What brass alloys are best for pump housings exposed to water and chemicals?
What Brass Alloys Are Best for Pump Housings Exposed to Water and Chemicals?
Brass Alloy Selection for Corrosive Pump Applications
Pump housings used in water and chemical service must resist dezincification, erosion, and galvanic corrosion, especially in systems that handle chlorinated water, seawater, or mildly acidic solutions. At Neway Die Casting, brass alloys such as C87850 Silicon Brass, Brass 464 (Naval Brass), and C84400 Semi-Red Brass are commonly recommended for these environments.
Top Brass Alloys for Water and Chemical Exposure
C87850 Silicon Brass
Dezincification-resistant and RoHS-compliant
Excellent corrosion resistance in chlorinated, potable, and mildly acidic water
Ideal for lead-free pump housings, valves, and water circulation systems
Meets NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 for drinking water use
Brass 464 (Naval Brass)
Contains 0.5–1.0% tin for added seawater corrosion resistance
High tensile strength and impact durability
Suitable for marine and industrial pump housings in salt-laden atmospheres
Complies with ASTM B21 and ASTM B171
C84400 Semi-Red Brass
High copper content (~81–85%) enhances corrosion resistance
Castable with excellent machinability and sealing surface quality
Common in general-purpose water pumps and chemical handling units
Used in pressure-rated systems requiring balanced strength and ductility
Comparison of Brass Alloys for Pump Applications
Alloy | Corrosion Resistance | Dezincification Resistance | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
C87850 Silicon Brass | Excellent | Very High | Circulator pumps, potable water pumps |
Brass 464 | Excellent (seawater) | High | Marine pumps, offshore systems |
C84400 Semi-Red Brass | Good | Moderate | General-purpose chemical pumps |
Industry Standards and Material Testing
Neway ensures material reliability through:
ASTM B584 – Castings for plumbing, marine, and industrial systems
ISO 6509 – Dezincification testing
ASTM B117 – Salt spray corrosion testing for surface and plating performance
Each casting undergoes microstructural evaluation, dimensional inspection, and pressure validation to meet functional requirements.
Customer-Oriented Casting Solutions for Pump Components
Neway Die Casting provides complete solutions for water and chemical-exposed pump housings:
Brass Die Casting Services: Durable and corrosion-resistant brass alloy casting tailored to chemical environments
Tool and Die Making: Precision tooling for complex pump geometries
Post-Machining Services: Tight-tolerance sealing surfaces and threaded ports for pressure integrity
