Flux Drum and Container Pumps Selection Guide

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 answer is no, but with one caveat. 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 IBC container, the pump will not reach the bottom of the IBC.  A longer pump is required.  

F 300 and F 400 series pumps are not self-priming designs, therefore they cannot suck up the liquid. So, there’s no point in attaching a hose to the pump inlet and dropping that to the bottom of the IBC, as nothing will happen.  

However, this approach may work if you have an F 500 series pump. These pumps create a strong vacuum when running. This is so they can suck liquid up to the pump inlet, even if started dry. If you attach a hose to the pump inlet and secure it, ensuring there is an air-tight seal, the pump will suck up liquid from the bottom of the IBC. However, in general, it’s best to avoid dry running F 500 pumps, as it causes premature stator wear and increases risk of overheating. Also consider hygiene and possible contravention of DSEAR guidelines associated with immersing a hose in the liquid. 

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.