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Flux F 424 Drum Pump – Sealless, High-Performance Drum Pumps for Industry

£443.45£964.38

Flux created the electric drum pump in 1950. Our 75 years of pump design experience shows – Flux F 424 pumps are the benchmark in seal-less drum pump technology. Engineered for maximum durability and chemical resistance, these pumps are designed to handle neutral, corrosive and flammable fluids with a maximum viscosity of approx. 1,200 mPas. The F 424 is consequently ideal for transferring many common liquids from 200-litre drums, IBCs, tanks and process vessels. This pump is the go-to solution for industrial professionals who require high reliability and long service life in demanding chemical and petrochemical environments.  The F 424’s unique spiral guide bearing guarantees shaft stability and bearing longevity, while eliminating the requirement for a mechanical seal in the wetted liquid area. The spiral bearing also promotes drainage, ensuring that residual liquid does not remain trapped inside the pump tube after use. Available in polypropylene, PVDF and stainless steel 316, the F 424 drum pump is a versatile solution for handling almost any liquid - acids, alkalis, solvents, oils and fuels. In addition, stainless steel versions are ATEX-certified for use in hazardous areas. 

  • Pump type: Flux F / FP 424, seal-less, centrifugal drum pump 
  • Ex-classification: Ex II 1/2 G IIB T4 (stainless steel version only) 
  • Outer tube material: Polypropylene, PVDF, or Stainless Steel 316 Ti 
  • Driveshaft: Heavy-duty Hastelloy C or stainless steel with 6 mm diameter for maximum vibration resistance 
  • Inner tube: Polypropylene, PVDF, or Stainless Steel 316 Ti 
  • Impeller: ETFE axial impeller. Optional semi-axial impeller available 
  • Bearing material: Unique Flux PTFE spiral driveshaft bearing and oversize lower bearing housing 
  • O-rings: FKM. Alternative FFKM or FEP o-rings also available (Vapour seal only) 
  • Immersion lengths: 700 mm (for small containers or hobbocks), 1000 mm (for 200 l drums), 1200 mm (for 1,000 l IBCs), plus custom lengths available for special order 
  • Outer tube diameter: 40 mm – 50 mm* 
  • Outlet connection: G 1 1/4” A BSPP 
  • Special AdBlue® version free of non-ferrous metals available 
  • Also available in High Temperature (HT) stainless steel version for ambient temperatures up to 60°C (140°F) 
  • F 424 drum pumps are suitable for use with F 414, F 416 Ex, FEM 4070, F 457, F 458, F 460 Ex and FBM 4000 Ex motors 
  • Please note a hose connection is not included and must be purchased separately.  

*AdBlue® is a registered trademark of: Verband der Automobilindustrie e. V. (VDA) 

  • Max flow rate: Approx. 240 L/min*1 
  • Max discharge pressure: Approx. 30 mwc*1 
  • Maximum liquid temperature: Approx. 50 degrees C (PP version) 80 degrees C (PVDF version) 100 degrees C (Stainless steel version) 60 degrees C (HT version) 
  • Max density: Approx. 1.9 g/cm³ 
  • Max viscosity: Approx.1,200 mPas 
  • Dry run limitations: Suitable for limited dry running 
  • Solids handling: Not recommended for handling large quantities of solid particles (see pump model F 430) 

*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. 

  • Large 24 mm heavy duty upper shaft bearing, available individually for service replacement 
  • Easy to replace motor coupling – recessed to prevent accidental damage 
  • Compact, easily replaced union nut for motor connection 
  • Two heavy duty radial lip seals protect the upper shaft bearing from fumes 
  • Standard Hastelloy-C driveshaft in PP and PVDF models, for ultimate chemical resistance 
  • Screw-on (rather than snap-on) foot piece for reliability and ease of servicing  
  • Oversize lower bearing housing  with 2 mm thick PTFE bushing, for optimal heat dissipation and the longest possible service life 

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: 

  • Designed to transfer low-medium viscosity fluids up to 1200 mPas, typically from drums, barrels and IBCs 
  • Powered by the same range of F 400 series motors 
  • Available in a similar range of materials (F 430 is also available in Hastelloy C) 
  • Available with Hastelloy C or SS 316 Ti driveshaft (depending on body material) 
  • Designed with a G 1 1/4 A BSPP threaded outlet 
  • Available with optional semi-axial (Z) impeller for higher discharge pressure 
  • Available with Ex and food certification 
  • Capable of high flow rates up to 240 LPM* 

*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: 

  • F 424 – Seal-less drum pump: 
  • Seal-less design that provides dry-run protection (for limited periods) 
  • The preferred choice for handling pure, non-crystallising, non-abrasive fluids, without solid particles. 
  • Long-life design that requires little maintenance 
  • F 430 – Drum pump with mechanical seal: 
  • High-precision mechanical seal minimises wetted surface area, reducing the risk of cross contamination 
  • Top-pull inner tube assembly for extremely easy physical cleaning when handling adhesive media, such as food products 
  • Suitable for pumping crystallising, or solids-laden fluids 
  • Suitable for use with Flux programmable filling systems 
  • Special lengths available up to 3,000 mm 
  • High performance IBC pump available, providing discharge pressure up to 3.2 Bar 

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: 

  1. Tilting the drum slightly during operation to consolidate liquid at the pump inlet. 
  1. Depending on pump type, fitment of a non-return valve (sometimes referred to as a foot valve) on the pump inlet. 
  1. Fitment of a non-return valve on the pump outlet, if a foot valve is not available. 
  1. Finally, consider the Flux F 425 drum pump, which features a manual non-return valve to prevent drain-back. F 425 can achieve 99.9% container emptying. 

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. 

  • Seal-less design eliminates preventative maintenance requirements and offers limited dry run protection 
  • Self-draining inner tube reduces cross-contamination risk 
  • 24 mm heavy-duty upper bearing and unique Flux spiral bearing combine to deliver class-leading shaft support 
  • Oversize lower bearing housing with 2 mm thick PTFE bushing 
  • ETFE impellers provide chemical resistance and durability 
  • Can be temporarily operated against closed valve (hand nozzle, dispense valve, etc)  
  • Two radial shaft seals prevent intrusion of vapours into the coupling area 
  • Reversible 6 mm drive shaft doubles the service life of the most expensive replacement part  
  • Serviceable design – therefore, all parts available to buy as spares  
  • ATEX stainless steel versions for explosive atmospheres 
  • Drum pumps suitable for high temperature applications up to 100 deg C (depending on model) 

Browse Flux ATEX-rated drum pumps 

View Flux pump motor options 

Finally, explore Flux chemical compatibility guide 

 

 

 

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