Electric pump motors play a crucial role in industrial fluid transfer. They are reliable, efficient and versatile power sources for a wide range of pumping applications. Whether you’re seeking a cost-effective solution for dispensing liquids, or weighing up the safety and performance benefits of different designs or voltage options, understanding the fundamentals of commutator motors is essential.
This guide covers how commutator motors work, their key benefits and what to consider when selecting a drum pump motor for your specific application. Read on to make informed decisions for safe, efficient and cost-effective drum emptying.
An electric drum pump is a motor-driven pump designed to efficiently transfer liquids from drums, barrels and IBC containers. It consists of a quick-release motor and a pump tube, with the fluid inlet at the bottom of the tube. The motor and pump are two separate items which work together to move fluids safely and quickly. The pump tubes are available in different lengths and materials, to suit the container size and liquid/s to be pumped. Both light duty and heavy duty designs are available.
The pump tube typically houses a long driveshaft with a fixed impeller mounted at the inlet. The pump is inserted into the container. Then the electric motor is connected and a discharge hose is fitted to the pump outlet. When the electric motor is switched on, the motor turns the driveshaft and impeller, which imparts centrifugal force into the liquid. Thus, liquid is driven up the pump tube and pumped away down the hose, to the discharge point. Other pump tube designs are available, e.g. progressive cavity or piston type pumps, which are usually specified for handling high-viscosity media.
Electric barrel pumps are available with various electric motor types. These include brushed & brushless single-phase motors and three-phase motors, depending upon factors such as the fluid viscosity, transfer distance and power source available on site.
A commutator can be described as a rotary electrical switch. It periodically reverses the current direction between a rotor and an external circuit. The commutator consists of a cylinder with multiple metal contact segments, which mount on the rotating armature of the motor.
Two or more electrical contacts, known as brushes, typically made from a soft conductive material such as carbon, press against the commutator. These brushes maintain sliding contact with successive segments of the commutator as it rotates, connecting the windings (coils of wire) on the armature, to the commutator segments.
Commutators are essential in direct current (DC) motors and dynamos (DC generators). In a motor, the commutator supplies electric current to the windings. By reversing the current direction in the rotating windings each half turn, it generates a steady rotating force (torque). In a generator, the commutator collects the current produced in the windings, reversing the current direction with each half turn. This action serves as a mechanical rectifier, converting the alternating current from the windings into unidirectional direct current for the external load circuit.
Flux single-phase electric commutator motors, or brushed motors, offer several advantages:
When choosing between 110 V or 230 V single-phase electric pump motors, consider the factors below to determine which voltage best suits your needs:
The standard UK mains electricity supply is 230-240 V. Manufacturers produce 230 V motors because there is high demand and they are compatible with the existing electrical infrastructure. Flux 230 V motors are fitted with a 3-pin UK plug. Therefore, they are convenient and cost-effective to use. They are used for both permanently installed pumping installations and for portable applications, e.g. barrel pumps.
Although less common in the UK than the standard 230 V mains supply, many larger construction, industrial and manufacturing sites use 110 V power. This is due to safety requirements which demand lower voltage equipment. 110 V power supply, especially when tapped to earth, offers a safety advantage and reduced chance of operator injury if a malfunction or accident occurs when using portable, hand-held equipment.
Voltage and amperage (the measurement of current) are directly proportional. Therefore, 110 V equipment is inherently safer, because it’s lower voltage carries less current than 230 V.
Step-down transformers (with round safety plugs) are used to reduce the voltage from 230 V to 110 V. Therefore, 110 V power is a more expensive option overall, but perhaps not by much, when considering total plant operating costs.
230 V motors are typically more efficient than their 110 V counterparts. This is because they draw less current for the same power output, leading to reduced energy losses in the form of heat. Although less efficient, 110 V drum pump motors have the same power ratings as their 230 V equivalents. Therefore, 110 V motors are ideal for smaller portable pumps and hand-held tools. Such equipment generally requires lower power and typically has shorter run times, however, Flux 110 V barrel pump motors are still S1 marked, i.e. rated for continuous duty applications.
Choose 110 V electric drum pump motors where safety is a priority. For example, construction sites or larger manufacturing plants.
Choose 230 V electric drum pump motors for continuous-duty applications and where straightforward connection to electrical infrastructure, at minimal cost, is important.
Selecting the right electric drum pump depends on several factors, including certification required, fluid viscosity, density, desired flow rate, duty cycle and the power supply available at site. For high-viscosity liquids, a three-phase motor with constant torque is ideal.
For continuous operation on single-phase power supply, a brushless, heavy-duty motor offers the best performance. Always check motor power rating, specification, speed range and safety features to ensure it meets your specific requirements. Additionally, consider chemical compatibility of the pump tube with the liquids themselves. Flux manufactures pump tubes in five different materials, to suit a wide range of fluids. For further guidance please see our drum pump selection guide here.
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