Amagnetic Pumps

The Difference Between Amagnetic and Magnetic Drive Pumps

An amagnetic pump eliminates all magnetic components within its construction. Unlike magnetic drive pumps, which utilise permanent magnets to transmit torque through a sealed barrier, DESMI’s amagnetic designs rely on robust mechanical coupling and precision-balanced shafts made of non-magnetic materials. This approach ensures a true zero magnetic signature while maintaining the mechanical integrity necessary for high-load, continuous-duty operation. For naval and defence applications, magnetic neutrality is vital - preventing interference with sensitive instruments and avoiding activation of magnetic influence mines or detection systems such as MAD (Magnetic Anomaly Detection).

Applications Across Naval and Defence Systems

Amagnetic pumps from DESMI are designed specifically for installations where stealth, endurance and compliance with stringent naval standards are essential. 

Typical applications include:

• Cooling water and service systems on naval vessels requiring low magnetic permeability components.

• Submarine circulation and fuel transfer systems where magnetic silence supports operational security.

• Shock-rated installations for combat ships, submarines and auxiliary units exposed to underwater blasts or vibrations.

• Defence infrastructure where MOTS (Military Off-The-Shelf) pumping equipment must integrate seamlessly with existing systems.

These systems demonstrate how DESMI amagnetic pumps extend the company’s marine heritage into advanced defence-grade engineering. Related systems include naval pumps and shock-rated pumps used globally by armed forces and shipbuilders.

Key Benefits of DESMI Amagnetic Pumps

• Magnetic stealth: Zero magnetic permeability prevents detection and magnetic interference.

• Shock resistance: Rugged design options tested to withstand naval shock conditions.

• Extended service life: Corrosion-resistant alloys and precision machining ensure reliability under long-term load.

• MOTS compatibility: Fully aligned with military off-the-shelf requirements for rapid integration into defence platforms.

• Reduced maintenance: Mechanically simple construction allows straightforward servicing and minimal downtime.

Engineering Design and Technical Features

Each DESMI amagnetic pump is engineered around a mechanically driven, dynamically balanced impeller system that maintains optimum performance under vibration and thermal stress. The construction employs non-magnetic stainless steels, titanium or composite materials to achieve negligible magnetic permeability without compromising strength. Key engineering attributes include:

• Rigid, precision-machined housings designed to endure pressure and vibration.

• Mechanically coupled drive for reliable torque transmission in harsh marine conditions.

• Bearings and shafts optimised for stability and low maintenance requirements.

• Configurable designs, including inline and base-mounted variants to suit vessel layouts.

In combination, these features provide high efficiency and mechanical stability, even when subjected to thermal cycling or pressure fluctuations.

Compliance, Standards and Qualification Testing

DESMI’s defence solutions are engineered and tested to ensure compliance with relevant naval and military standards. Depending on configuration, amagnetic pumps can be supplied in designs tested to meet naval shock resistance criteria and other applicable defence or NATO specifications. Compliance testing may cover vibration tolerance, pressure resistance, noise emission and structural integrity. Pump configurations are also available in accordance with MOTS (Military Off-The-Shelf) guidelines to simplify integration into platform systems. This commitment to rigorous testing and documentation ensures traceability, reliability and confidence for procurement and design engineers.

Operation, Maintenance and Lifecycle Support

DESMI supports all amagnetic pump installations with a comprehensive global service network covering commissioning, planned maintenance and spare parts logistics. Our engineering teams provide guidance on material selection, installation procedures and long-term performance optimisation. Maintenance routines are straightforward due to the pumps’ simplified mechanical construction and corrosion-resistant components. Learn more about our full range of after sales services supporting your equipment throughout its lifecycle. Service agreements and lifecycle assessments can be tailored to ensure maximum uptime, predictable performance and full compliance with defence maintenance schedules.

Proven Performance and Field References

DESMI’s non-magnetic and shock-rated pump technologies have demonstrated reliable operation in naval vessels and offshore installations worldwide. Field references confirm consistent performance across decades of service, often under high mechanical load and environmental stress. These results reinforce DESMI’s position as a trusted partner to navies, defence contractors and marine operators seeking to minimise risk and optimise operational efficiency. Supporting data and reference cases are available upon request through the DESMI defence division.