Brine

Chemical
Sodium chloride solution aka brine,
Salt water or saline solution is used in
many industrial processes.
Brine used in industry is commonly
produced by electrolysis to a specific
concentration depending on usage.
This commonly ranges from 5% as a
dilute solution to approximately 25%
for more concentrated applications. As
water temperature rises, the quantity
of salt that can be dissolved increases,
however at about 26%, brine becomes
saturated.
The S.G. ranges from 1 1.15,
viscosity from 1 1.6cPs.

Applications
Production of hydrogen, sodium hydroxide, chlorine and isolating other minerals such as
magnesium and potassium
As a food preservative, flavour enhancer and additive
As a de-icer for roads
For heat transfer
Large refrigeration installations and cooling fluid such as in metals processing
Oil and gas extraction
Sea water and brackish water is also processed in desalination plants

Pumping considerations
The main issue concerning any
engineer specifying a pump for
brine/sodium chloride solution
is the choice of wet-side
materials.
For more dilute concentrations
metals such as stainless
steel and other alloys are
acceptable, however where
more concentrated solutions
are being handled it is
recommended a non-metallic
wet-side material be specified
such as ETFE.
It is very common to specify
a mag drive centrifugal pump
for brine solution as the
viscosity and S.G are very low

and it is very efficient for the

pumping principle and ensures
containment of the fluid.

failing as the pump casing

is sealed using an o-ring
assembly.

Where high system pressures

occur such as in desalination
processes, a mag drive pump
is a prerequisite for circulatory
applications.

Where brine is being

handled in a hygienic or 3A
application, the pump must
adhere to the industrial
standard; models such as
SS316L stainless steel double
diaphragm pumps with an
electro-polished surface finish
on the pump body to RA<0.8
m.

The mag drive pump will

circulate the brine after it
has been passed through a
membrane, requiring it handle
huge system pressures of
approximately 200 bar.
A mag drive pump is the ideal
pump for this application as
there are no mechanical seals.
This means that there is no
danger of any seal wearing and

The connection may also be

required to be DIN11851
compatible to remove
crevices from flange/pipework
joints.

Below: A Verdermag mag

drive pump with cast iron
construction and non-metallic
lining. This allows the pump
pressure to be high and be
chemically compatible.
Right: Where a high system
pressure occurs such as a
desalination plant, more exotic
alloys may need to be used. A
Verdermag high pressure unit
is available in Hastelloy, Duplex
and Titanium construction.

Verder UK supply pumps for virtually every chemical type and

application. The Verder range includes leak-free mag drive pumps,
chemically inert non-metallic AODD pumps, peristaltic dosing
pumps for the accurate delivery of chemical including abrasive and
solid-laden types.
Contact us for advice on specifying a pump for your brine process
on 01924 221 001 or email sales@verder.co.uk
Disclaimer: The information contained in this sheet has been researched from
credible sources and should be considered as a guide only. Due to the many
variables in a process, it is recommended contacting Verder for advice about your
exact fluid and operating conditions.