Oberdorfer 700A Bronze Centrifugal Pump End Only – 3.0" Impeller for Single Phase NEMA 56J Motor Applications
The Oberdorfer 700A is a rugged, close-coupled bronze centrifugal pump end designed to pair with a standard NEMA 56J flange jet pump motor — sold separately. With a 3.0-inch bronze impeller and a 416 stainless steel shaft, this pump end is built to handle demanding fluid transfer tasks across a wide range of industrial, agricultural, chemical processing, HVAC, and water treatment applications. It delivers flows up to 60 GPM and is wired for counter-clockwise rotation as viewed from the inlet end, which is standard for single-phase motor configurations.
What sets the 700A apart is how well it balances performance with simplicity. The impeller spins freely without contacting any other pump components, resulting in quiet, efficient operation. Because the flow is not positive displacement, there's no need for a relief valve — discharge can be fully throttled without risk of overloading the motor or bursting a line. The pump uses a carbon/ceramic mechanical seal with a Nitrile rubber element as standard, and is rated for continuous operation up to 212°F, making it a dependable choice for water, oils, and mild solvent applications. Optional Viton (S10) or PTFE (S11) seal upgrades are available when handling aggressive chemicals or elevated temperatures.
Key Features
- Rugged cast bronze pump housing for long-term corrosion resistance
- 3.0-inch bronze open-vane impeller for up to 60 GPM flow
- 416 stainless steel shaft for strength and corrosion resistance
- Carbon/ceramic mechanical seal with Nitrile element (standard)
- Optional Viton (S10) or PTFE (S11) seals for severe chemical service
- O-ring housing seal eliminates gasket-related leak points
- Discharge port orientation is adjustable to 8 positions for flexible installation
- Pump end only — no motor included; pairs with NEMA 56J footed jet pump motor
- Single-phase motor rotation is non-reversible; pre-wired counter-clockwise at inlet end
- Impeller shim kit included to accommodate varying jet pump motor shaft projections
- No relief valve required — discharge can be fully throttled safely
- Handles liquids with small particulate impurities
Applications
- Industrial water transfer and circulation systems
- Agricultural irrigation and fluid distribution
- HVAC system fluid movement
- Chemical processing with compatible fluid types
- Light-duty solvent and oil transfer
- General-purpose flooded-suction pumping installations
- Replacement pump end on existing NEMA 56J motor installations
- Concrete cutting coolant systems and similar industrial equipment
Specifications
- Model: Oberdorfer 700A (Pump End Only)
- Impeller Diameter: 3.0 inches
- Impeller Material: Bronze
- Housing Material: Cast Bronze
- Shaft Material: 416 Stainless Steel
- Seal Type: Carbon/Ceramic Mechanical Seal, Nitrile Element (standard)
- Optional Seals: Viton/Fluoroelastomer (S10), PTFE (S11)
- Maximum Flow: 60 GPM
- Maximum Temperature: 212°F (100°C)
- Motor Mount: NEMA 56J Flange Jet Pump Motor (not included)
- Required Motor Speed: 3450 RPM
- Required Motor HP: 1/3 HP (single phase configuration)
- Phase: Single Phase (motor non-reversible)
- Inlet Port Size: 1-1/4 inch NPT
- Outlet Port Size: 1 inch NPT
- Discharge Port Orientation: 8 selectable positions
- Priming: Not self-priming; flooded suction or foot valve with manual prime required
- Suction Lift with Foot Valve: Up to 15 feet
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Oberdorfer 700A come with a motor included?
No — the 700A is sold as a pump end only. It is designed to mount directly to a standard NEMA 56J flange jet pump motor with a weld-on base and threaded shaft end. The motor must be purchased separately and should be rated at 3450 RPM and at least 1/3 HP for single phase use.
Q: Can this pump run dry or handle a suction lift without any accessories?
The 700A is not self-priming and cannot run dry. For standard flooded-suction installations, the pump must be positioned below the liquid level. If suction lift is required, a foot valve must be installed at the start of the suction line and all air manually bled from the pump before startup. With a foot valve, the unit can manage up to 15 feet of suction lift.
Q: Is this pump suitable for chemical transfer applications?
With the standard Nitrile mechanical seal, the 700A is suited for water, oils, and mild solvents up to 212°F. For more aggressive chemicals or elevated temperature service, the optional Viton (S10) or PTFE (S11) seal versions should be selected. When in doubt about fluid compatibility, the manufacturer recommends consulting the factory directly.
Q: What does the discharge port orientation flexibility mean in practice?
The 700A housing allows the discharge port to be repositioned to any of 8 orientations, making it much easier to align the pump outlet with your existing piping layout without requiring additional fittings or offsets. This is particularly useful in tight or confined installation spaces.
Q: Is a relief valve required when using this pump?
No. Because the 700A is a centrifugal pump rather than a positive displacement pump, the discharge line can be fully closed or throttled without danger of overloading the motor or pressurizing the line to a bursting point. This also means the horsepower demand actually decreases as pressure increases, reducing strain on the motor during throttled operation.