*AdBlue® is a registered trademark of: Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA)
*Measured with water at 20 degrees C in open flow condition. The maximum figures listed above are dependent on the application, fluid properties and pump configuration. Please refer to technical data sheets or performance diagrams.
*Dependent on pump type, diameter and motor.
Firstly, those seeking long-term operational efficiency, minimal maintenance and the lowest whole-life cost, will find the Flux F 424 to be the superior option. Its seal-less design eliminates the requirement for a mechanical shaft seal, thereby mitigating a common cause of drum pump failure.
Furthermore, the patented Flux spiral shaft bearing provides optimal drive shaft support at its central point, reducing radial loads that create shaft deflection and vibration. By their nature, drum pumps have long drive shafts – the better supported the drive shaft is, the lower the chance of shaft misalignment, wear and premature failure. Compare the design of the F 424 pumps with our competitors’ and you will see the difference.
This intelligent bearing design also aids drainage, reducing the amount of residual liquid left in the pump tube and preventing the build-up any sediments—particularly important in sectors and applications that require minimal cross-contamination, or clean-in-place (CIP) capabilities.
In addition, F 424 has a class-leading, 6 mm diameter, reversible drive shaft. This unique feature doubles the service life of the most expensive replacement part. Finally, the serviceable design along with a complete range of individual spare parts, puts F 424 far ahead of any competitor.
These pumps excel in handling pure, non-crystallising, solids-free media across a broad range of pH levels and temperatures. Therefore, F 424 is available in polypropylene, PVDF, or stainless steel 316 Ti, providing material compatibility with almost every type of chemical. The stainless steel version is ATEX certified, thereby ensuring safe operation in explosive atmospheres where flammable vapours are present.
To select the right drum pump, engineers should consider the 5 steps below:
1) Physical and chemical properties of the media:
Firstly, material selection: Use PP or PVDF pumps for acids, alkalis, or oxidisers; Aluminium for oils and diesel, or 316 Ti stainless steel for hydrocarbons and flammable solvents. Please ensure the temperature of the liquid is compatible with the desired pump material.
Viscosity: For pure fluids below 1,200 mPas, the F 424 is ideal. For thicker fluids, consider F 570 or F 580 progressive cavity IBC and drum pumps.
Presence of particles: If the liquid contains a high quantity of solid particles, then consider the F 430 pump.
2) Container type:
F 424 is available in the following standard lengths – 700 mm for smaller containers, 1000 mm for 200-220 litre drums, 1200 mm for 1000-litre IBCs and 1500 mm for deeper process tanks. Select the correct immersion length for the container. Also consider the diameter of the container opening.
3) Power supply:
Consider the preferred power source for the drive motor – F 424 is predominantly used with our 230 V or 110V single-phase electric motors, or compressed air motors. However, DC powered electric motors are also available for special applications. Check if the pump will be used in a Zoned, explosion hazard area, food production area, or corrosive atmosphere, as this will influence motor selection. If the pump is to be used in a noise sensitive area, consider a totally enclosed F 458 motor.
4) Duty cycle and pumping conditions:
Lastly, if the pump is to be used regularly and for long periods, the F 424 is a good choice. This pump can deliver high flow and discharge pressure (especially if the semi-axial, Z impeller option is selected). Plus there is a wide range of accessories available, such as hose, hose connections, hand nozzles, suction strainers, flow meters and fume suppression devices.
The F 424’s modular motor compatibility also allows users to switch between electric, compressed air, or brushless drives to meet energy supply, or safety requirements.
Link to pump selection guide
These drum pumps are remarkably similar in appearance and intended use. Both pumps are centrifugal, axial impeller designs that are:
*Measured with water at 20 degrees C in open flow condition. The maximum figures listed above are dependent on the application, fluid properties and pump-motor configuration. Please refer to technical data sheets or performance diagrams.
However, their internal design and application suitability is quite different. Consider the factors below in order to make the correct selection for your application:
Firstly, the two lateral slots near the inlet of the F 424 pump are known as pressure equalisation ports. As liquid enters both the inner and outer pump tubes, these ports allow pressure to stabilise between the two tubes. They are also necessary to facilitate drainage of the inner tube.
When the liquid level in the drum falls below these ports, a small amount of liquid can be seen flowing from the ports under pressure. The same can be seen when the pump is turned off, as residual liquid held in the pump tube during operation, drains out.
This behaviour is typical for centrifugal drum pumps of this type and is nothing to be concerned about. A residual quantity of liquid (approximately 10 mm depth) will always be left in the container. This is because the pump can no longer operate once air enters the pump inlet and the impeller is no longer submerged. This is a known limitation of axial impeller drum pump designs, such F 424.
However, when the pump motor is switched off, residual liquid that is trapped in the pump tube (and to a possible extent, the discharge hose) will also drain back into the drum. This can comprise several litres of liquid, therefore creating the appearance that the pump has not emptied the drum.
If minimising leftover liquid is critical to your process, we recommend:
The Flux F 424 is a centrifugal immersion type drum pump that uses the kinetic energy of a high-speed rotating impeller to generate fluid movement. Firstly, it relies on atmospheric pressure to push liquid to the impeller – the pump does not suck up liquid. The impeller spins within the lower pump housing, energising the liquid and driving it up through the pump tube, before expelling the liquid through the side discharge port.
What distinguishes the F 424 is its seal-less design. The pumped fluid is allowed to flow into the inner tube (housing the drive shaft and bearings), where it reaches the same level as the fluid in the drum. As liquid is dispensed, the level inside both the container and the pump naturally drops. Importantly, this design eliminates the requirement for a mechanical shaft seal – a wear part that requires preventative replacement, to eliminate leakage risk. Once emptying is complete, the drive motor is shut down and any residual fluid drains fully through the pump inlet and pressure relief openings, thereby leaving minimal residue inside the pump.
The unique spiral guide bearing plays a crucial role in this process by centralising the shaft, reducing radial play and eliminating turbulent flow. This improves energy efficiency and protects both the bearings and the impeller from premature wear, even in continuous duty cycles. Furthermore, the spiral design also promotes drainage, ensuring that liquid is not trapped inside the inner pump tube.
Browse Flux ATEX-rated drum pumps
Finally, explore Flux chemical compatibility guide