Pumps By Material

Pumps By Material

The selection of the materials for pumps is at best a compromise between the cost of manufacturer and the anticipated maintenance cost. The selection of the most economical material for any particular service, requires the knowledge of not only the pump design and manufacture, but also of the erosion-corrosion properties of the material under consideration when subjected to the conditions actually encountered in the pump application. Many pump installations start out with a low service factor and through operating experience are gradually up-grated until an acceptable replacement schedule is achieved. For the more corrosive liquids greater modifications and replacement of the wetted parts will be necessary during the life of the pump.There is no substitute for experience in selecting materials for pump construction. Previous experience in handling a particular solution should be the main criterion in determining the optimal construction. Buyer shall determine the suitability of any product for its intended use and assume all risk in connection therewith.


ALUMINUM is a non-ferrous metal, very lightweight, approximately one-third as much as steel. Aluminum exhibits excellent atmospheric corrosion resistance, but can be very reactive with other metals. Browse our selection of aluminum pumps from manufacturers like Pacer, Protek and Little Giant Pumps Pumps.

The term used for alloys of copper and zinc in a solid solution is called brass. It is more than 50% copper and from 5 to 20% zinc. Brass comes with good strength. It has excellent high temperature ductility and reasonable cold ductility. Brass has also good conductivity and excellent corrosion resistance. Since it also has good bearing properties and low magnetic permeability, it is a ideal material for construction of pumps.

Bronze is the term used for alloys of copper and tin. Sometimes, bronze is also found with other elements such as phosphorus, manganese, aluminum, or silicon. It is strong and tough, and has wide range of uses in industry. Bronze pumps are commonly specified for use on seawater, hot water and certain chemicals. Sintered bronze is a porous material, which can be impregnated with oil, graphite or PTFE. It is not suitable for heavily loaded applications but is of great use where lubrication is inconvenient.

Cast Iron (normally close grained SG irons) are a popular choice for castings for general purpose pumps handling water, solvents and caustic solutions at low temperature. Impellers can be in cast iron or bronze. Cast grey iron is an alloy of iron, carbon and silicon; easily cast; good pressure tightness in the as-cast condition. Gray iron has excellent dampening properties and is easily machined. It is standard material for general purpose pumps. Gray iron has corrosion resistance that is better than steel in certain environments.

Gray iron has excellent dampening properties and is easily machined. It is standard material for general purpose pump casings. Gray iron has corrosion resistance that is better than steel in certain environments. If the liquid handled is clean water with very little sand or silt, bronze generally offers the most cost effective solution. Bronze does not rust, is easy to cast and machine and generally offer superior surface finish of the waterways leading to efficiency gain.

In plastic pumps all wetted parts are plastic material. Shaft, pedestals ans other non-wetted parts may be in metal or other appropriate material. Plastic pumps are designed to move fluids that would corrode or damage other types of pumps. They provide broad chemical resistance and are less costly and lighter in weight than metal pumps. Disadvantages of plastic pumps include limited pressure ratings, reduced impact resistance, and narrower temperature ranges. Some plastic pumps are designed to move abrasive materials, acids, adhesives, chemicals, coolants, hazardous materials, lubricants. Other devices are rated for combustible, corrosive, high viscosity, or high temperature media. Plastic pumps are also used to move gasoline, diesel fuel, and oil; ground water, potable water, salt water, and wastewater; sewage, sludge, slurry and ash slurry; gas and air; powders, solids, and rendering wastes; and a variety of liquids and liquids with solids.

304 Stainless Steel is the standard "18/8" stainless; it is the most versatile and most widely used stainless steel, available in a wider range of products, forms and finishes than any other. The 304 stainless steel is the grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts. It is not suitable for seawater

316 STAINLESS STEEL is an alloy of iron, carbon, nickel, and chromium. A nonmagnetic stainless steel with more ductility than 304 SS. Austinetic in structure, 316 stainless steel has very good corrosion resistance to a wide range of environments, is not susceptible to stress corrosion cracking and is not affected by heat treatment. Suitable for sea water pumping

Nickel plated brass volute and housing; 304 Stainless Steel cover and cam; Buna-N impeller and shaft seal. Little Giant non-submersible self-priming rubber impeller Proven Pony Pump for portable, temporary applications only. Designed for intermittent use

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