Collaborative Project Support for a New Sustainable Refinery
30 April 2026
Read how we provided collaborative project support and complex, large-scale pumping solutions for a new precious metals refinery in the UK.
When pumping fluids containing solids, operators have traditionally relied on mechanically sealed pumps supported by complex flushing systems. While capable of handling particulates, these systems introduce the risk of product leakage and process contamination through seal failure, and increase maintenance requirements. CDR’s solids handling magnetic drive pump removes these risks, ensuring leak-free operation due to its seal-less design, and delivering reliable solids-handling performance without the need for external flushing.
Magnetic drive centrifugal pumps have become the preferred choice for transferring hazardous and aggressive chemicals because they eliminate the need for mechanical seals. Their seal-less design ensures zero vapour or fluid leakage, preventing the release of volatile, toxic and flammable chemicals, improving safety, and reducing maintenance requirements. However, standard mag drive pumps are unable to process fluids with solid particulates since they block and damage the fluid paths, leading to pump failure.
Our advances in pump engineering have overcome this limitation through an innovative solids-handling hydraulic design. Building on the benefits of the traditional mag drive, the CDR engineering team in Italy has designed a unique open impeller that ensures the smooth flow of solids-containing liquids without blockage and addresses the fundamental challenges that magnetic drive pumps traditionally faced with particulate-laden fluids. With additional improvements to the bearing materials and reinforced shell casing, the solids-handling mag drive delivers outstanding chemical resistance and structural integrity.
Unlike conventional closed impellers, the innovative open impeller design improves the flow of liquids and allows suspended solids to pass through the pump more freely. It enables the pump to handle abrasive slurries and fluids containing up to 30% solids.
On the PFA-lined XTN pump, the shaft and impeller are manufactured from one piece of steel and lined with PFA, reducing potential failure points and minimising axial thrust.
Redesigned bearings provide larger fluid channels, allowing suspended solids to pass freely while maintaining continuous lubrication and cooling. for the unrestricted movement of solids ensuring outstanding mechanical and chemical durability. Diamond-coated silicon carbide bushes reduce friction between rotating and stationary components by up to 90%, improving wear resistance and protecting against dry running.
The isolation shell on the XTN PFA-lined pump has been manufactured in two parts – the wet-end parts are lined in PFA for high chemical resistance and the shell is reinforced with carbon fibre for increased strength and durability.
As with all magnetic drive pumps, there are no mechanical seals to wear out or fail. This completely sealed construction prevents fluid leakage or vapour loss when handling hazardous, corrosive or toxic chemicals.
Rather than relying on narrow lubrication passages that are susceptible to blockage, solids handling mag drive pumps utilise an optimised internal circulation system. This design continuously lubricates and cools the bearings while allowing suspended solids to pass through without causing excessive wear or obstruction.
Carefully engineered fluid channels reduce the pressure on the bushes resulting in extremely low axial thrust.
Maintaining complete fluid containment is critical when handling volatile organic chemicals. The solids-handling magnetic drive pump retains the hermetically sealed construction of conventional mag drive pumps, eliminating mechanical seals and their potential leakage paths. Combined with diamond-coated silicon carbide bearings and optimised internal circulation, the pump delivers safe, reliable operation when transferring fluids containing suspended solids of up to 2 mm.
Pumps can be ATEX-certified on request.
Magnetic drive pumps are renowned for their intentional simplicity and the solids-handling mag drive is no exception.
The solids-handling mag drive shares the same modular architecture as our standard mag drive range. The absence of complex sealing systems and specialised tools allows for straightforward, cost-effective site maintenance.
The solids-handling mag drive is compatible with our pump cartridge assembly system – which allows for quick and easy replacement of internal components, providing an economical way to keep spares on the shelf for any CDR mag drive pump.
The solids-handling mag drive pump is particularly suited to:
Yes, the solids-handling magnetic drive pump has been engineered to process liquids containing up to 30% solids while maintaining the leak-free benefits of a seal-less magnetic drive design.
The solids-handling mag drive pump can process particulates up to 2mm in size.
Magnetic drive centrifugal pumps are the preferred choice for transferring hazardous and aggressive chemicals because they eliminate the need for mechanical seals. Their seal-less design ensures zero vapour or fluid leakage, preventing the release of volatile, toxic and flammable chemicals, and improving process safety. This capability proves especially valuable when eliminating mechanical seals becomes crucial – particularly relevant for heat transfer oil applications where annual leakage can lead to significant cost implications.
Yes, pumps can be ATEX-certified on request.
Our solids-handling mag drive pumps have set a new standard for fluid-handling operations, managing diverse fluid challenges, from aggressive chemicals to ultra-pure liquids. Pumps are currently available in Stainless Steel 316 or PFA-lined, making them the right choice for a wide variety of fluid-handling applications.
If your process involves volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing suspended solids, selecting the right pump can significantly improve safety, reliability and maintenance costs. Our experienced engineers can help specify the most suitable solids-handling mag drive pump for your application, whether you’re replacing mechanically sealed pumps or designing a new chemical process.
Contact our team on 01933 674777 or at sales@cdrpumps.co.uk
Read how we provided collaborative project support and complex, large-scale pumping solutions for a new precious metals refinery in the UK.
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