Why do you need a barrel pump? Modern production facilities rely on global supply chains and multi-location manufacturing centres to provide the chemicals, ingredients, lubricants and additives they need. For hundreds of years, barrels have provided a convenient, safe method of delivering products to manufacturers, producers and additionally re-packers.
Barrels are used in almost every industry and application you can think of, from chemical refining to food production and also water treatment. You’ll see barrels and 1000 litre IBC containers on almost every industrial and production facility in the world. Therefore, most manufacturers and processing plants will need a method of safely emptying barrels and drums.
Firstly, removing the contents from barrels and drums can be achieved in one of three main ways – by lifting and tipping, by applying pressurised inert gas, or by pumping.
Lifting and tipping drums is inherently dangerous. Factors to consider:
Storing barrels horizontally not only increases injury and spill risk – more space is required than when standing barrels vertically. Additionally, a barrel stand is required to ensure the container is safely secured. Therefore, lifting, tipping and horizontal storage of drums is generally avoided.
The second method used to empty barrels and drums is through application of pressurised inert gas. Most closed (tight-head) barrels have two openings. Gas can be pumped into the headspace above the liquid through one opening, which consequently displaces the liquid, forcing it up a dip tube installed in the second opening.
This method is commonly used when handling very sensitive, high-value liquids or extremely flammable chemicals with low-flash-points, such as:
Several of these liquids can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air or moisture (known as pyrophoric liquids).
However, emptying barrels using pressurised gas is a time consuming and expensive process, requiring considerable investment in specialised equipment, strict safety requirements and highly trained operators.
By far the most common method of emptying barrels is through the use of a pump. A barrel pump is a portable device designed for transferring liquids from drums, barrels and 1000 litre IBCs efficiently, safely and with minimal waste.
This pillar article serves as a comprehensive introduction to barrel pumps. We have produced a series of articles covering pump types, design features, selection advice, maintenance, safety and industry-specific applications.
A barrel pump is a mechanical device primarily engineered to transfer liquids from closed containers such as drums or IBCs, with minimal effort and maximum safety. Unlike tapping and pouring manually, barrel pumps:
Barrel pumps typically utilise either positive displacement or centrifugal pumping principles, depending on the model. These pumping mechanisms are well-proven and reliable, delivering controllable, consistent flow rates. Barrel pumps can be powered manually (hand-operated), or by an electric or compressed air driven motor. See links below for further information.
For a foundational overview, see our linked post: What is a drum pump?
Safety is paramount when handling hazardous chemicals. Barrel pumps are designed to eliminate operator contact with dangerous chemicals, toxic liquids, or flammable substances. Specialised accessories, such as chemically-resistant discharge hose and hand-operated dispensing nozzles can be added, further reducing risk and improving ergonomics for the operator.
Further insight:
Barrel pumps improve operational efficiency. They deliver high flow rates, therefore speeding up dispensing operations and reducing labour costs. Electric and compressed air motors with variable speed control provide simple flow adjustment. This is useful when dispensing smaller volumes, reducing the risk of spills and waste. Powered barrel pumps therefore eliminate inefficiencies associated with manual handling.
Related post: How to Select the Right Barrel Pump for Your Application.
Modern barrel pumps are available in a range of sizes and chemically resistant materials. Pumps are available to handle almost any liquid, including:
Further insight: Material selection is critical – polymers such as PVDF and PTFE resist chemical attack from concentrated acids and corrosive solvents, while stainless steel 316 Ti provides both corrosion resistance and structural integrity when handling flammable liquids.
Barrel pumps reduce the risk of spills and can remove up to 99.9% of liquid from a drum or IBC, reducing waste and disposal costs.
Precision transfer is especially important for high value or hazardous liquids, where waste reduction and operator protection are critical.
Firstly, barrel pumps are available at many different price points. Some pumps are disposable, others are fully serviceable, therefore being engineered for durability and long service life.
Choosing the correct barrel pump requires evaluation of:
Related posts:
Barrel pumps are used in a huge range of industrial, commercial and scientific applications:
Yes, subject to correct material selection. Firstly, material choice depends on chemical type, concentration and temperature. Furthermore, many different pump body and o-ring materials are available – consult your local expert for application specific advice.
Regular inspection and replacement of mechanical seals and o-rings is essential. Some pumps allow tool-free replacement of wear parts, extending service life. Lower cost pumps are disposable designs. Specific maintenance requirements depend on the pump design – always read the manufacturer’s O&M manual and follow their guidance.
Yes, subject to correct approvals and material selection. Use correctly earthed ATEX (Ex)-compliant, explosion-proof pumps and motors when pumping hazardous liquids. However, note that pumps are not safe to use with pyrophoric liquids and liquids with extremely low flash points.
High-efficiency designs with back-flow valves can remove up to 99.0% of the liquid, reducing waste.
A barrel pump is an engineered, portable solution designed for safe, efficient and reliable liquid transfer. Selecting the right pump type, materials and also accessories will ensure long service life with minimal maintenance requirements.
Explore our range of high-performance barrel pumps at Flux Pumps UK and find the perfect solution for your liquid transfer application:
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