Flux Barrel Hand Pump – Manual, Hand-Operated Fluid Transfer

The Flux barrel hand pump is a durable, safe fluid transfer solution for manually dispensing smaller volumes. This reliable hand pump is designed for use in workshops, service centres, laboratories and production environments. The unit combines robust polypropylene construction with modern ergonomics, chemical-resistant seal options and an adjustable uptake tube, making it suitable for a wide range of different drums, barrels and hobbocks. This hand operated barrel pump provides controlled low-viscosity fluid transfer without the need for electricity, batteries or compressed air. Its portable, lightweight design makes it ideal for remote sites, outdoor areas or facilities seeking a low-cost, dependable dispensing method. Moreover, with a choice of chemical-resistant o-ring materials and barrel adaptors, it can be used wide range of liquids and container types.

Part numbers available:

21-00000321

Pump type:

Lever-operated, self-priming, manually actuated barrel hand pump

Outer tube material: Heavy-duty polypropylene (PP)

Inner tube system: Telescopic, 3-piece uptake tube

O-rings: FKM (Viton) as standard. NBR or EPDM alternatives available on request.

Immersion lengths: Adjustable from 575 mm to 965 mm (Optional reduced length uptake tube for 410–615 mm containers)

Barrel connection: 2” BSP male thread

Outlet connection: 19 mm (¾”) hose spout with anti-drip design

Weight: 1.4kg

Max flow rate:

Approx. 300–375 ml per stroke.

• Dispensing oils, glycol, antifreeze, coolant and transmission fluids in automotive workshops
  • Transferring detergents, surfactants, degreasers and alkaline cleaners in hygiene and also maintenance operations
  • Pumping AdBlue from 200-220 L drums in vehicle fleet and agricultural environments
  • Chemical dosing in water treatment, laboratory and plating applications
  • Decanting dilute alkalis, for instance bleach, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite
  • General drum-to-container transfer in warehouses and chemical stores

Media examples for Flux barrel hand pump

Common fluids handled by the Flux barrel hand pump include:
• AdBlue
• Light mineral oils and lubricants
• Glycol, antifreeze and coolant mixes
• Mild acids (inorganic) stored in plastic drums
• Detergents, surfactants and degreasers
• Water-based solutions
• Alkalis: sodium hydroxide (low concentration), ammonia solutions
• Transmission fluids and also hydraulic oils

Note: Media compatibility depends on correct seal selection (NBR, EPDM or Viton). Always check compatibility before use.

O-rings / seal options:

• Nitrile (NBR): Suitable for oils, diesel, light hydrocarbons and additionally lubricants
• Viton (FKM): Resistant to AdBlue, antifreeze, transmission fluids, inorganic acids
• EPDM: Suitable for detergents, water-based fluids, alkalis, CIP solutions

 

This portable hand-operated barrel pump offers an exceptional cost-to-performance ratio and is ideal for safe dispensing of smaller volumes. It is the perfect solution when electric or battery-powered pumps are uneconomical, or when a power supply is not available.

Eliminates the need to lift and tip chemical containers, reducing manual handling and spill risk.

Key reasons to choose this model:

• Chemical resistance: A choice of three seal materials for compatibility with oils, chemicals, alkalis, coolants and aqueous solutions
• Low price: Ideal for dispensing smaller volumes
• Proven design: Builds on decades of proven field performance, with enhanced lever action and improved valve assembly design.
• Operator safety: Eliminates lifting and tipping. The anti-drip nozzle, secure bunghole connector and adjustable uptake pipe guarantee controlled dispensing with minimal risk of spillage.
• Ease of use: Self-priming action and smooth, rhythmic lever operation ensure consistent flow and reduced operator fatigue.
• Maintenance efficiency: The quick-access valve assembly enables fast cleaning and internal inspection, with no specialist tools required.
• Universal: Fits barrels with standard 2” BSP drum openings. Range of adaptors available for plastic drums.
• Compact ergonomics: Lightweight and suitable for frequent or occasional use.
• Environmentally friendly: Finally, this pump can be recycled when no longer needed.

The Flux barrel hand pump operates through a lever-driven positive displacement mechanism with one-way valve assembly.

Each downward stroke creates a pressure differential that lifts the liquid through the telescopic uptake tube and into the pump chamber.

A check valve prevents backflow, ensuring that the entire chamber fills with fluid before discharge. On the upward stroke, the outlet valve opens and expels the liquid through the spout.

This process repeats with each stroke. Full priming typically occurs after 3–4 cycles, after which the delivery stabilises at approx. 300–375 ml per stroke.

The adjustable uptake tube with air tight seal ensures that suction loss is minimised by preventing air entrainment – essential for consistent volumetric output.

Firstly, hand pumps such as this Flux model are an economical alternative to battery, electric or compressed air powered pumps, costing well under £100 each. Furthermore, this hand-operated barrel pump is suitable for dispensing most common chemicals from containers 400 to 1000 mm high.

They are an ideal solution for low volume liquid transfer over short distances, when minimal discharge pressure is required.

For applications requiring higher flow rates, longer run times, continuous duty, or transfer of viscous or flammable chemicals, consider our advanced powered solutions:

• Battery drum pumps – Mobile and ideal for remote operations
  • Electric drum pumps – High flow, efficient and safe for continuous use
  • Pneumatic drum pumps – Suitable for flammable liquids and ATEX area use
• Progressive cavity drum pumps – For handling viscous products

• Reliable manual operation with no external power requirements
• Compatible with a wide range of chemicals
• Lightweight yet durable polypropylene construction
• Adjustable telescopic uptake for drums and smaller containers
• Smooth, controlled dispensing with anti-drip design
• 360° positional lock-ring feature for ergonomic alignment
• Fast inspection and cleaning thanks to quick-access valve assembly
• Corrosion-proof materials and seal options
• Locking sleeve prevents air ingress and maintains full stroke volume
• Compact diameter to suit narrow-necked drums and small industrial containers
• Ergonomic design optimised for one-handed operation

Operating instructions

To operate the pump, first secure it onto the drum using the lock-ring, ensuring the threads engage fully without cross-threading. The telescopic uptake pipe should be adjusted to match the depth of the container and the inner locking sleeve tightened to prevent air ingress, which could reduce fluid delivery.

The pump should screw on to the container easily and the fit will be loose. The pump should be easy to rotate. Finally, turn the lock ring clockwise to tighten. This will anchor the pump securely, thereby preventing unwanted movement. Premature damage may occur if the lock ring is improperly tightened.

Apply a smooth, rhythmic up-and-down motion of the handle to draw liquid into the inner tube and discharge it through the anti-drip outlet. The pump can rotate 360° for optimal positioning, allowing operation in confined or awkward spaces without compromising ergonomics.

Typical priming achieves full volume delivery within three to four strokes, making the Flux hand pump an efficient solution for intermittent, low-volume fluid handling.

Maintenance is straightforward: the lock-ring, uptake tube and valve assembly are easily disassembled, permitting inspection, cleaning, or seal replacement. In addition, the pump’s modular design allows for different outlet nozzles or adapters to be fitted.

Disadvantages of using a hand-operated barrel pump

While manual barrel pumps are inexpensive, simple and portable, they have obvious limitations compared to motorised or pneumatic alternatives. Firstly, the pump relies entirely on human effort, which can become tiring during prolonged operation or when transferring higher viscosity liquids. Moreover, there is an inherent risk of operator strain injury. The achievable flow rate and discharge pressure is also limited.

Therefore, transferring large volumes is not practical. Many hand-operated barrel pumps are not suitable for use with corrosive liquids, flammable liquids or food products.

Additionally, hand pumps cannot transfer extremely viscous, abrasive, or high density fluids. Using the wrong seal material, or attempting to pump liquids exceeding typical viscosity limits, can accelerate wear on internal components and reduce service life, while putting the operator at risk of physical injury.

Manually operated pumps lack precise flow and delivery consistency, which can affect batch accuracy in industrial processes. Furthermore, accidental misalignment or incorrect lock-ring engagement can compromise priming, cause leakage of harmful chemicals, or potentially damage the pump threads.

Finally, low cost plastic pumps readily suffer accidental damage and have limited service life. This means regular replacement is unavoidable.

Despite these limitations, hand-operated barrel pumps remain an effective, low-cost solution for transferring smaller fluid volumes in industrial settings, where portability and simplicity are priorities.

For more demanding applications, Flux’s range of battery, electric, and pneumatic drum pumps provides superior efficiency, flow control and long-term reliability.

Even though the Flux hand operated barrel pump is designed for reliable operation, problems can occasionally occur:

1. Restricted fluid delivery – Check the outlet spout and filter gauze for blockages. Ensure the telescopic uptake pipe is securely attached and the locking sleeve is fully tightened to prevent air from entering the pump.
2. Instability during pumping – Confirm the lock ring is properly tightened to secure the pump to the drum. If the container flexes or is unsuitable, the pump may move, affecting flow and operator safety.

Regular inspection of seals, connections and the uptake tube helps maintain consistent performance and extends pump life.

The Flux hand operated polypropylene barrel pump is a practical, durable and economical solution for transferring oils, chemicals, AdBlue and water-based media from drums and containers. To order, call our technical sales team on 01202 823304, or email sales@flux-pumps.co.uk.

Explore our full range of:

• Battery Drum Pumps
• Electric Drum Pumps
• Pneumatic Drum Pumps
• Drum & IBC Accessories