High-performance, self-priming centrifugal pumps specialist Australian Pump Industries, colloquially known as Aussie Pumps, has extended its variety of pumps designed for a range of potentially corrosive or difficult-to-handle liquids, with the launch of its new Aussie Smart Pump, which is manufactured with 316 stainless steel casings.

The original Aussie Smart Pumps were manufactured using polyester with a range of elastomers suitable for handling liquids as diverse as fuel oils, seawater, acids and aggressive agricultural fertilisers and weedicides.

Aussie Pumps’ new I Series stainless steel pump can also be used in aquaculture and oilfield applications.

The pump’s major strength is its flexibility and versatility. The pump’s internals are available in fibreglass-reinforced polyester, polypropylene or even Ryton.

Elastomer options, including O-rings on the mechanical seal, allow for these pumps to be configured to suit a range of difficult liquids. For example, for seawater or brine, Buna N seals are combined with polypropylene internal components, such as impellers and volutes. For concentrated nitric acid, pump internals in either Ryton or polypropylene fitted with Viton seals make an ideal combination.

The pumps will handle a range of sodium-based chemicals as well as urea, vinegar and even solutions of zinc sulphate.

The pump offers a maximum flow of 660 ℓ/min, combined with a maximum head of around 32 m. The pump’s highly efficient self-priming centrifugal design provides it with a vertical suction lift of 6 m, while the unique double-flush volute provides efficient operation and, when combined with the integrated check valve, fast priming.

“The most important feature we see is its 316 stainless steel body. The two body halves are held together with a unique V band clamp. The clamp has a plastic toggle nob that facilitates easy disassembly for cleanout or service in seconds,” says Aussie Pump design engineer Jeremy Shelton.

The porting on the pump is unique because it is compatible with both 1.5" and 2" pipework. It achieves this with a smart port design that doubles as 1.5" female British Standard Pipe (BSP) or 2" male BSP connection.

“One of the other things that we like about the Smart Pump is the strength of the 316 stainless steel body. It is not only corrosion- and abrasion-resistant but has a strength that resists the hard knocks of use in mining, food or chemical industrial production,” states Shelton.

The industrial chemical version is close-coupled to either a 415 V three-phase or a 240 V single-phase motor. All electric motors feature 316 stainless steel shafts and are ideal for applications in galvanising plants or similar corrosive liquid duties.

The pumps can also be supplied for portable applications with either petrol or diesel engine drive systems. “The pump makes a handy salvage or firefighting pump for marine applications powered by either a Honda petrol or Yanmar diesel engine in full portable frame,” Shelton concludes.