Iwaki 1/2" Mag-Drive Pump, 115V, 4.9 GPM – MD-15R-115NL-01
The Iwaki MD-15R-115NL-01 is a compact, seal-less centrifugal pump built for applications where reliability and corrosion resistance matter more than raw horsepower. Its magnetically coupled design means there's no shaft seal to wear out or leak over time, which makes it a favorite for equipment that runs for long stretches without much hands-on maintenance. The glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene housing shrugs off exposure to a wide range of aggressive or corrosive fluids, and the twin-bearing system with an internal cooling circuit keeps things running cool even under continuous duty.
This pump isn't limited to any single industry. It shows up in chillers, laser cooling loops, lab and blood analyzer equipment, aquarium and reef systems, and general OEM fluid-handling setups where a small, quiet, low-maintenance pump is needed. With a 1/75 HP, 115V motor and 1/2" hose barb ports, it's sized for smaller circulation and transfer jobs rather than high-volume pumping, and its non-self-priming design means it should always start with the pump head fully flooded.
Because it uses magnetic coupling instead of a direct-drive shaft, any fluid moved through this pump needs to be free of iron, nickel, or other ferrous particulate — those materials can interfere with the magnetic drive over time. For anyone replacing a worn-out unit or specifying a pump for a new build, the MD-15R-115NL-01 offers a dependable, drop-in solution backed by Iwaki's reputation for durable, precision-built mag-drive pumps.
Key Features
- Seal-less magnetic drive design eliminates shaft seal leaks
- Glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) casing and impeller
- PTFE bearing with alumina ceramic thrust ring and spindle
- Hollow rotating spindle with internal cooling circuit to reduce bearing temperature
- Twin bearing system for extended service life under thrust loads
- TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated) motor construction
- FPM/FKM (Viton) body O-ring standard, EPDM optional
- Quiet, low-maintenance operation suited to continuous duty
Applications
- Chiller and recirculating cooling loops
- Laser cooling systems
- Blood analyzer and laboratory equipment
- Aquarium, reef, and other recirculating water systems
- General OEM process fluid transfer
- Chemical and corrosive fluid handling (non-ferrous fluids only)
Specifications
- Model: MD-15R-115NL-01
- Pump type: Magnetic drive centrifugal pump
- Motor: 1/75 HP, 115V AC, 1 Phase
- Speed: 3,100 RPM
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Flow rate: Up to 4.9–5.0 GPM (at zero pressure)
- Head: Up to 11.1 ft (at zero flow)
- Port size: 1/2" hose barb inlet and outlet
- Construction material: GFRPP (glass-fiber-reinforced polypropylene)
- Priming: Not self-priming; must be run flooded
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum flow rate of the Iwaki MD-15R-115NL-01?
A: This pump delivers up to approximately 4.9 to 5.0 GPM at zero pressure, with flow tapering off as head increases.
Q: Can this pump handle chemicals or only water?
A: Its GFRPP construction and Viton O-ring make it suitable for many chemical and corrosive fluids, but any fluid must be free of iron, nickel, or other magnetic particulate to protect the mag-drive coupling.
Q: Does the MD-15R-115NL-01 need to be primed before starting?
A: Yes. It is not self-priming, so the pump head should be fully flooded with liquid before startup to avoid running it dry, which can damage the bearings.
Q: What port connection does this pump use?
A: It uses 1/2" hose barb inlet and outlet ports, distinguishing it from the NPT-threaded "RT" variants in the same MD series.
Q: Is this pump only used in marine or aquarium settings?
A: No. While it's popular in aquarium and reef applications, it's equally common in chillers, laser cooling systems, lab equipment, and general industrial or OEM fluid transfer applications.
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