The compound selection process is the same regardless of whether your pump is a 2 inch, 3 inch, or 4 inch CH&E or Magnum model. Match the compound to the fluid being pumped and the operating conditions.
Clean water, standard groundwater, light sediment without chemical or hydrocarbon content: Rubber or neoprene. Choose rubber for the lowest cost in clean-water applications. Choose neoprene for better outdoor durability, abrasion resistance, and flex life in active construction environments.
Construction slurry, concrete cutting wastewater, sediment-laden groundwater, outdoor pump operation: Neoprene. The abrasive particle content and outdoor operating conditions in these applications favor neoprene over rubber. The neoprene with cloth insert option provides additional tear resistance in high-physical-stress applications.
Oily wastewater, fuel-contaminated groundwater, petroleum-containing fluids: Buna/nitrile. Rubber and neoprene will degrade in contact with oil and fuel. Buna/nitrile is the correct specification for any CH&E or Magnum pump application where hydrocarbon content is present in the fluid.
Continuous-duty high-cycle operation, abrasive slurry, mild chemical exposure, demanding environments where rubber and neoprene wear out too quickly: TPE. The higher per-unit cost compared to rubber and neoprene is typically justified by fewer replacements over time in these conditions.
Aggressive chemicals, fuels, or high-temperature fluids that exceed Buna/nitrile or TPE compatibility: Viton (available for 2 inch applications via SA-10003V). Contact Ken’s Distributing to confirm Viton availability and suitability for your specific fluid before specifying it.
For applications that do not fit clearly into these categories, contact Ken’s Distributing with your pump model number and a description of the fluid being pumped. Our parts team can confirm the correct compound for your specific conditions.