DEBEM - Chemical pump (DM)
The DEBEM DM pump is a horizontal centrifugal pump with a magnetic coupling, manufactured by DEBEM Srl (Busto Arsizio, Italy). The series comprises four sizes: DM 06, DM 10, DM 15 and DM 30; together, they cover a flow rate range of 0.75 to 35 m³/h at a head of 8.5 to 24 m. The hydraulic components are made of polypropylene (PP) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The pump contains no metal parts that come into contact with the pumped liquid, and there is no mechanical shaft seal — which is why the series is used for acids, alkalis and corrosive substances.
DEBEM DM pump: technical specifications for the four models
| Parameter | DM 06 | DM 10 | DM 15 | DM 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flow rate, max. | 7 m³/h | 13 m³/h | 23.5 m³/h | 35 m³/h |
| Flow rate, min. | 0.75 m³/h | 1.2 m³/h | 2 m³/h | 4 m³/h |
| Pressure, max. | 8.5 m (≈0.83 bar) | 14 m (≈1.37 bar) | 20 m (≈1.96 bar) | 24 m (≈2.35 bar) |
| Absorption | G 1″ f / DN 25 | G 1″1/2 f / DN 40 | G 1″1/2 f / DN 40 | G 2″ f / DN 50 |
| Hyping | G 3/4″ male / DN 20 | G 1″ m / DN 25 | G 1″1/4 m / DN 32 | G 1″1/2 m / DN 40 |
| Engine power | 0.25 / 0.37 kW | 0.55 / 0.75 kW | 1.5 / 2.2 kW | 2.2 / 3 / 4 kW |
| Unladen weight, PP | 2 kg | 2.2 kg | 4.5 kg | 6 kg |
| Weight excluding the engine, PVDF | 2.25 kg | 2.5 kg | 5.2 kg | 7 kg |
Common specifications for the entire series: medium viscosity — up to 150 cps; temperature range: 0 to +70 °C for the PP version, −10 to +100 °C for the PVDF version; O-ring materials: EPDM or VITON®; flange kit — to DIN, ANSI on request; NPT connection — on request.
The motors are supplied in the B3+B5 configuration with a speed of 2,900 rpm, three-phase 230/400 V, 50/60 Hz, with an IP55 protection rating and an ambient temperature range of −30 to +45 °C. Single-phase motors, ATEX-certified motors and NEMA 56C versions — a pump with an American flange for a NEMA motor — are available on request.
The flow rate and head values are given for a pump submerged in water at 20 °C with an open outlet, and vary depending on the material of construction. The head has been converted to bar for water.
How does a magnetic coupling work, and why does the pump not have a shaft seal?
An external magnet is mounted on the electric motor shaft. It transmits rotation to the internal magnet, which is integrated into the hermetically sealed impeller. There is no direct mechanical connection between the motor shaft and the impeller — torque transmission is entirely magnetic.
For this reason, the design does not feature a mechanical seal. In a conventional centrifugal pump, it is the mechanical seal that is the wear part and the main point of failure: it wears out due to friction, requires periodic replacement, and, as it wears out, allows the fluid to leak out. In the DM series, this point does not exist by design.
The second design feature is that no metal comes into contact with the liquid. All wetted parts are made of polymer, so acids and corrosive substances do not damage the hydraulic system. The pump contains few parts, and maintenance is limited to checking the impeller and the motor bearings.
Impeller diameter and maximum liquid density
The impeller in the DM series is tailored to the operating point, and each ‘impeller diameter + motor power’ combination has its own limit on the density of the fluid being pumped. This is the key selection parameter after flow rate and head: for heavy solutions, a smaller impeller diameter or a more powerful motor is selected.
DM 06
| Wheel | 0.25 kW | 0.37 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Ø 81 mm (standard) | up to 1.2 g/cm³ | up to 1.8 g/cm³ |
| Ø 70 mm | up to 1.5 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
| Ø 65 mm | up to 1.8 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
DM 10
| Wheel | 0.55 kW | 0.75 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Ø 98 mm (standard) | up to 1.1 g/cm³ | up to 1.5 g/cm³ |
| Ø 85 mm | up to 1.6 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
| Ø 70 mm | up to 2.0 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
DM 15
| Wheel | 1.5 kW | 2.2 kW |
|---|---|---|
| Ø 123 mm (standard) | up to 1.1 g/cm³ | up to 1.8 g/cm³ |
| Ø 108 mm | up to 1.6 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
| Ø 90 mm | up to 2.0 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
DM 30
| Wheel | 2.2 kW | 3 kW | 4 kW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ø 134 mm (standard) | up to 1.1 g/cm³ | up to 1.5 g/cm³ | up to 1.8 g/cm³ |
| Ø 122 mm | up to 1.4 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
| Ø 110 mm | up to 1.8 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ | up to 2.0 g/cm³ |
The maximum density for the entire series is 2.0 g/cm³.
DEBEM DM pump in PP and PVDF versions
Polypropylene — the standard version. It is cheaper and is resistant to most acids, alkalis and electroplating solutions, but is limited to a temperature range of 0 to +70 °C.
PVDF withstands temperatures ranging from −10 to +100 °C and is more resistant to oxidative environments, solvents and concentrated acids. It is used in two situations: when the ambient temperature exceeds 70 °C, or when a specific reagent is incompatible with polypropylene. The difference in weight between the variants is small — ranging from 0.25 to 1 kg depending on the size.
The material for the O-rings is selected separately: EPDM or VITON®. The chemical compatibility of both materials is checked against the composition of the medium prior to ordering, as it is not possible to replace wetted parts after delivery.
For which environments and sectors is the DM series designed?
DEBEM categorises the DM series into four areas of application: the automotive industry, water and sludge treatment, the chemical industry, and electroplating and electronics manufacturing.
Typical applications include the transfer of acids and alkalis, electroplating electrolytes, etching solutions, water treatment reagents, and liquids sensitive to metal contamination. The selection process for a specific production facility is described in sector-specific solutions, a full list of equipment can be found in the sections industrial pumps and centrifugal pumps.
How does DM differ from KM and MB?
| The series | Type | Flow rate, max. | Pressure, max. |
|---|---|---|---|
| DM | centrifugal with magnetic coupling, PP/PVDF | 35 m³/h (DM 30) | 24 m |
| KM | centrifugal with magnetic coupling, PP/PVDF | 65 m³/h (KM 70) | 29 m |
| MB | horizontal centrifugal pump with a mechanical seal | MB 80–180 series | — |
DM and KM They all operate on the same principle — a seal-less magnetic coupling. The difference in performance: the DM covers a range up to 35 m³/h and is available in four sizes for precise selection, whilst the KM is available in a single size for heavier-duty applications up to 65 m³/h. If the medium allows for mechanical seals and a wider range of sizes is required — MB series. All of the manufacturer’s series are listed on the DEBEM page.
DEBEM DM pump: selection and ordering
Seven pieces of data are required for the calculation: flow rate in m³/h, required head in metres, the name or composition of the medium, its density in g/cm³, temperature, viscosity, connection type (G or NPT thread, or DIN/ANSI flange) and whether there is a potentially explosive atmosphere. Density is not a secondary parameter here — it is precisely this that determines the ‘impeller diameter + motor power’ combination.
Steiner Ukraine supplies DEBEM equipment, together with design calculations, a complete set of components and spare parts — the scope is described in the section services. Related entries — in the section pumps and systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many models are there in the DEBEM DM series?
Four: DM 06 (up to 7 m³/h), DM 10 (up to 13 m³/h), DM 15 (up to 23.5 m³/h) and DM 30 (up to 35 m³/h).
Does the DEBEM DM pump have a mechanical shaft seal?
No. The rotation is transmitted via a magnetic coupling to the hermetically sealed impeller, so there are no potential points of leakage through the shaft seal.
What is the maximum liquid density for the DM series?
2.0 g/cm³. The exact limit depends on the diameter of the impeller and the motor power — in the standard configuration with the smallest motor, it is 1.1–1.2 g/cm³.
What is the maximum ambient temperature?
+70 °C for the polypropylene version and +100 °C for the PVDF version. The lower limit is 0 °C for PP and −10 °C for PVDF.
Can a pump be installed in a potentially explosive atmosphere?
Yes. ATEX motors are available to order for all sizes in the series. The zone class is to be specified when ordering.
Does the metal come into contact with the liquid being pumped?
No. There are no metal parts in the wetted section — only polypropylene or PVDF, and O-rings made of EPDM or VITON®.
How much does a DEBEM DM pump cost?
The price depends on the size, the material of the hydraulic components, the motor power and the connection type. The PVDF version is more expensive than the polypropylene version, and an ATEX-certified motor adds to the unit’s cost. Please send us the flow rate, head, composition, density and temperature of the medium — we will prepare a quotation.
