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Choosing the right drum pump can be a daunting task. There are many options and considerations, from chemical compatibility to availability of spare parts. That’s why we created this simple guide to selecting Flux drum and container pumps, to help you find the most suitable drum pump for your application. To provide further assistance, we have also added a list of common FAQ’s.
To save you some time, this rule-of-thumb guide to Flux drum and container pumps provides a high-level overview. For more detailed information, click the link to our Pump Selection blog article, which provides an in-depth analysis of drum and IBC pump selection. This article covers factors such as liquid chemistry, viscosity, density, material compatibility, power source and performance requirements in extra detail.
For low viscosity fluids:
Basic Flux drum and container pumps for simple transfer applications, lower flow rates (< 60 LPM) and general light-to-medium duty applications. Suitable for liquids of viscosity < 250 mPas and density < 1.3, however, these pumps can be used for pumping higher viscosity or higher density media for short periods. They are the perfect solution for emptying smaller capacity, narrow-necked containers and applications requiring intermittent operation. However, pumps are available for larger drums and IBC’s if required. Available with 230 V and 110 V electric motors, or battery powered motors.
Ideal for heavy-duty applications, sanitary applications and flammable or corrosive environments. These pumps are suitable for applications requiring higher flow rate (< 200 LPM) and / or discharge pressure (< 2.4 Bar). Additionally, they are can handle higher viscosity & higher density media (< 1000 mPas and max S.G. 1.9). If paired with an appropriate motor, selected F 400 models can be used in environments with corrosive fumes or in hazardous ATEX zoned areas. Special models are available for specific duties, eg. mixing, 99.9% emptying, food, abrasive media. Powered by electric or compressed air motors. Certain models are available in custom lengths from 300 mm up to 3,000 mm.
For higher viscosities (> 1000 mPas), consider our Viscopower progressive cavity pumps. Industrial, ATEX and food grade models are available:
Suitable for viscosities up to 30,000 mPas.
Suitable for higher viscosities up to 100,000 mPas.
For challenging high-viscosity applications (e.g. adhesive, abrasive, dilatant or Newtonian media), consult Flux for expert advice.
Flux drum and container pumps are available in four common body materials. Polypropylene, for water-based chemicals, dilute acids and alkalis and light oils. PVDF, for concentrated and corrosive acids. Aluminium, for mineral oils and diesel. And stainless steel for solvents, fuels and flammable liquids.
One final consideration: In general, larger diameter pumps are capable of delivering higher flow rates than smaller diameter pumps.
Yes, you can. However, barrel pumps and air-operated diaphragm pumps should not be installed outdoors without adequate protection from spray, wind, rain and frost. If you need to install the pump outdoors permanently, place it in a suitable enclosure or temporary building.
Drum and IBC pumps installed outdoors without adequate protection will suffer water ingress into the top bearings (or gearbox in the case of F 570). This will cause corrosion and premature failure, resulting in the pump shaft seizing and potential damage to the motor. The pump will require a potentially expensive rebuild. Salt spray in particular, should be avoided.
The constant changes in temperature associated with long-term use outdoors (including installation in an unheated enclosure) can cause problems with condensation. Only the F 458 motor is suitable for long term use in environments with considerable temperature fluctuations.
The pump tubes themselves are not extendable. All Flux drum and IBC pump tubes are fixed lengths. Therefore, if you have a 700 mm long pump and you want to empty an 1100 mm deep container, the pump will not reach the bottom of the IBC. A longer pump is usually required.
F 300 and F 400 series pumps are not self-priming designs; therefore, they cannot suck up the liquid from a dry start. Only with the impeller immersed in the liquid, will flow occur. Once flow begins, suction will also be created. If you attach a short hose to the pump inlet and secure it (ensuring an airtight seal) then insert the pump into the container, it is possible to suck up some liquid from below the level of the impeller. The depth of liquid it's possible to remove will depend on the pump size and type. However, this is only possible when using a pump with a mechanical seal. And again, this is only possible if the impeller is immersed in the fluid to begin with.
In contrast, F 500 series pumps create strong suction, even when starting dry, so they can suck liquids some distance vertically up to the pump inlet. Therefore, F 500 TR pumps can be classed as self-priming pumps and can be used with a suction lance. However, in general, it’s best to avoid dry running F 500 pumps for significant periods, due to premature stator wear and increased risk of overheating.
Important note: We do not recommend attaching hose to the inlet of vertical drum and IBC pumps. There are risks associated with dry running, material compatibility, hygiene and potential contravention of DSEAR guidelines associated with immersing a hose in the liquid. Many hoses are constructed from layers of material - the inner liner is designed to be in contact with the pumped fluid and the outer is not. Therefore, outer layers of the hose may suffer chemical attack, or it can potentially contaminate the pumped fluid.
There are a few considerations here. F 310 and F 430 Flux drum and container pumps with mechanical seal are ideal for handling different chemicals, as they have the lowest wetted area of any comparable Flux pump. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination when moving the pump between different containers. However, it’s important to consider whether the pump will require cleaning between uses.
Also consider the types of chemicals, in relation to the wetted materials of the pump (and hose) and their material resistance. If the products are chemically similar, then one pump may be fine. If not, consider whether two pumps in different materials, but with one shared drive motor, would be a solution. It’s also a good way of keeping costs down. Removing the pump from a drum or IBC after use, flushing or cleaning it, then storing the pump dry, can also be a solution to handling less chemically compatible media.
Flushing the pump with a suitable cleaning agent (hot water, detergent, disinfectant or solvent), may be enough to decontaminate it, before switching the pump to a different product. However, this depends on the product. Sticky or adhesive products will always leave residues inside the pump that can only be removed through thorough cleaning. Disassembly and cleaning is always needed in food or pharmaceutical applications. This involves physical cleaning, or use of a parts washer.
Always check compatibility of any cleaning agent with the wetted materials in the pump. This is particularly important if the cleaning agent is a flammable solvent.
The F 430 pump is very easy to clean, as the sealed inner tube containing the driveshaft and impeller can be removed in seconds for physical cleaning. If elimination of cross-contamination is essential, dedicated discharge hoses, hose connections and hand nozzles will minimise cleaning requirements.
Depending on the nature of the pumped liquid, you can blow compressed air through the F 430 pump and hose, to help any retained fluid evaporate. Furthermore, the pump should be placed above a suitable drip tray, to ensure that drainage of any residual liquid does not create a hazard.
Additionally, our Viscopower high viscosity drum pump was designed with ease of cleaning at the top of the priority list. Thanks to a limited number of moving parts and intelligent use of quick-release connections, this pump can be stripped for cleaning in under one minute.
Choosing the correct Flux drum and container pump depends on several factors, including the liquid type, viscosity, chemical compatibility and your operational requirements. Our experienced Flux UK sales team is here to help. We assess your requirements and recommend the ideal pump for safe and efficient liquid transfer. Whether you need a pump for acids, solvents, oils, or food products, we will have a solution to suit your needs. Contact us via phone, email, or our online contact form for expert advice and product support.
We provide a comprehensive selection of resources to help you choose the right Flux drum and container pump. Our website provides brochures, datasheets and chemical compatibility charts, ensuring you have all the technical information you need. Visit our Downloads page to access these materials, or explore our blog for detailed articles on pump selection, maintenance and best practices across various industries. If you're unsure which pump is best for your application, our team is always available to provide additional guidance.
To simplify your search, we have categorised our Flux drum and IBC pumps by industry application and liquid types. Use the "Pump by Liquid" and "Pump by Industry" categories on our website to find the most suitable pumps, motors and accessories. Whether you work in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or manufacturing, we have a dedicated web page to help you find the right pump. If you require further assistance, our team is happy to help you identify the best pump for your application.
Get expert advice on pump selection
Selecting the right pump ensures optimal performance and service life. You can read more about pump selection in our dedicated article here. Contact our Flux UK sales team today for expert guidance on choosing the best Flux drum and container pump for your application.
CLICK HERE to download your pump selection guide PDF.
