Iwaki MD-20R-115NL Magnetic Drive Pump
The Iwaki MD-20R-115NL is a sealless magnetic drive pump built for anyone who needs dependable fluid circulation without the hassle of shaft seals or leaks. Instead of a traditional mechanical seal, it uses a magnetic coupling to transfer power from the motor to the impeller, which means there's no direct contact between the two and nothing to wear out or drip over time. The pump housing is made from glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene, giving it strong resistance to a wide range of chemicals and corrosive fluids, while the internal alumina ceramic spindle and thrust ring keep things running smoothly even under continuous duty.
Powered by a compact 1/38 HP, 115-volt TENV motor, this pump is designed to run quietly and efficiently in tight spaces where a bulkier unit just wouldn't fit. It's a popular choice for equipment recirculation, small-scale chemical feed systems, aquarium and life-support setups, medical and photographic processing equipment, and general low-flow transfer tasks. The 5/8 inch hose barb ports make plumbing straightforward, and the totally enclosed non-ventilated motor design helps protect internal components from dust and moisture in less-than-ideal environments.
What really sets the MD-20R-115NL apart is its balance of simplicity and durability. There's no packing to replace, no seal kits to stock, and very little routine maintenance required beyond basic upkeep. Combined with its saltwater compatibility and broad chemical resistance, it's the kind of pump that quietly does its job for years, whether it's installed in a lab, a production line, an aquarium system, or a piece of specialty equipment that just needs steady, leak-free flow.
Key Features
- Sealless magnetic drive design eliminates shaft seals and leak points
- GFRPP (glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene) wet end for broad chemical compatibility
- Alumina ceramic thrust ring and spindle for extended bearing life
- Dual bearing system for smoother operation and longer service life
- TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated) motor construction
- Built-in thermal protection with automatic restart
- Compact, close-coupled pump and motor assembly
- Compatible with saltwater and a wide range of aggressive fluids
Applications
- Equipment recirculation and small-scale process loops
- Chemical feed and metering support systems
- Aquarium and aquaculture life-support systems
- Medical and laboratory fluid handling equipment
- Photographic and film processing equipment
- General-purpose low-flow liquid transfer
Specifications
- Model/Part Number: MD-20R-115NL
- Port Size: 5/8" hose barb (suction and discharge)
- Motor Power: 1/38 HP
- Voltage: 115 VAC, single phase
- Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Motor Speed: 3,100 RPM
- Motor Type: TENV (Totally Enclosed Non-Ventilated)
- Wetted Material: GFRPP (glass-fiber reinforced polypropylene)
- Bearing Material: PTFE with alumina ceramic thrust ring and spindle
- Maximum Specific Gravity: 1.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the Iwaki MD-20R-115NL handle saltwater applications?
A: Yes, the pump's polypropylene and alumina ceramic construction is compatible with saltwater, making it suitable for aquarium, aquaculture, and marine-adjacent uses.
Q: Does this pump require a mechanical shaft seal?
A: No, it uses a magnetic drive coupling instead of a mechanical seal, which eliminates the risk of seal-related leaks entirely.
Q: What kind of maintenance does the MD-20R-115NL need?
A: Because there's no shaft seal or packing, routine maintenance is minimal, typically limited to periodic bearing and impeller inspection.
Q: Is this pump suitable for continuous duty operation?
A: Yes, the TENV motor and dual bearing system are designed to support long, continuous run times in recirculation and process applications.
Q: What fluids is the MD-20R-115NL compatible with?
A: Thanks to its GFRPP wet end, it handles a wide range of chemicals and corrosive liquids up to a maximum specific gravity of 1.1.