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BT Series – Vertical Sump Pumps

Heavy-duty reinforced vertical sump pumps for corrosive and abrasive liquids

The TECNIUM BT Series vertical submerged pumps are engineered for the continuous transfer of corrosive and abrasive fluids from tanks, pits and sumps. Machined from solid thermoplastic materials, these pumps ensure reliable operation in aggressive chemical environments where metallic pumps would rapidly degrade.

Their cantilever shaft design and dry-running capability make them ideal for applications requiring safe, maintenance-free operation.

BT Series vertical sump pump — cantilever shaft

Vertical cantilever design, free of submerged bearings

The BT sump pumps feature a reinforced vertical cantilever design that eliminates the need for submerged bearings, enabling dry running without damage.

  • Immersion depth: up to 5.2 m (17 ft)
  • Cantilever shaft: fully supported from the upper flange, with no mechanical components submerged in the fluid
  • Construction: machined from solid thermoplastics for maximum rigidity and corrosion resistance
  • Reinforced column: ensures stability under high hydraulic loads
  • Drive system: direct motor coupling without vertical alignment requirements

The BT Series is available with optional baseplates or custom mounting flanges for direct installation on the tank top.

Technical specifications of the BT Series

Operating range of the BT Series vertical sump pumps, designed for continuous industrial service in environments with variable liquid levels.

Flow rateUp to 400 m³/h (1,760 gpm)
HeadUp to 100 m (328 ft)
Operating depthUp to 5.2 m (17 ft)
ConfigurationSingle-stage cantilever sump pump
Dry runningIntermittent operation permitted without risk of damage
MountingOptional baseplates or custom mounting flanges

BT Series applications

The BT Series is widely used in industries where chemical resistance and reliability are essential.

Chemical and petrochemical

  • Transfer of acids, alkalis and aggressive solvents
  • Pumping from process pits and sumps
  • Safe emptying of storage tanks

Water treatment (WWTP)

  • Pumping in WWTPs at medium-to-high flow rates
  • Transfer of sludges and stormwater
  • Service in sumps with fluctuating levels

Mining and metal processing

  • Handling of abrasive slurries and mining effluents
  • Drainage of ponds and clarifiers
  • Leaching and flotation processes

Surface treatment

  • Acid pickling and anodising
  • Electroplating processes
  • Galvanising and chrome plating lines

Fertilisers and phosphoric acid

  • Reliable pumping in corrosive atmospheres
  • Transfer of mother liquors and sulphur derivatives
  • Processes involving acid vapours

Other industrial uses

  • Potable water and desalination plants
  • Pulp and paper industry
  • Pharmaceutical processes with aggressive fluids

Why choose the BT Series

  • Dry running operation with no submerged bearings
  • Cantilever shaft design that prevents contamination and leakage
  • Solid thermoplastic construction for maximum corrosion resistance
  • Low maintenance and extended service life
  • Standard DIN 2501 flange (optional ANSI 150 lbs)
  • Compliant with the European Machinery Directive (CE); ATEX versions available

Corrosion-resistant thermoplastics

The BT Series is available in a wide range of thermoplastics to guarantee compatibility with a broad variety of industrial chemicals.

PPPolypropylene — general chemical resistance to acids and alkalis
UHMW-PEUltra-high molecular weight polyethylene — high abrasion resistance
PVDFPolyvinylidene fluoride — oxidising agents and elevated temperatures
E-CTFEEthylene chlorotrifluoroethylene — superior chemical and thermal stability
PVCPolyvinyl chloride — economical option for moderate conditions
PTFEPolytetrafluoroethylene — maximum chemical inertness

FAQs about the BT Series

The most common queries about vertical submerged pumps, dry-running operation and the differences with horizontal centrifugal pumps.

What does "cantilever shaft" mean and why does it matter?

The cantilever shaft is fully supported from the upper flange of the pump, outside the liquid. This eliminates the submerged bearings typical of other vertical pumps, which are their most common weak point: they jam with solids, corrode and require frequent maintenance. The BT design enables operation with no bearings in contact with the fluid, ensuring longevity even with abrasive liquids and variable levels.

Can it really run dry without failing?

Yes, intermittently and within the limits defined by the manual. Because there are no lower bearings depending on the fluid for lubrication or cooling, the BT can run dry for short periods without damage. This is a critical feature for pits and sumps with fluctuating liquid levels, where accidental dry running on other pumps would cause immediate failure.

What is the maximum installation depth?

The standard BT Series reaches up to 5.2 m (17 ft) operating depth. For greater depths, special configurations with reinforced column or intermediate support arrangements are assessed. The column is engineered case by case to support the hydraulic loads and maintain the rigidity of the rotor assembly.

How does it compare with an electric submersible pump?

An electric submersible pump has its motor immersed in the fluid, which limits the chemical and temperature range and requires the pump to be lifted out of the pit for any intervention. The BT keeps the motor above the flange, outside the liquid; the seal and bearings are dry-protected. The result is broader chemical compatibility, considerably easier maintenance and significantly longer service life in aggressive fluids.

Can it be installed directly on the tank?

Yes. The BT is available with optional baseplates or custom mounting flanges for direct installation on the tank cover, sump or pit. TECNIUM designs the anchoring plate according to the geometry of the tank and the static and dynamic loads expected.

Does it handle liquids with suspended solids?

Yes, especially in configurations with body and impeller in UHMW-PE, which offers far higher abrasion resistance than standard PP. It has been successfully applied to sludge pumping in WWTPs, abrasive slurries in mining and waters with suspended solids in surface treatment. For fluids with large solids, specific impeller designs are evaluated.

More information

Tell us about your project and we will guide you

We will help you select the optimum BT Series configuration based on your sump, your fluid and the operating conditions.

  • Fluid analysis and material selection
  • Custom baseplate or mounting flange design
  • ATEX configuration if required
  • Turnkey pumps with motor and instrumentation

Request information

Complete the form and our technical team will get in touch with you.

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