Xylem Inc. recently announced that its Goulds Water Technology and Bell & Gossett brand vertical turbine impellers will convert from silicon bronze to 316 stainless-steel (316SS) material. This change will mark the first product line available on the market with high-grade stainless-steel impellers as a standard. 316SS is known for its enhanced ability to resist damage due to corrosion and abrasives.
The scope of the transition includes 5-inch through 14-inch models in select, high-volume product families. The smooth surface finish of these new impellers enables Xylem to make this material transition, without incurring additional hydraulic losses commonly associated with changing to stainless steel, while maintaining the same hydraulic performance standards as their predecessors.
Complimentary features and benefits of Xylem’s vertical turbine pumps in this size range include glass-lined cast iron bowls for strength, durability and maximized pump efficiency over the life of the pump. The conversion will take several months and affect approximately 50 different vertical turbine impeller models. While several are already available in the 316SS material, the projected completion date for all models should be prior to the end of 2014.
After the standards change is complete, bronze impellers will remain available to customers upon request. For more information, visit goulds.com/turbine-pumps.
