Canned Motor Retrofits

A canned motor pump is a type of centrifugal pump where the pump and motor are integrated into a single, sealed unit. The pump and motor combination are leak-free, making them suitable for pumping hazardous liquids as they will not leak into the atmosphere.

Our canned motor pumps are ideal for applications that require the highest reliability, safety, and performance, as our pumps are leak-free and low maintenance. They are used in a variety of industries—such as petrochemical, chemical refinement and processing, hydrogen and clean energy, refrigeration, renewables, and nuclear—to move large amounts of fluid.

Canned motor pumps are preferred over mechanically sealed pumps and magnetic drive pumps for a number of reasons. Lack of seals eliminates failures and safety issues that seals can cause. They are are also low maintenance and reduce noise levels. They also weigh less than other pumps, eliminating the need for a foundation, and eliminate problematic emissions inspections and reporting associated with other pump types.

Due to the laws of physics, higher-pressure fluids want to move to lower-pressure areas. Because traditional pumps must couple to a driver (motor or turbine), the shaft needs to exit the pump pressure boundary (pump case). This means the high-pressure fluid created by the rotating pump wants to leak into the atmosphere along the shaft penetration. This is stopped in traditional pumps by using gland packing or a mechanical seal. CMPs and BCPs use a different approach by using a common shaft for the pump and motor and containing it all in a pressure boundary. This eliminates the pressure differential across the rotating seal and the driving force for the fluid to leak. 

Canned motor pumps are typically made from type 304 stainless steel for wetted components, with the stator and rotor cans constructed from Hastelloy C276 for its high corrosion resistance and efficiency. Gaskets are usually made of PTFE or spiral-wound stainless steel, depending on temperature and pressure conditions. Bearings are typically made from carbon graphite or silicon carbide, chosen based on application requirements.

Our CMPs and BCPs are inherently safe and environmentally friendly. Because they are sealless, the danger of a fluid leak is eliminated, preventing contamination to the environment.

Our CMPs and BCPs can last up to 30 years, but typically last 10 to 15 years. The lifespan is dependent upon fluid properties and operating conditions.