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Bell & Gossett Booster Pump Selection Guide: Series PL, 60, e-1535 & More | Memphis Control Center
Selection Guide

Bell & Gossett Booster & Circulator Pump Guide:
Select the Right Pump for Your System

From compact inline booster circulators to large skid-mounted packages — flow rate, system head, media temperature, and application type are the four variables that drive every B&G pump selection. Here's the complete breakdown of every major series we stock and sell — starting with the Series PL.

Bell & Gossett Distributor Free ground shipping on all orders Same-day shipping by 2 PM CT
Bell & Gossett
Bell & Gossett Distributor · a Xylem brand
Industry standard in hydronic & HVAC systems since 1916 · Series PL, 60, e-1535, HV & skid packages · Part of Xylem Water Solutions

Bell & Gossett Pumps — The Hydronic Industry Standard

Bell & Gossett has been the baseline specification for hydronic heating, cooling, and plumbing circulation in commercial and industrial buildings for over a century. When a mechanical engineer writes "B&G or equal" on a drawing, they're setting a performance benchmark that very few pumps can actually meet.

Every major B&G series serves a distinct application band — from a compact ¹⁄₁₂ HP inline circulator on a small hot water loop to a multi-pump skid package serving a large commercial chilled water plant. Getting the right series and the right model is the difference between a system that performs as designed and one that short-cycles, cavitates, or fails early.

Memphis Control Center stocks and sells Bell & Gossett's most common booster and circulator lines. Here's a complete breakdown — starting with the Series PL, our best-selling B&G line — plus how to match every series to your application.

B&G Distributor

Genuine Bell & Gossett product with full warranty and factory support — not grey-market.

Same-Day Shipping

In-stock orders placed by 2 PM CT ship the same day. Don't let a pump hold up your job.

Application Support

Not sure which pump? Call (901) 458-2000 — we'll work through GPM, head, and media with you.

The 4 Questions That Drive Every B&G Pump Selection

These are the four variables we work through on every pump call. Answer all four and we can put you in the right series in minutes — often right to the model number.

Question 1
Flow Rate (GPM)
Question 2
System Head (Ft)
Question 3
Media & Temp
Question 4
Mount / Install Type
1

Flow Rate — How Many GPM Does Your System Need?

Flow rate is your first filter and immediately narrows the field. Small residential or light commercial hydronic loops typically run 10–30 GPM. Mid-size commercial systems run 30–150 GPM. The Series PL covers 5–150 GPM across its full model range, making it the right answer for the vast majority of commercial booster applications. For systems above 150 GPM or requiring redundancy, you move to skid packages built on Series 1510 or split-case pumps.

Under 10 GPM (small zone)10–50 GPM (light commercial)50–150 GPM (commercial)150–500 GPM (large commercial)500+ GPM (skid / industrial)
2

System Head — How Much Resistance Must the Pump Overcome?

System head (expressed in feet) represents the total friction loss the pump must overcome — pipe length, fittings, coils, valves, and elevation changes. The Series PL models top out at roughly 20–30 feet of head depending on model, making them well-suited for most hydronic distribution loops. Higher-head applications (extended pipe runs, multi-story systems, high-resistance coil banks) require the Series 60 with a larger impeller, or the e-1535 operating in constant-pressure mode. Always size to your design head plus a 10–15% safety margin.

Under 20 ft (compact loops)20–30 ft (typical B&G PL range)30–100 ft (Series 60 territory)100+ ft (multi-story, long runs)
3

Media & Temperature — What Are You Pumping?

Most B&G booster pumps are designed for clean water in hydronic heating and cooling systems. The critical question is media type and temperature: hot water heating (up to 225°F for the Series PL), chilled water cooling, or a glycol mix for freeze protection. For glycol systems, the Series PL handles standard ethylene and propylene glycol concentrations — just confirm your % so we can derate performance accordingly. For potable domestic water applications, specify the lead-free bronze PL model to meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

Hot water heating (up to 225°F)Chilled water (cooling)Glycol mix (freeze protection)Radiant / geothermal loopsDomestic water (lead-free required)
4

Mount & Install Type — Where Does the Pump Go?

Bell & Gossett makes inline pumps, base-mounted end suction pumps, vertical inline pumps, and factory-assembled skid packages. The Series PL, 60, and e-1535 are all inline designs — they install directly into the pipe run without a separate base or flexible couplings, which simplifies installation and reduces footprint. Vertical inline (HV Series) works where floor space is tight. Base-mounted and skid configurations are used when flow requirements exceed inline pump capacity or when redundancy is required by the owner or spec.

Inline (direct pipe mount — most common)Vertical inline (space-constrained)Base-mounted end suctionSkid / pre-engineered package
Pump down? Same-day shipping available on in-stock Series PL models — order by 2 PM CT.

Bell & Gossett Series PL™ — Our Best-Selling Booster Pump

The Series PL is our most frequently sold Bell & Gossett pump. It's the right answer for the majority of commercial and light-industrial hydronic booster applications — hydronic heating, radiant floor, geothermal loops, chilled water distribution, and domestic pressure boosting. Bell & Gossett markets it as a superior alternative to wet rotor circulators, and in most field conditions, it is.

What makes the Series PL different from wet rotor circulators: The PL uses a close-coupled dry motor design with XL11™ permanently lubricated sealed bearings and a carbon/silicon carbide mechanical seal. Unlike wet rotor designs where the motor rotor runs in the system fluid, the PL's motor and bearings never contact system water. This means dramatically better performance in dirty or untreated water conditions, quieter long-term operation, and a replaceable mechanical seal if service is ever needed.

Bodies are available in cast iron or lead-free† bronze. All models operate up to 150 psi and 225°F (107°C). Standard motor is 115V/60Hz/1-phase ODP — 230V and 277V motors available on request.

Series PL Operating Data & Materials

150 psi (10 bar)
225°F (107°C)
Cast Iron or Lead-Free† Bronze
30% Glass-Filled Noryl® (PL-30/36/45/50/75); PPS on PL-55, PL-100 & PL-130
Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel w/ SS Sleeve (PL-30/36/45/50/75); Stainless Steel (PL-55/100/130)
Carbon/Silicon Carbide Mechanical
XL11™ Permanently Lubricated Sealed
115V/60Hz/1Ph standard (ODP)
CSA / NSF 372 Low Lead Content†

Series PL Complete Model Table — All Part Numbers

Eight models from ¹⁄₁₂ HP to ²⁄₅ HP cover flows from approximately 5 GPM to 150+ GPM. Match your design duty point (GPM and head) to the performance curve range of each model. When your duty point falls between models, size up.

ModelHP / RPMCast Iron P/NBronze LF P/NFlange (NPT)BoltsMax FlowMax HeadShip Wt
PL-301/12 hp · 2650 rpm1BL0121BL013LF3/4, 1 & 1-1/4, 1-1/2"2-bolt~30 GPM~20 ft11.6 lbs
PL-361/6 hp · 3300 rpm1BL0011BL003LF3/4, 1 & 1-1/4, 1-1/2"2-bolt~40 GPM~25 ft13.1 lbs
PL-451/6 hp · 3300 rpm1BL0021BL004LF1, 1-1/4 & 1-1/2"2-bolt~55 GPM~25 ft14.5 lbs
PL-501/6 hp · 3300 rpm1BL0161BL017LF1, 1-1/4 & 1-1/2"2-bolt~75 GPM~20 ft14.5 lbs
PL-552/5 hp · 3250 rpm1BL0321BL068LF3/4, 1 & 1-1/4, 1-1/2"2-bolt~75 GPM~30 ft13.1 lbs
PL-1002/5 hp · 3250 rpm1BL1341BL136LF1, 1-1/4 & 1-1/2"2-bolt~100 GPM~25 ft14.5 lbs
PL-751/6 hp · 3400 rpm1BL0341BL035LF2"4-bolt~120 GPM~18 ft18.5 lbs
PL-1302/5 hp · 3200 rpm1BL0631BL065LF2"4-bolt~150 GPM~20 ft22.0 lbs

Important flange note: PL-75 and PL-130 use a 2" four-bolt flange connection. All other PL models (PL-30 through PL-100) use two-bolt flange connections up to 1-1/2" NPT. These are NOT cross-compatible — confirm your existing flange configuration before ordering a replacement. Note: The PL-130 is also available in a 3" flange variant (cast iron: 1BL070; bronze LF: 1BL072LF, 27 lbs) — specify if your existing pipe connection is 3". †Lead-free bronze models contain less than 0.25% lead content by weight on wetted surfaces, meeting Safe Drinking Water Act requirements (NSF/ANSI 372). 230/60/1 and 277/60/1 motors available on request.

Need a Series PL — In Stock, Ships Today

Give us the model number or your GPM and head requirements. Most common Series PL models ship same day from Memphis.

Complete Bell & Gossett Series Breakdown

Beyond the Series PL, here's where each B&G pump line fits — and when to specify one over another.

Medium-Duty Inline · Most Specified Commercial HVAC Circulator
Bell & Gossett Series 60
The Commercial Boiler Room Standard
Heating / CoolingHydronicMost SpecifiedInline

The Bell & Gossett Series 60 is the most widely installed commercial hydronic circulator in North America. It's an inline, close-coupled end suction pump built for commercial and light-industrial hydronic heating and cooling. Available in a broad range of frame sizes covering flows from roughly 10 GPM to 250+ GPM at heads up to 200 feet depending on impeller — it handles what the Series PL cannot.

The Series 60 uses a replaceable mechanical seal and wear ring, making field service straightforward without pulling the pump from the piping. Bronze-fitted and all-iron construction options are available. Single-phase and three-phase motors span the full frame range. When you see "B&G or equal" on a boiler room drawing, it's almost always referencing a Series 60.

Choose the Series 60 when: Your flow or head requirements exceed the Series PL's capacity, you're specifying a commercial boiler or chiller plant, or you're replacing an existing Series 60 with a like-for-like unit. If the drawing already shows a Series 60, keep it — the flanges, dimensions, and service parts are standardized.

~10 – 250+ GPM
Up to 200+ ft (impeller dependent)
Inline, Close-Coupled
Bronze-Fitted or All-Iron
1Ph or 3Ph, TEFC / ODP
Replaceable Mechanical Seal
Specifying or replacing a Series 60?Request a Quote →
High-Efficiency ECM Variable-Speed Inline Circulator
Bell & Gossett Series e-1535
The Smart Variable-Speed Circulator
ECM MotorVariable SpeedEnergy Star EligibleInline

The Series e-1535 is Bell & Gossett's electronically commutated motor (ECM) variable-speed circulator, designed for hydronic systems where load varies and energy efficiency matters. ECM motors are substantially more efficient at part load — where most hydronic circulators spend the vast majority of their operating hours. The power savings are significant: an ECM pump running at 60% speed uses roughly 22% of the power of the same pump at full speed.

The e-1535 supports proportional pressure, constant pressure, constant speed, and ΔT-based control modes with an integrated display for field programming. Available in 1-1/4" to 2-1/2" flange sizes covering flows to approximately 130 GPM. No external VFD needed — speed control is fully integrated.

Choose the e-1535 when: Energy efficiency or utility rebates are priorities, your system has variable load conditions, you're replacing an oversized constant-speed pump that's short-cycling, or you need integrated pump speed control without adding a separate VFD.

ECM (Electronically Commutated)
Up to ~130 GPM
1-1/4" – 2-1/2"
Prop Pressure, Const Pressure, ΔT, Const Speed
Inline, Close-Coupled
Variable Load / Energy Savings
Interested in the e-1535 for energy savings?Request a Quote →
Vertical Inline — Space-Constrained Mechanical Rooms
Bell & Gossett Series HV
The Vertical Inline Pump
Vertical InlineSpace-SavingNo Floor Base Needed

The Series HV is a vertically-oriented inline pump — the motor sits directly above the pump body with the impeller shaft running vertically. This eliminates the floor-mounted base, making the HV ideal for mechanical rooms where floor space is tight or where piping runs overhead and a horizontal base-mounted pump won't fit the layout.

Available in a range of sizes for commercial hydronic applications, with single-speed and two-speed motor options. The HV uses the same proven B&G hydraulic components as the Series 60 family, with stainless steel shaft and bronze-fitted internals standard.

Choose the HV when: Floor space in the mechanical room is limited, your piping configuration favors a vertical inline arrangement, or the existing installation specifies a vertical inline pump configuration.

Vertical Inline
Minimal — no separate base
Bronze-Fitted, SS Shaft
Single-Speed or Two-Speed
Commercial Hydronic HVAC
Flanged (inline)
Tight mechanical room? Series HV may be the answer.Request a Quote →
Small Zone Circulators — Residential & Light Commercial
Bell & Gossett NBF / NBF-S Series
The Zone Circulator
Residential / Small ZoneDHW RecirculationWet Rotor1/25 – 1/6 HP

The NBF and NBF-S are small wet rotor circulators for residential baseboard heating, radiant floor, domestic hot water recirculation, and small commercial zone applications. The wet rotor design — where the motor rotor runs directly in the system fluid — eliminates the mechanical seal, making them compact, quiet, and maintenance-free in clean water applications.

The NBF-S adds a 3-speed motor for field-adjustable flow control, useful for balancing flow between multiple heating zones. Both models use flanged or sweat connections depending on configuration. These are not intended for dirty water or glycol-heavy systems — for those applications, the Series PL's dry motor design holds up far better.

Choose the NBF/NBF-S when: You need a small, quiet zone circulator for a residential heating circuit, baseboard loop, or DHW recirculation application with clean system water.

Wet Rotor (fluid-lubricated)
1/25 to 1/6 HP
Up to ~30 GPM
3-Speed Adjustable
Residential / Small Zone
Clean water only
Small zone or DHW recirc? NBF / NBF-S is your circulator.Request a Quote →
Pre-Engineered Systems — Large Commercial & Industrial
Bell & Gossett Skid-Mounted Pump Packages
Factory-Assembled Pump Stations
Duplex / TriplexLarge CommercialFactory-Built150–2,000+ GPM

B&G skid-mounted pump packages are factory-assembled, pre-piped, and pre-wired pump stations built around Bell & Gossett base-mounted end suction or split case pumps (Series 1510, 1531, and VSC are most common). These packages typically include two or more pumps in lead/lag or parallel configuration, common headers, isolation valves, check valves, pressure gauges, and a control panel — all mounted on a structural steel base and ready to set and connect on the job site.

Skid packages are specified when the project requires large flow, built-in pump redundancy, or when the owner or contractor wants a factory-tested, turnkey package that minimizes field assembly and commissioning time. Every package can be witnessed and tested before it leaves the shop.

Choose a skid package when: Flow requirements exceed what a single inline pump can handle, redundancy is required by spec, the project involves a large chilled water plant or domestic pressure-boosting system, or when the schedule demands a turnkey package rather than field assembly.

Duplex or Triplex
1510, 1531, VSC, e-Series
150 GPM – 2,000+ GPM
Piping, Valves, Panel, Base
Lead/Lag, VFD, BAS Interface
Factory order — call for timeline
Large commercial plant or redundancy required? Let's talk skid packages.Request a Quote →

Bell & Gossett Series Comparison at a Glance

Use this table to quickly identify which B&G pump series fits your application. When your application spans multiple columns, the more specific or higher-capacity series wins.

Bell & Gossett Pump Series Comparison
Feature Series PL Series 60 Series e-1535 Series HV NBF / NBF-S Skid Package
Typical ApplicationHydronic booster, radiant, geothermalCommercial HVAC hydronicVariable-load efficiencySpace-constrained installsResidential zones, DHW recircLarge commercial / industrial
Typical Flow Range5–150 GPM10–250+ GPMUp to ~130 GPMMedium-LargeUp to ~30 GPM150–2,000+ GPM
Motor TypeODP dry motorAC induction (TEFC/ODP)ECM Variable SpeedAC inductionWet rotorAC or VFD
Variable Speed✓ Integrated ECM2-speed option3-speed (NBF-S)✓ VFD optional
OrientationInline, any directionInline horizontalInline horizontalVertical inlineInlineBase-mounted
Dirty Water Handling✓ Superior (dry motor)GoodGoodGoodClean water onlyGood
Lead-Free Option✓ Bronze LF modelsBronze-fitted
Max Fluid Temp225°F (107°C)250°F (121°C)230°F (110°C)250°F230°F250°F+
Field ServiceableSeal replaceable✓ Seal + wear ringSeal replaceable✓ YesReplace unit✓ Full access
Best For Replacement✓ Wet rotor swaps✓ Like-for-like✓ Oversized AC upgrades✓ Like-for-like✓ Small zone swapsFactory order

Bell & Gossett Application Matching Guide

Match your real-world scenario to the right B&G series. Each card includes a representative photo of the application type. If your scenario doesn't fit neatly into one card, call us — we'll work through the duty point with you.

Hydronic Heating Booster — Small to Mid-Size Commercial

Hot water distribution for commercial heating systems, 10–130 GPM, inline installation. The most common B&G booster application in the field.

→ Series PL (PL-36 through PL-130)

Commercial HVAC — Larger Heating or Chilled Water Loop

Higher head, larger flow, multiple air handlers or FCUs. The Series 60 is the standard for any commercial boiler or chiller plant drawing that reads "B&G or equal."

→ Series 60

Geothermal Ground Loops & Radiant Floor Heating

Closed-loop geothermal systems, radiant floor distribution, or snowmelt. Often running glycol — the Series PL's dry motor handles glycol far better than wet rotor alternatives.

→ Series PL (confirm glycol % for derating)

Energy Efficiency Upgrade / Variable Load System

Replacing an oversized constant-speed circulator, targeting utility rebates, or need integrated pump speed control based on system ΔP or ΔT without an external VFD.

→ Series e-1535

Space-Constrained Mechanical Room

Where floor space is limited or piping runs overhead. A vertical inline installation eliminates the need for a floor base and significantly reduces footprint.

→ Series HV

Large Commercial Plant — Redundancy Required

Chilled water plants, central heating plants, domestic pressure boosting for high-rise or campus systems. Requires lead/lag pumping, large GPM, pre-engineered controls.

B&G Skid Package

Domestic Water / Potable Water Boosting

Building pressure boosting or potable recirculation where lead-free certification is required by code. Series PL lead-free bronze models meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

→ Series PL Bronze LF Models

Replacing an Existing B&G Pump

Have the nameplate model number? That's all we need. If the tag is worn, give us pipe size, HP, voltage, and flange size — we'll find the right replacement fast.

→ Call (901) 458-2000

Not Sure Which Series You Need?

Give us your flow rate (GPM), head (ft), temperature, and application — we'll identify the right B&G pump series and part number and get it moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information do I need to select a Bell & Gossett booster pump?
Four things: flow rate in GPM, system head in feet, the media and operating temperature, and the installation type (inline, vertical, base-mounted). If you're replacing an existing pump, the nameplate model number is all we need — we can confirm a direct replacement or the current equivalent if the model has been updated. If you're sizing new, even a rough description of your system (pipe size, loop length, building type, heating or cooling) is enough to get started. Call (901) 458-2000 or submit a quote request and we'll work through it with you.
What is the difference between the Series PL and a wet rotor circulator?
The Series PL uses a close-coupled dry motor — the motor and bearings never contact the system fluid. A wet rotor circulator (like the B&G NBF, Taco cartridge, or Grundfos Alpha) runs the motor rotor directly in the system water. Bell & Gossett markets the Series PL as a superior alternative to wet rotor designs, and in most field conditions it is: the PL handles dirty or untreated water far better, and the mechanical seal is replaceable if it ever fails. Wet rotor designs are typically quieter and slightly more compact, but they're best suited for clean, treated water applications. In hydronic systems with older piping, iron oxide, or glycol, the PL is the better long-term choice.
Can the Series PL handle glycol systems?
Yes — the Series PL is compatible with standard ethylene glycol and propylene glycol concentrations used in geothermal and freeze-protection applications. Keep in mind that glycol increases fluid viscosity relative to water, which shifts the pump's performance curve — you may need to derate flow and head capacity depending on glycol concentration and temperature. Let us know your glycol percentage and fluid temperature and we can confirm the selected model's duty point is still within range.
What's the difference between PL-75 / PL-130 and the smaller PL models?
The PL-75 and PL-130 use a 2" four-bolt flange connection. All other Series PL models (PL-30 through PL-55) use two-bolt flange connections up to 1-1/2" NPT. These flange types are not interchangeable — if you're replacing a PL-75 or PL-130, you cannot substitute a smaller PL model and expect the flanges to line up. Always confirm the flange configuration before ordering. Also note that the PL-75 runs at 3400 RPM — slightly higher than most other PL models — which extends its flow range despite the 1/6 HP motor rating.
When should I choose the e-1535 over a standard Series PL or Series 60?
The e-1535 makes the most economic sense when your system runs at varying loads — which is most hydronic systems most of the time. The affinity law means pump power drops by the cube of speed reduction: a pump running at 60% speed uses roughly 22% of the energy of the same pump at full speed. If energy savings or utility rebates are a priority, or if you're replacing an oversized pump that's short-cycling, the e-1535's premium pays back relatively quickly. If you need a reliable constant-speed circulator and first cost is the priority, the Series PL or Series 60 is the simpler, lower-cost answer.
Does Memphis Control Center stock Bell & Gossett pumps?
Yes — we're a Bell & Gossett distributor. We stock the most common Series PL models in both cast iron and lead-free bronze and ship same-day on in-stock orders placed by 2 PM CT. For Series 60, e-1535, HV, and NBF lines, availability varies by model — call us at (901) 458-2000 or submit a quote request with your part number or specs and we'll confirm stock and get it moving fast. Skid packages are factory-order items with lead times that vary by configuration and pump selection.
What is the maximum temperature and pressure for the Bell & Gossett Series PL?
The Series PL is rated to a maximum working pressure of 150 psi (10 bar) and a maximum fluid temperature of 225°F (107°C). This covers virtually all hydronic heating applications, including high-temperature hot water systems. For steam or fluid temperatures above 225°F, you'll need a different pump — call us to discuss alternatives.

Ready to Order or Need Help Selecting Your Pump?

Memphis Control Center is a Bell & Gossett distributor with booster pumps in stock and application expertise on the phone. Same-day shipping on in-stock orders by 2 PM CT.

B&G Distributor Free ground shipping Ships from Memphis Same-day on in-stock orders

For emergencies, outside of business hours, call #901-604-7069