DEBEM - Chemical pump (KM)

The DEBEM KM pump is a horizontal centrifugal pump with a magnetic coupling, manufactured by DEBEM Srl (Busto Arsizio, Italy) in collaboration with CDR Pompe. The series is designed for more demanding operating conditions than the DM series and represents the top end of DEBEM’s magnetic coupling range: flow rates up to 65 m³/h, head up to 29 m. The series comprises a single model — the KM 70. The hydraulic components are made of polypropylene (PP) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); there are no mechanical shaft seals, so the pump is used where fluid leakage is unacceptable: in the chemical industry, electroplating and electronics manufacturing, and in water and sludge treatment.

DEBEM KM pump: technical specifications

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.

What types of electric motors are installed?

The series is fitted with three-phase motors in B3+B5 configurations with a speed of 2,900 rpm, 50/60 Hz, all of which are ATEX-certified:

Motors of other designs, including ATEX-certified models, are available to order. This allows the pump to be installed in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres without the need to modify the unit.

How a magnetic clutch works

The external magnet is situated on the electric motor shaft. It transmits rotation to the internal magnet, which is integrated into the hermetically sealed impeller. The motor shaft and the hydraulic section are not mechanically connected — the connection between them is purely magnetic.

There is one key implication for operation: the pump has no mechanical shaft seal. It is precisely the mechanical seal that is the typical point of failure in pumps designed for aggressive media — it wears out, requires periodic replacement and, as it wears, causes leaks. In this design, this point of failure is eliminated. Maintenance is limited to checking the impeller and motor bearings, and the number of components in the pump is minimal.

The DEBEM KM pump in PP and PVDF versions: which to choose

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 oxidising 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. Chemical compatibility is checked based on the composition of the medium prior to ordering — it is not possible to replace the material of the hydraulic component after delivery.

The material of the O-rings (EPDM or VITON®) is selected individually and also depends on the medium.

For which environments and sectors is the KM series designed?

DEBEM categorises the KM series into three areas of application: 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, as well as any liquids where leakage through the shaft seal is unacceptable for safety reasons or due to product loss. Selection for a specific production process is described in sector-specific solutions, a full list of equipment can be found in the sections industrial pumps and centrifugal pumps.

How does the KM series differ from other DEBEM series?

The reasoning behind the choice is simple. Up to 35 m³/h and no leaks — DM series. Over 35 and up to 65 m³/h without leaks — KM. If the medium permits mechanical sealing and a wider range of models is required — MB series. All of the manufacturer’s series are listed on the DEBEM page.

DEBEM KM pump: selection and ordering

The following data is required for the calculation: flow rate in m³/h, required head in metres, name or composition of the fluid, its concentration and temperature, connection type (threaded or flanged, DIN or ANSI), and whether an explosive atmosphere is present. Based on this data, we determine the material of the hydraulic components, the impeller diameter, the material of the seals and the motor power.

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. The technical specifications of the original source are published at the DEBEM website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many models are there in the DEBEM KM series?
One of these is the KM 70. Adjustment to the operating point is achieved via the impeller diameter: Ø 145 mm as standard, as well as 139, 129 and 119 mm.

Does the DEBEM KM 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 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. All standard motors in this series are supplied in an ATEX-compliant version. The zone class is to be specified at the time of ordering.

How does KM differ from DM?
The operating principle is the same — a seal-less magnetic coupling. The difference lies in the flow rate: the DM model handles up to 35 m³/h, whilst the KM model handles up to 65 m³/h and is designed for more demanding operating conditions.

How much does a DEBEM KM pump cost?
The price depends on the material of the hydraulic components, the material of the seals, the motor power and the type of connection. The PVDF version is more expensive than the polypropylene one. Please provide the flow rate, head, composition and temperature of the fluid — we will prepare a quotation.