Finish Thompson KC Series Sealless Magnetic Drive Centrifugal Pumps

Overview

The Finish Thompson KC Series is a family of sealless magnetic drive centrifugal pumps designed for the transfer and recirculation of corrosive process fluids. Covering a broad range of hydraulic capacities, the series includes models from the compact KC5.5 through the larger KC32, providing a common pumping platform for chemical handling applications ranging from equipment OEMs and process skids to larger industrial systems.

Unlike conventional mechanically sealed pumps, KC Series pumps utilize a magnetic drive design that eliminates dynamic shaft seals and the associated leak path. The pumps are available in polypropylene or PVDF construction and are designed for compatibility with standard NEMA and IEC motors, allowing the series to be applied across a wide range of industrial chemical processing environments.

Design and Construction

KC Series pumps employ a sealless magnetic drive arrangement that isolates the pumped fluid from the motor while transmitting torque through a magnetic coupling. This design removes the need for mechanical seals and minimizes routine seal-related maintenance while providing containment for aggressive chemicals.

The pumps feature non-metallic wetted components manufactured in either polypropylene or PVDF, depending on chemical compatibility requirements. A rugged cantilevered ceramic spindle supports the rotating assembly, while carbon and PTFE internal components are utilized throughout the hydraulic section for chemical resistance and durability in corrosive service.

Across the product line, Finish Thompson utilizes a common design approach with standardized motor interfaces, threaded or flanged connection options, and a service-friendly back pull-out configuration. This allows maintenance access to the rotating assembly without disturbing installed piping and supports equipment standardization across multiple pump sizes.

Hydraulics and Performance

The KC Series utilizes centrifugal hydraulic designs for chemical transfer, recirculation, filtration, scrubber duty, and general process fluid handling. The product family spans applications from lower-flow equipment-mounted systems through higher-capacity process installations, allowing users to select a pump size appropriate for the required flow and head conditions.

Depending on model, the pumps are available with open or closed impeller designs. Multiple impeller diameters are offered throughout the range, allowing hydraulic performance to be matched to system requirements while maintaining a common pump platform. Larger KC22 and KC32 models expand the hydraulic coverage of the series and provide additional flexibility through both open- and closed-impeller configurations.

The pumps are designed to handle a variety of corrosive liquids and are available for services involving elevated specific gravity fluids. Run-dry capability is supported through carbon bushing construction, with certain models offering extended dry-running tolerance for applications where intermittent loss of suction may occur.

Materials

KC Series pumps are available with wetted components manufactured from glass-filled polypropylene or PVDF. These materials provide resistance to a broad range of acids, caustics, treatment chemicals, plating solutions, and other corrosive process fluids commonly encountered in industrial service.

Internal components include carbon, PTFE, and high-purity ceramic materials selected for compatibility with aggressive chemical environments. Material availability allows the pump to be configured to suit a wide range of chemical handling requirements while maintaining the corrosion-resistant characteristics of the non-metallic hydraulic system.

Maintenance Features

The KC Series incorporates a back pull-out design that simplifies service access to internal rotating components. Maintenance can be performed without disconnecting the pump casing from installed piping, reducing downtime and minimizing disturbance to surrounding process equipment.

The sealless magnetic drive construction eliminates mechanical seal replacement requirements, reducing one of the most common maintenance items associated with conventional centrifugal pumps. Standard motor configurations and shared design features across the KC product range further simplify servicing and replacement activities throughout the life of the equipment.

Applications

The KC Series is used in chemical processing and other industrial applications requiring leak-free handling of corrosive liquids. Typical installations include chemical transfer systems, plating lines, wet scrubbers, filtration and recirculation loops, heat exchangers, and general process circulation duties.

The pumps are commonly applied in plating operations, printed circuit board manufacturing, semiconductor processing, pharmaceutical production, pulp and paper facilities, and water and wastewater treatment systems. Typical pumped fluids include acids, caustics, treatment chemicals, scrubber solutions, and other corrosive process liquids where a sealless magnetic drive pump is preferred.