Barrel Pump with Meter for Accurate Drum Dispensing

• F 430 vertical pump with re-inforced, high strength core, sized for either drums or IBC containers.   
• Compression gland to secure pump in container opening.
• FMC or FMO type flowmeter with close-coupled Fluxtronic batch controller, mounted directly on the pump outlet.  
• 230 V FSV 100 switching amplifier, close-coupled to flowmeter.
• 230 V drive motor with variable speed control eg. model FEM 4070 or F 457 EL.
• Discharge hose cut to length, with hose connections and hose clamps.
• FAE discharge nozzle with start-stop button and non-return valve. Various spout diameters available to suit different container openings. Extension pieces available for bottom filling and anti-foaming operation. 
• Signal cable (3V) and power cables (230V).
• Accessories such as foot valve, non-return valve and throttle valve. 

The components will be assembled and tested in our workshop, prior to delivery and commissioning (if required). Customised solutions are also available on request. 

This system is suitable for filling containers from 2 litres – 200+ litres in size, to a typical accuracy <1.5%. Additionally, customised solutions are available for filling 1000 ml containers*. 

*Depending on fluid viscosity and flammability. 

The system requires initial calibration for fluids of different densities. Up to 10 different calibration factors can be stored in the Fluxtronic control unit. Once calibration is complete, operation can begin: 

1. Firstly, select calibration factor for liquid to be dispensed 
2. Program desired volume/weight into Fluxtronic display 
3. Store up to 10 preset amounts, if desired 
4. Set dry run protection timer – shuts down the dispensing process automatically if the supply container is empty 
5. Then press go button on Fluxtronic, or FAE dispense nozzle, to start  
6. Flowmeter counts down 
7. On zero, system shuts off automatically 
8. Finally, liquid is dispensed to typical accuracy of <1.5% 

Dispensing can be stopped part-way if needed, and the batch can be completed by pressing the start-stop button for second time. Additionally, the total volume dispensed is stored. Total amount of batches dispensed is also stored.  

• Competitive alternative to traditional automatic filling machines for single-point dispensing 
• Suitable for low and high viscosity media – consult our sales team for guidance 
• Compatible with electric or pneumatic drum, IBC, or also AOD (air-operated diaphragm) pumps 
• Suitable for filling containers from 2 litres – 200+ litres to an accuracy of <1% 
• Fast, accurate dispensing at the push of a button 
• Configure pre-set quantities via the FLUXTRONIC® batch controller 
• Dispensing by weight or volume 
• Available for use in hazardous Ex areas – consult our sales team for assistance 
• Integrated safety features prevent accidental spills and overfills 
• Customisable configurations to meet specific industry requirements 

The term filling machine covers many applications and types of equipment, but usually refers to automatic or semi-automatic equipment that accurately dispenses a pre-set volume (or weight) of product into a container. The product can be almost any liquid or media across a wide viscosity range, for example; acids, alkalis, solvents, alcohols, disinfectants, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals or foodstuffs. Even high viscosity products such as tomato paste or petroleum jelly can be accurately dispensed.  

Drum and IBC dispensing machines range from simple manually controlled models with a single point of dispense, up to fully automated multi-head machines, that typically use a volumetric piston or vacuum level system to accurately dispense the pre-determined weight or volume. 

Multi-head designs can fill multiple containers at once, sometimes using an automated conveyor to move the containers along a filling line to speed up the process. They can also be combined with capping and labelling functions for a truly integrated filling operation. 

There are also semi-automatic single-head and multi-head designs. You can bench mount smaller designs, often with a hopper containing the media positioned above the point of dispense. The liquid is then metred by gravity feed, or maybe a small gear pump. Other designs utilise a piston or lobe pump, to move the media to the filling head. 

When using an elevated supply tank or hopper feed for dispensing low-viscosity liquids at low flow rates, gravity and vacuum systems are suitable.  Pumps are sometimes used to fill the feed hopper of such systems. Whereas vacuum or pressure (created by a suitable pump) is required for dispensing directly from drums, IBC’s and low-level tanks, or when faster filling rates are required. 

Dispensing systems typically fill by level, weight (using scales) or volume (using flowmeters).  With semi-automatic systems, such as those offered by Flux, the operator programs the desired volume (or weight), presses a button, the pump starts, dispensing valve opens and the container is filled precisely, in a controlled manner. When the container is full, the pumps stops, valve closes and then the process is repeated.  

This depends upon several factors such as: 

• Budget 
• Volume or weight to be filled 
• Number of filling heads required 
• Container size & type to be filled 
• Container size & type to be emptied 
• Desired accuracy 
• Required speed 
• Capping or labelling requirements 
• Viscosity and density of the media 
• Media transfer distance 
• Applicable standards e.g. FDA, EN1935 food approvals, ATEX 
• Simplicity and serviceability 

Flux dispensing systems use air-operated diaphragm pumps, F 400 series centrifugal pumps for low viscosity fluids (<1,000 mPas), or F 570 progressive cavity pumps for high viscosity media (>1,000 mPas). We can supply a barrel pump with meter for almost every drum or IBC dispensing application. 

Alternative filling systems utilise gear pumps, peristaltic pumps or lobe pumps depending on the application. Variables to consider include accuracy required, flow rate, viscosity, pressure requirements and whether specific standards must be met, e.g. for the food or pharmaceutical industry. 

Costs vary widely depending on the level of automation required, the number of filling heads, accuracy needed etc. Multi-head automatic machines with labelling and capping functions could cost over £100K, whereas a typical Flux single-head system for a drum or IBC application would be approximately £2,500 to £10,000. 

Costs will also vary depending the materials of construction and the certification required.  It is important to look at each filling system individually to ensure variables such as transfer distance, flow rate, pressure and hydraulic conditions have been considered and customer specific requirements are met. We recommend a site visit to review functionality and discuss the system layout in detail. Additionally, we can demonstrate the functionality of our Fluxtronic batch controller using our mobile demo system. 

A chemical dispensing system could be a manually controlled pumping solution, right up to a programmable, automated method of delivering chemicals in precise amounts, using a pump and flowmeter (or scale). The ultimate aim of a chemical dispensing system is to transfer potentially hazardous liquids accurately and safety. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemical manufacturing and re-packing widely use these systems to efficiently manage the transfer of corrosive, flammable or sensitive substances.