Dean RA is the air-cooled series for heat transfer oil. Three frames cover most replacement and stocking work:
They are not the same pump with different labels. Mounting, flanges, bearings, size codes, and kit fit change by frame. Identify the frame before you order an impeller, bearing frame, or repair kit.
Frame comparison
| RA2096 | RA3146 | RA3186 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mounting | Foot | Centerline, yoke | Centerline, pedestal |
| Flanges | Class 150 flat face | Class 300 raised face | Class 300 raised face |
| Thrust bearings | Double-row, sealed | Angular contact pair | Angular contact pair |
| Shipping weight | 80 lb | 260 lb | 510 lb |
| Dimensional interchange | Small ANSI B73.1 | R4140; ANSI B73.1-design baseplates | R450 |
| Role | Compact foot-mounted frame | Mid-size centerline frame | Largest centerline frame in this set |
RA maximum temperature is 650°F (343°C). RA is not an ANSI B73.1 pump. Interchange notes are dimensional. Impeller, seal, and options still require a match to the installed pump.
Series page: https://pumpresource.us/pumps/dean-pumps/ra-series/
Sizes by frame
RA2096
- 1x1.5x6
- 1.5x3x6
- 1x1.5x8
RA3146
- 8.5 in: 1x3, 1.5x3, 2x3, 3x4, 4x6
- 10 in: 1.5x3, 2x3, 3x4, 4x6x10 #2
- 11.5 in: 1x2, 1.5x3, 2x3, 3x4, 4x6
RA3186
- 4x6x10 #1
- 1.5x3x13.5
- 2x3x13.5
- 3x4x13.5
- 6x8x12.5
- 2x4x15.5
- 3x4x15.5
- 4x6x15.5
Read the full size code. Do not stop at “4x6x10.”
4x6x10 #1 vs #2
This is a common mix-up.
| Size code | Frame |
|---|---|
| 4x6x10 #1 | RA3186 |
| 4x6x10 #2 | RA3146 |
Kits and bearing frames are not interchangeable between #1 and #2. If the tag or casting mark includes #1 or #2, record it exactly.
Foot-mounted vs centerline
RA2096 is foot-mounted. Casing thermal growth on that frame is handled with a foot mount.
RA3146 and RA3186 are centerline-mounted. RA3146 uses a yoke casing support. RA3186 uses a pedestal casing support.
If you are looking at the pump in the field:
- Feet under the casing → likely RA2096
- Centerline support (yoke or pedestal) → RA3146 or RA3186
- Then use size code, flanges, and weight/envelope to separate 3146 from 3186
Do not assume every RA is centerline-mounted.
What the nameplate must give you
On Dean RA (and RWA), parts selection is driven by:
- Pump size / model (frame + size code)
- Actual impeller diameter
The serial number is useful for records. It is less critical for RA parts selection. Within a given pump size, the bill of material is essentially the same except for impeller trim.
Many RA pumps are sold to OEM heater manufacturers. Those builders often order a full-size impeller and trim it later. The tag may be blank, may still show the full diameter, or may not be restamped. Example: the tag assumes 8.5 in; the casing opens to 7.5 in.
Whenever practical, verify the impeller diameter. Do not trust the stamped diameter alone.
Identification checklist
Collect before ordering:
- Series confirmation: RA (heat transfer oil), not RWA
- Full size/model from the nameplate
- #1 / #2 suffix if present
- Mounting type (foot, yoke, pedestal)
- Flange class and face (CL 150 FF vs CL 300 RF)
- Tag impeller diameter, if stamped
- Measured impeller diameter, when the casing can be opened under site procedure
- Photos: nameplate, full pump, flanges, support, and impeller if opened
- Serial number for the maintenance record
- Fluid and approximate operating temperature
If the pump cannot be opened yet, say that the impeller diameter is unverified.
Safe casing access
Opening a hot-oil pump requires shutdown, lockout/tagout, isolation, cooling, depressurization, and drain steps under the site procedure. Do not open a rotating or pressurized unit. Measure the impeller only after those steps are complete.
Correct match sequence
- Confirm RA (not RWA).
- Confirm frame: RA2096, RA3146, or RA3186.
- Confirm full size code, including #1 or #2.
- Confirm actual impeller diameter.
- Then select the repair kit, impeller, or parts.
Wrong frame or wrong #1/#2 is a miss. Wrong impeller diameter after a correct frame is the next most common miss.
What to send for a match
- Nameplate photo
- Full size/model string
- Tag diameter and measured diameter (or “not yet verified”)
- Photos of mounting and flanges
- Fluid and temperature
- Whether you need a kit, impeller, seal, bearings, or a complete pump
Pump Resource: 888-341-7085, sales@pumpresource.us.
Quick reference
| If you see… | Likely frame |
|---|---|
| Foot mount, CL 150 FF | RA2096 |
| Centerline yoke, CL 300 RF | RA3146 |
| Centerline pedestal, CL 300 RF | RA3186 |
| 4x6x10 #1 | RA3186 |
| 4x6x10 #2 | RA3146 |
Bottom line
Identify the RA frame from mounting, flanges, and the full size code. Separate 4x6x10 #1 from #2. Then verify impeller diameter. Size/model plus actual trim decide the parts. The serial number can wait until those are right.