

Centrifugal pumps · FL81CAI · FL82CAI · FL83CAI series
FL80CAI self-priming centrifugal pump
Self-priming pump in AISI 316 stainless steel: a centrifugal pump for transferring food, chemical and wine products when flooded suction is not possible. Depending on the model, it lifts 3.5 to 6 m in 2-3 minutes and delivers up to 50 m³/h.
- 50 m³/hMaximum flow rate of the series
- 61 m headMaximum head
- 3.5–6 mSuction lift
- 2-3 minPriming time
- 0.75–22 kWMotor at 2,900 rpm
- AISI 316Body, impeller and shaft
- Wetted parts in AISI 316
- Hygienic mechanical seal
- IP55 motor
- Food or industrial finish
Prefer to speak to a technician? Call 972 58 20 40 or write to inoxmim@inoxmim.com
What is the FL80CAI self-priming pump for?
A standard centrifugal pump needs to work with flooded suction: the liquid has to reach the suction port by gravity. A self-priming centrifugal pump can evacuate the air from the suction pipe and prime itself, so it can be installed above the liquid level to empty tanks, tankers or lines that draw in air.
The FL80CAI is the sanitary version of InoxMIM's self-priming pumps, with a food-grade finish and a carefully designed construction that maintain very hygienic working conditions. It comes in three models: the FL81CAI lifts up to 3.5 m, the FL82CAI up to 4 m and the FL83CAI up to 6 m, in all cases in 2-3 minutes. The body, impeller, shaft and piping are made of AISI 316 stainless steel.
This is the right pump if…
- The pump is located above the liquid level and cannot rely on flooded suction.
- You need to empty tanks, tankers or lines containing air.
- You transfer food, chemical or wine products in hygienic conditions.
- You need up to 50 m³/h and heads of up to 61 m head (water column)
Choose other equipment if…
- The pump works with flooded suction and you need more flow: the FL50CI food pump is a better choice, with up to 90 m³/h.
- The process requires EHEDG design with CIP and SIP cleaning: the FLUID hygienic pump is a better choice.
- It is an industrial application and you prefer GAS threaded connections: the FL90CAI industrial self-priming pump has the same curves.
- The product is viscous: a self-priming positive displacement pump is the better choice, such as the FL-RF flexible impeller pump.
Applications by industry
Where the FL80CAI is usually installed, whenever flooded suction is not possible:
Food industry
Transfer of food liquids from tanks, tankers or containers located below the pump.
Winemaking
Wine transfer and emptying of tanks and tankers.
Chemical industry
Transfer of chemical products compatible with AISI 316 stainless steel.
CIP return
Return of the cleaning solutions, where the suction line draws in air.
Features and benefits
Self-priming
Draws from 3.5 to 6 m depending on the model and primes in 2-3 minutes.
Sanitary design
Food-grade finish and careful design for working in very hygienic conditions.
Semi-open impeller
Semi-open impeller as standard; open impeller on request.
Hygienic mechanical seal
Stainless steel/graphite or silicon carbide/silicon carbide faces, with NBR, Viton or EPDM gaskets.
Few parts
The simplicity of the components makes assembly, cleaning and maintenance easier.
Three sizes
From 0.75 to 22 kW, with impellers from Ø 110 to 240 mm to match the pump to the duty point.
Series models and performance curves
Choose the model by the suction lift, flow rate and head you need. For other impeller and motor combinations, please contact us.
| Model | Motor | Impeller | Max. flow rate | Max. head | Suction | Suction / discharge connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL81CAI | 0.75–2.2 kW | Ø 110–140 mm | 20 m³/h | 21 m head | 3.5 m | DN 40 / DN 40 |
| FL82CAI | 1.5–5.5 kW | Ø 130–185 mm | 30 m³/h | 40 m head | 4 m | DN 50-65 / DN 50 |
| FL83CAI | 5.5–22 kW | Ø 140–240 mm | 50 m³/h | 61 m head | 6 m | DN 65-80 / DN 65 |
Maximum values from the FLUIDMIM catalogue curves at 2,900 rpm and 50 Hz. Priming time: 2-3 minutes on all three models.



Technical data
Materials
Body, impeller, shaft and piping
AISI 316 stainless steel
Lantern
AISI 304 stainless steel
Gaskets
NBR, Viton (FKM) or EPDM
Hydraulics
Impeller type
Semi-open (open optional)
Maximum flow rate
50 m³/h (FL83CAI)
Maximum head
61 m head (FL83CAI)
Suction lift
3.5 m / 4 m / 6 m
Priming time
2-3 minutes
Mechanical seal
Type
Hygienic
Seal faces (stationary / rotating)
Stainless steel / graphite or silicon carbide / silicon carbide
Other materials
On request
Motor
Power
0.75 to 22 kW
Speed
2,900 rpm at 50 Hz
Protection
IP55
Power supply
50 Hz · 220-380 V / 380-690 V
Finish and connections
Finish level
Food or industrial
Standard connections
GAS or DIN 11851
Other connections
Clamp, SMS, RJT
Options and customisation
Open impeller
As an alternative to the standard semi-open impeller, depending on the product.
Other connections
Clamp, SMS or RJT, as well as GAS or DIN 11851.
Double seal with thermosyphon
Double mechanical seal cooled by thermosyphon, for products that crystallise or stick to the seal faces.
Control panel
Supplied with the electrical panel for starting and stopping the pump.
Baseplate or trolley
Fixed mounting on a baseplate or on a mobile trolley so the pump can be used at several points in the plant.
Other centrifugal pumps
Frequently asked questions about the FL80CAI self-priming pump
What suction lift does the FL80CAI pump have?
It depends on the model: the FL81CAI lifts up to 3.5 m, the FL82CAI up to 4 m and the FL83CAI up to 6 m. In all three cases it takes 2-3 minutes to prime, according to the catalogue curves.
What is the difference between the FL80CAI and the FL90CAI?
They have the same performance curves and the same suction lift. The FL80CAI is the sanitary version, with DN connections and a stainless steel/graphite or silicon carbide/silicon carbide seal with NBR, Viton or EPDM gaskets. The FL90CAI is the industrial version, with GAS threaded connections and a graphite/stainless steel or tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal.
Which model do I need?
The one that covers your suction lift and duty point. The FL81CAI delivers up to 20 m³/h and 21 m head; the FL82CAI, 30 m³/h and 40 m head; and the FL83CAI, 50 m³/h and 61 m head.
Do you need to fill the pump before the first start-up?
Yes. A self-priming centrifugal pump needs its body filled with liquid to start drawing; from then on it evacuates the air from the pipe on its own. It is advisable to check this after every complete drain or maintenance work.
Can it run dry?
No. Being self-priming does not mean it can run without liquid: the mechanical seal is cooled and lubricated by the product itself. If the installation could run out of liquid, a level or pressure sensor to stop the pump is advisable.
What connections can it have?
As standard, GAS or DIN 11851. On request it is supplied with Clamp, SMS or RJT.
Request a quote for the FL80CAI self-priming pump
Equipment: FL80CAI self-priming centrifugal pump
Tell us which product you are pumping, the flow rate, the head, the suction lift (height difference between the liquid and the pump), the length of the suction pipe, the temperature and the viscosity. With that information we will recommend the right model.


