Magnetic drive pumps are generally used in industries that handle hazardous or highly valuable liquids, where the prevention of leakage is paramount. Traditionally, mechanical seals are used in the pumps and double mechanical seals are sometimes required to provide extra protection against leaks. These double seals require an additional sealing system using buffer or barrier fluids to prevent the pumped liquid from escaping into the atmosphere. This method, while effective, has significant drawbacks, including the potential contamination of pumped fluid and the added complexity and cost of maintaining the sealing system.

KSB Pumps and Valves has introduced its MagnoProtect system, which it says is an innovative new method to enhance the safety and performance of magnetic drive pumps used in the local petrochemical, chemical and general industry markets.

KSB market area manager: petro-/chemicals and energy sub-Saharan Africa Fridah Magoro explains that the contamination of valuable fluids due to seal leaks can result in significant additional costs and that the new system eliminates the need for traditional mechanical seals and their associated drawbacks.

“Compliance with stringent industry standards and regulations is non-negotiable in chemical and petrochemical operations, and our MagnoProtect system ensures that our MagnoChem pumps meet the relevant international standards, including API 685 and ISO 5199. This compliance guarantees that the pumps are suitable for use in highly regulated environments, providing peace of mind to operators and plant managers,” says Magoro.

The new system incorporates a dual shell or ‘can-design’ which features an inner and outer shell, with the space between these shells filled with a monitoring liquid and maintained in a continuously monitored vacuum. This  ensures that any breach in the inner shell results in a detectable change in pressure in the space, providing early leak detection. Atmospheric pressure within the space indicates an outer shell breach, while an increase in pressure signals an inner shell breach. The dual monitoring system allows for early detection and preventive maintenance, minimising the risk of hazardous leaks, explains Magoro.

The new design also features grooves that help reduce eddy current losses by up to 20% compared to previous models, helping to enhance pump efficiency and reduce operational costs as a result of energy savings. The modular assembly is designed for quick replacements, ensuring more efficient maintenance and minimising operational downtime.

Advantages of the MagnoProtect system over traditional mechanical seal systems include:

• No risk of fluid contamination as there are no buffer or barrier fluids in the system. This is particularly crucial for handling valuable or hazardous fluids where purity is essential.
• Reduced need for additional sealing systems lowers the risk of leaks, leading to operational and maintenance cost savings.
• The dual-shell design with vacuum monitoring provides a fail-safe mechanism, ensuring early leak detection, preventing hazardous fluid release and ensuring a safer working environment.
• The retrofit capability of the system means that existing MagnoChem pumps can be upgraded with the MagnoProtect system, providing users with the latest safety and efficiency enhancements without the need for a complete pump replacement.
• A more cost-effective system compared to pumps fitted with double mechanical seals and systems.

“Our new MagnoProtect system represents a significant advancement in the field of magnetic drive pumps and offers improved safety, efficiency and ease of maintenance. By addressing the limitations of traditional mechanical seal systems and providing a better solution for handling hazardous and valuable liquids, users can continue to prioritise safety and efficiency with either new or retrofit systems,” concludes Magoro.