this scale represents how this enclosure will prevent solid objects from reaching the internal mechanisms. The second digit scales 0-9 to indicate how the enclosure prevents liquids from interacting with the electrical components. Motors with no protection against dust or water would have an IP00 rating. Conversely, a motor with an IP69 rating indicates protection from dust and water resistance even while submerged in shallow water. Typical washdown applications have IP ratings ranging from 55-69, depending on the spray pressure.
Do I need another pump to boost pressure for washdown?
While having pressure booster pumps or pump skids in addition to the washdown pumps is not uncommon, not all washdown applications require increased pressure. Facilities with multiple washdown systems in place or far away from their local water utility distribution system will likely benefit from installing a booster system in addition to their existing washdown equipment.
Our Washdown Equipment Vendors
Pump Vendors
Grundfos
While pumps are not the pain point in washdown needs, Grundfos sets itself apart for washdown equipment with the Hydro HP pump system. The Hydro HP is not one single pump, but a complete assembly of in-house manufactured CR/CRN pumps, washdown-rated motors with an equivalent IP 66 rating, and automation & real-time monitoring accessories applied to a baseplate ready to connect to your existing pump system.
Wilden
These industry-renowned AODD pumps take the hassle out of maintenance. Since AODD pumps do not require a motor, they stand out as an option for washdown applications. Wilden builds its AODD pumps with as few parts as possible to simplify assembly & disassembly of the pump. The Saniflo series from Wilden features stainless steel construction to prevent bacterial growth during periods of non-use, maintaining the washdown-standard design.
Motor Vendors
WEG
WEG offers washdown-rated motors with IP56 or IP69 ratings to fit your needs. This vendor manufactures durable equipment with a patented three-stage sealing system to ensure a watertight fit. To validate this claim, WEG offers a substantial motor warranty with protection for up to twelve months from the installation date or twenty-four months from the assembly date listed on the motor tag.
Baldor
Baldor offers motors with IP ratings up to IP69, including a specific Food-Grade motor to keep with sanitation standards set by the FDA. These motors also offer a ‘footless’ CIP-in-mind design to reduce the surface area for cleaning.
Custom-Built Washdown Pump Skids
Northwest Pump
For those looking for precision control for their washdown needs, Northwest Pump offers custom fabrication services through our Industrial Service Division to create the washdown pump skid you need. Whether you supply the plans or let our engineers lend a hand, our service technicians work with you to build to your specifications.
Next Steps
Are you in search of the perfect washdown solutions for your facility? Look no further! We can provide the most suitable washdown solutions to meet or even exceed your requirements. Trust us to deliver a top-notch solution that leaves your facility sparkling. Contact us below to get started.
Feb 14, 2024 | Industrial, Services
Clean compressed air correlates with producing higher-value merchandise, reducing recalls, and increasing downstream equipment performance. Quality testing is an effective tool to understand the cleanliness of your compressed air. Regulations usually only mandate annual tests, especially for food & beverage manufacturers. However, compressed air experts recommend testing at least once a quarter to maintain the highest compressed air quality.
Testing is essential to understanding your facility’s air quality. Poor results and delayed corrections can severely impact your facility. Knowing what to expect and preparing in advance will help avoid issues with your next audit. Here are some frequently asked questions and solutions to help you prepare accordingly.
How do I test my compressed air quality?
Third-party compressed air auditors use state-of-the-art laboratories to conduct precise quality testing. One benefit of working with air auditors is that after the process, auditors can automatically validate the quality of your air; there are no additional steps needed to prove compliance with ISO 8357. Rather than dismantling your entire compressor system and sending it off-site for inspection, air quality testing facilities send sampling kits to gather samples from the nearest air outlet. While each kit will differ from the other, a completed kit should have a bottle of air from your compressor system ready to be sent out.
Our trained service technicians can gather your air testing samples without risk of contamination. Upon request, your Northwest Pump compressor tech will take an air sample for you during any routine maintenance appointment. They take samples at point-of-use and at the compressor to give customers the best insights into their compressed air quality. Our technicians will alert customers of contamination risks before taking the air sample. From there, our service division works with third-party certified air auditors to analyze and validate your sample.
What Happens During Compressed Air Quality Testing?
For a complete outlook on the quality of your compressed air, auditors will conduct several tests on the air sample provided. While different testing methods can vary, the most common are:
- Laser Particle Counters
- Filter Microscopy
- Gravimetry
- Viable Microbe Sampling
- Water Vapor Testing
- Oil Testing
- Oil Aerosol Testing*
- Oil Vapor Testing*
Combining the above tests is the best way to ensure that your air meets the ISO 8357 requirements that you may need. Each test does not necessarily focus on every component of ISO classification. While you could only have one specific test done at a time, multiple tests give you a better understanding of your air quality.
*Before testing your compressed air for oil, or hydrocarbons, it is important to ensure that the test can detect oil in both vapor and aerosol forms. Some testing services or solutions on the market only check for one variation of oil in compressed air samples, which could give a misleading result.
How Clean Should My Compressed Air Be?
Whether your air should reach a specific ISO classification or not will depend on your facility’s air needs and usage. Industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor manufacturing, require high purity in their compressed air. These industries will also need to meet the standards set by governing bodies like the FDA before continuing production.
As mentioned earlier, there is a direct correlation between cleaner air and higher-quality products. Compressed air for general uses may not need to be of a higher quality. Alternatively, process air is meant for smaller-scale, specific applications, and may have more direct contact with products. Facilities may want to invest in instrumentation for higher-quality compressed air.
What Can I Do to Improve My Air Quality?
There are several ways to improve air quality before completing any compressed air quality testing. Below are a few suggestions sorted by efficacy and the length of implementation time.
Short-Term Solutions
One of the fastest ways to improve your compressed air quality is to change out the filters in your air treatment equipment. This will remove remnants of dust, dead bacteria, or other debris that could eventually leak through to the point of use. Regularly changing your air filters can also solve issues such as pressure drop further downstream.
Another quick way to improve the quality of your compressed air is to ensure that your machines have regular service. Regular service is an easy way to ensure your compressor system works as it should. Our rotating equipment service plans also include regularly changing out all filters on your compressors.
Mid-Term Solutions
If you want a significant improvement in compressed air quality, upgrading your air treatment equipment could be a worthwhile investment. This solution can provide greater improvements than service appointments, which can only do so much. Upgrading your filters, dryers, or condensate drains allows you to better match current production goals and even future needs. You should choose filters that are easy to clean and can withstand high-temperature steam to eliminate microbial contaminants.
For high-purity applications, facilities may require multiple filters to target each type of contaminant, such as dust, microbes, moisture, and oil. We recommend investing in filtration equipment from Parker and Sullair. Both brands offer filters as small as .01 microns to catch even the smallest bacteria before it reaches the point of use.
Long-Term Solutions
For those looking for the most substantial changes to their compressed air quality, Northwest Pump recommends finding solutions to remove both oil vapors and aerosols from the system entirely. This can be as simple as changing the compressor to an oil-free or oil-less machine. Alternatively, Beko offers BekoKat to elminate and Metpoint OCV to monitor oil vapor and aerosol present in your compressed air. The BekoKat is a catalytic converter that changes the hydrocarbons (oils) into CO2 and water. The Metpoint OCV offers real-time oil monitoring by sampling your compressed air every two minutes to give you peace of mind for your next air audit.
Next Steps
Northwest Pump is a leading distributor & service provider for compressor systems in the Pacific Northwest. Contact our compressor experts using the button on the left. For any service needs, including compressed air quality testing, please use the button on the right.
Dec 11, 2023 | Industrial
While global supply chain strains were related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the semiconductor industry is still feeling the loss of production along with added pressure due to increased demand. The main cause of this shortage is that 75% of the world’s semiconductor supply has historically come from China and Taiwan. In the last few years, a global pandemic, trade difficulties, and natural disasters have impacted the region’s ability to produce the wafers, chips, and circuit boards that impact our everyday lives. As of August 2022, the US government has signed the CHIP and Science Act into law, providing funding for semiconductor manufacturers to begin production within the United States. Northwest Pump is committing to supplying critical equipment, such as acid transfer pumps, to semiconductor manufacturers on the West Coast.
CHIPS & Science Act
Since the CHIPS & Science Act was signed into law, the American government has allocated $39 billion in subsidies for US-based semiconductor manufacturers. These subsidies cover a wide range of financial assistance, including real estate costs, workforce expansion and training, childcare assistance, and more. Additionally, the CHIPS Act also provides a 25% investment tax credit for the costs of manufacturing equipment such as nitrogen generators for clean rooms, oil-free air compressors for wafer manufacturing, and acid transfer pumps for CMP processes. With these measures in place, the semiconductor sector in the US has seen tremendous growth in the past year.
How Northwest Pump is Impacting Manufacturing Efforts
Since 2021, Northwest Pump has committed to changing our stocking strategy when it comes to critical equipment for our customers. We have worked to reduce lead times by increasing on-hand stock from 25 to 40%, depending on the vendor, adding a new warehouse, and expanding our inventory and operations teams. As a result of these radical changes, we have reduced lead times from up to 20 weeks to as short as 2 weeks and, in some instances, even same-day shipping or pickup. Increasing on-hand stock has been especially true as Northwest Pump recently committed to being the master distributor for PSG, a Dover Company’s European brands: Almatec, Abaque, and Mouvex.
AODD Pumps for Semiconductor Manufacturing
Air-operated double-diaphragm pumps offer a unique solution when compared to other types of positive displacement pumps, and this is no different for the semiconductor industry. For one, an AODD pump does not need an electrical power source. These pumps operate automatically once they are connected to a source of compressed air. This means an AODD pump can be just as effective submerged in fluid as it is outside of the container. AODD pumps offer shear sensitivity, working gently with or without solid particles or even slurries. Another benefit is that they are self-priming and can be deadhead without causing damage to the pump.
The durability and gentle fluid-handling qualities make AODD pumps a common choice for chemical transfer applications. They can operate in wide ranges for both temperature and pressure. If the compressed air exceeds its pressure capabilities, the pump simply spits out the air and resumes operation once again. These qualities also carry over to the semiconductor industry, where high-purity chemicals assist with CMP processes. Later, these pumps can assist in moving these chemicals after they mix with waste process water or even waste gases from clean rooms.
The Almatec Advantage
Almatec is a German-manufactured brand specializing in AODD pumps for high-purity chemical and acid transfer. What sets this brand apart is the construction; it machines its pumps out of solid blocks of PTFE, PE, or corrosive-resistant metals. Almatec’s plastic pumps have no metal in the wetted housing, which could be at risk in corrosive pumping applications. The E series pumps from Almatec can work in operating conditions up to 248°F, while the semiconductor specific FUTUR series can work with chemicals at near 400°F. Additionally, Almatec assembles its specialty FUTUR series pumps in cleanrooms to prevent unnecessary contamination from dust or dirt.
Next Steps
Northwest Pump is the master distributor for Almatec on the West Coast and in the Midwest, ranging from New Mexico to North Dakota. To find your local distributor for Almatec Pumps, see our distributor list below. For more information on how Almatec’s acid transfer pumps can help your semiconductor manufacturing processes, contact us using the button below. Use the ‘Request Service’ button below for service needs on your Almatec or AODD pumps.
Distributor
|
Location
|
Website
|
| Northwest Pump |
Portland, Seattle, Spokane, Billings Branches |
Contact NW Pump – The Leader in Petroleum and Industrial Equipment |
| Central States Group |
8720 S 137th Circle, Omaha, NE 68138 |
Central States Group |
| Denver Industrial Pumps |
15165 W 44th Ave, Golden, CO 80403 |
Denver Industrial Pumps |
| Folsom Associates |
516 W Stockman Way, Ogden, UT 84401 |
Folsom Associates |
| Phoenix Pumps |
5100 S 36th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040 |
Phoenix Pumps |
| DXP Enterprises |
3409 NE 65th St, #101, Vancouver, WA 98661 |
DXP Enterprises |
Nov 6, 2023 | Industrial
Corrosives can hurt more than just your seawater pumps. Whether the pumped fluid is seawater or sulfuric acid, once it encounters the wrong material, it will continue to corrode your pump and any other equipment it reaches afterward. While some materials fare better when working with corrosives, it is not always practical to change everything to a resistant material. Industrial and marine coating products help protect your equipment from harmful conditions, including aggressive weather conditions.
What is a marine coating?
An industrial coating is made of layers of protective, waterproof material, such as epoxy resin, which protect against untimely damage. Industrial coating can be used on metal equipment or on concrete floors or walls. Depending on the application style, coatings come in liquid, aerosol, powder, paste, and film.
A marine coating will differ from an industrial coating in two ways. Most marine coatings will be best suited for coating metal surfaces. Additionally, the protections it offers are specific to sea or freshwater needs. When searching for the right marine coating, the key features to look for are:
- High corrosion resistance
- High abrasion resistance
- Low volatile organic chemical content (also referred to as VOC)
- Operating temperatures best-suited for local environment
Another factor in finding the right marine coating is the pot life and curing time. Because of the innate adhesive design of industrial coatings, understanding how long the material will remain in a liquid state (pot life) is another important factor in knowing when to replace excess containers. Curing time will vary depending on the environment, including ambient temperatures and humidity, and will impact how long it takes for a coating to go from a ‘tack-free’ state to ‘full chemical resistance’. Keep in mind that the faster the coating dries, the shorter it will take before it hardens after opening.
Where can marine coatings be applied?
Marine and industrial coatings can protect both the exterior casing and sometimes even the wetted housing of your pump. Coating works on impellers, blades, bearings, valves, or any place in a pump that can encounter corrosive fluid. Beyond the pump, coatings prevent slip hazards before they occur, as well as reduce corrosion damage. Tanks, pipes, bins, silos, and hoppers can also benefit from the use of marine or industrial coatings.
Chesterton ARC Industrial Coating
A.W. Chesterton specifically created the ARC 858 with marine-duty applications in mind. This marine coating uses a reinforced abrasion-control epoxy compound to protect metals against damage caused by seawater and other harsh chemicals. The design of ARC coatings reduces downtime, with only one coat needed. With high adhesive strength, ARC 858 protects against corrosion above and even below the film layer. ARC 858 works with new and current equipment to ensure a longer lifespan, and requires minimal downtime for the application process. Check out this case study where the use of ARC 858 helped to increase the lifespan of a seawater pump 18 years after the initial application, 3 times longer than the original goal.
For ship deck protection, Chesterton offers ARC 855, which uses a ceramic-reinforced epoxy coating to protect the material beneath from corroding and prevent slip hazards when applied to high-foot-traffic areas. Not only did ARC 855 reduce slipping incidents by 80% in one case study, but it also saved over $20,000 by reducing the amount of coating applied.
Next Steps
Northwest Pump offers ARC 858 and other equipment solutions for the marine industry. Use the buttons below to contact us or request help from our service team.
Oct 9, 2023 | Industrial
The chemical properties in seawater make finding the right pump more difficult than when pumping with fresh water. Not only do these pumps have to withstand the damage from floating sand, but saltwater corrodes the metals commonly used in pump manufacturing. When looking for pumps for marine applications, especially at sea, there are certain materials that prevent rust and other damage. Read more to see what our team thinks are the best seawater pump material options.
Ideal Characteristics for Seawater Pump Material
The key quality in looking for a seawater pump is how resistant the materials of construction are to corrosive material. The amount of salt present in seawater corrodes metal five times faster than fresh water. Salt that is present in the air, corrodes metal ten times faster than that. This is due to the chemical properties of salt in the water; ions float freely in salt water, and these ions then force metals into a more neutral (or corroded) state. In a similar vein, floating sand in the water poses a threat of eroding the wetted interiors of pumps- especially in high-velocity applications.
In addition to corrosion resistance, the right material should also be able to handle fluctuating temperatures, especially for heating & cooling applications onboard. Submarines or other submersible applications will also require materials strong enough to withstand stress from high-pressure usage. Another characteristic of a good seawater pump material is how durable it is. Being out at sea limits the tools available to repair broken pumps, and removes the opportunity to take these pumps to the nearest repair shop until after the ship is docked.
Bronze Pumps
Pro: Bronze material is the Marine industry standard for seawater pumps. This material is corrosive-resistant and works well with fluctuations in water temperature. These properties make bronze an excellent choice for either bilge pumps or onboard heating & cooling pumps.
Con: While bronze pumps are popular for marine applications, this material does not have the same strength as stainless steel or other harder metals. Because of this weakness, a pump made out of bronze will be less durable than a pump made of cast iron, steel, or other metals. Additionally, bronze is more expensive than other seawater pump materials.
Oberdorfer & MP Pump specializes in bronze pumps for marine & heavy-duty chemical applications. Oberdorfer offers gear & centrifugal pump options, while MP offers its bronze pumps in centrifugal styles only.
304 and 316 Stainless Steel
Pro: While there are many variations of stainless steel, the most common type used for pumps is either 304 or 316 stainless steel. These are common materials used in industrial pumps and are a popular choice in food manufacturing due to the surfaces’ clean-in-place capabilities. Stainless steel has excellent strength and withstands high-temperature applications very well. Another benefit to using stainless steel as a seawater pump material is the durability of the pump will last a long time when compared to other comparable materials.
Con: The drawback to using either version of stainless steel is the corrosion resistance. 304 and 316 are moderately resistant to corrosion, however, they are prone to ‘crevice’ corrosion, meaning in the small areas near gaskets and other hard-to-reach areas. This can also lead to an increased risk of stress cracking throughout the pump as well.
When it comes to Marine industry pumps, Blackmer offers top-of-the-line stainless steel options through its sliding vane, screw, and gear pumps. Blackmer’s main focus is providing military-grade solutions as opposed to other pump vendors. This brand is an excellent choice when looking for durability in a seawater pump. For heating and cooling applications as well as wastewater treatment onboard, Grundfos’s CR series pump is made entirely out of stainless steel for high-temperature resistance and efficient pumping.
Duplex Stainless Steel (CD4MCu)
Pro: While 304 or 316 is the most common version of stainless steel, duplex stainless steel is another variation that offers better corrosive resistance than other types of steel. The difference between the two is 304 steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel with a maximum of .08% carbon. Duplex stainless steel, also referred to as CD4MCu, contains approximately 25% chromium, 5% nickel, and .04% carbon; it also includes copper, manganese, and silicon. The result is higher corrosion resistance & more durable material when compared to 304 or 316 stainless steel.
Con: The biggest drawback to choosing duplex stainless steel versus a 304 stainless steel is the price associated with the material.
Blackmer offers CD4MCu options for its centrifugal pumps. Griswold’s 811SP series pumps also offer CD4MCu material rather than standard stainless steel such as the 811 series.
Fiberglass
Pro: The last option for seawater pump material we offer is the non-metallic fiberglass option. Fiberglass is an excellent choice for corrosive substances like seawater or chemical applications. Fybroc specializes in making fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) pumps, and they are a popular choice for fisheries and aquariums.
Con: The main drawback of using fiberglass as opposed to other seawater pump materials is that fiberglass is more fragile than metals like stainless steel or even bronze.
Next Steps
Our Industrial sales team can help you find the exact pump for your ship’s needs, use the “Contact Us” button below to get started or chat with us in person at Pacific Marine Expo through November 8-10th at the Lumen Event Center in Seattle. For repairs on your current seawater pumping equipment, use the “Request Service” button.
