Pump Seal
Failure
Due to Corrosive Acid Exposure
Switch to Seal-Less AODD Pumps
Replace traditional centrifugal pumps with Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pumps. Their reciprocating diaphragm design is inherently seal-less — entirely eliminating the risk of seal leaks when handling aggressive media. No seal means no seal failure.
Utilize Non-Metallic, Polymer-Based Construction
For highly aggressive acids that corrode standard metals, specify pumps constructed from advanced non-metallic polymers such as Polypropylene (PP) and Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF). These materials provide near-universal chemical resistance and are heavily used in non-metallic AODD pumps to safely handle acids and solvents without degrading.
Install Magnetic Drive Pumps
Magnetic Drive Pumps — available in both metallic and non-metallic builds — are specifically engineered for leak-free, corrosion-resistant, and maintenance-free fluid handling. They use a magnetic coupling to drive the impeller with no rotating shaft penetrating the casing, making them an ideal solution for safely transferring aggressive chemicals where seal failure is a concern.
Upgrade to Purpose-Built Chemical Process Pumps
If a centrifugal pump design is still required for your operation, use purpose-built Chemical Process Pumps. These feature advanced sealing solutions specifically engineered to prevent leakage and contamination, and are constructed with corrosion-resistant casings and impellers — materials such as PP, PVDF, or SS316 — to withstand aggressive, toxic, and acidic environments.
Go Seal-Less Wherever Possible
The most effective solution to seal failure is to eliminate the seal entirely. AODD pumps and Magnetic Drive pumps both achieve this. Where a centrifugal design is operationally necessary, Chemical Process Pumps with PVDF or PP construction and advanced sealing systems are the next-best engineering choice.
| Solution | Seal-Less? | Acid Resistance | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AODD Pump | Yes | Excellent | Low | Aggressive acids, solvents, slurries |
| Magnetic Drive Pump | Yes | Excellent | Low | Leak-free chemical transfer |
| Chemical Process Pump (PP/PVDF) | No | Very Good | Medium | High-flow centrifugal acid duty |
| Chemical Process Pump (SS316) | No | Moderate | Medium | Mild acid / general chemical service |
| Standard Centrifugal Pump | No | Poor | High | Not recommended for acid service |
About the Author
Sando Editorial Team
The Sando Editorial Team consists of pump technology experts and engineers at Sando Rotary Equipments, dedicated to sharing insights and innovations in the fluid handling industry.