Drum Pumps From The World Leaders

Drum pumps are portable devices used for emptying drums, barrels, IBC tanks and smaller containers. These pumps are long and slim – they are designed to stand on the bottom of the vessel. They are lightweight and easy to insert into narrow barrel openings or open-topped containers. Typically, they consist of a drive motor or hand-operated mechanism, a rigid pump tube (also known as a pipe, lance, wand, or stick), a hose assembly and a nozzle or spout for dispensing fluids. To operate, simply insert the pump into the barrel, enabling liquid to be pumped from the bottom of the container. 

The type of fluid, i.e. its rheology, density and viscosity, as well as the desired flow rate and discharge pressure, all influence barrel pump selection. You can choose from various body, driveshaft and o-ring materials, to ensure compatibility with the fluid being pumped. Additionally, several types of drive motors are available, e.g. compressed air, electric or battery powered. 

These pumps deliver efficient and safe liquid transfer, reduced risk of spills or leaks and allow for controlled flow rates during dispensing. 

Hand-operated drum pumps generally use a lever or rotary handle operated suction mechanism, while powered pumps are usually, but not exclusively, positive displacement or centrifugal designs. Positive displacement models, such as Flux progressive cavity pumps, create suction to help draw product into the pump inlet. They can be described as self-priming pumps, however, in a typical drum application (with the pump standing on the bottom of the container), liquid flows under gravity to the pump inlet. Therefore, these pumps are ideal for pumping viscous materials, as the suction effect combined with gravity assisted flow, both help to fill the pumping chamber with fluid. This is a significant benefit when compared to surface mounted, self-priming designs, such as air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps.  

Vertical centrifugal drum pump designs (e.g. Flux F 300 and F 400 models) are not self-priming – they rely on the impeller being immersed in the fluid to operate. When the container is nearly empty, air will enter the pump and liquid flow will decrease to zero. The pump will start to run dry. Motor speed will increase, as the motor is no longer operating under pumping load. The operator will notice an increase in noise produced by the drive motor. At this point, the pump should be switched off to avoid damage through overheating. 

Air powered drum pumps are primarily used to transfer liquids from one vessel to another, just like other types of barrel pumps. They consist of a pneumatic drive motor and a close-coupled pump tube. Expanding compressed air drives the pneumatic motor. 

Subsequently, the expanding air turns rotary vanes inside the motor at high speed, typically up to 10,000 RPM. This energy is converted into rotary mechanical motion in the pump. Pneumatic motors can be used to drive both centrifugal pumps (for low viscosity fluids) and positive displacement pumps (for high viscosity fluids). A low-ratio gearbox is sometimes used to reduce rotational speeds to <1000 RPM when powering positive displacement pumps. 

Pneumatic drum pumps are ideal for transferring flammable fuels and solvents. Additionally, you can use them in heavy-duty applications and for handling large volumes. Constructed from conductive stainless-steel 316 tubes, these pumps are also useful for transferring flammable media of various hazard classes, in hazardous environments. Flux barrel pumps and air motors are ATEX approved, therefore guaranteeing safe operation in Zoned areas with dangerous levels of explosive gas or vapour. 

What is the best drum pump? 

Flux Pumps are considered the world’s best barrel and drum pumps. We offer class-leading designs with many unique features and benefits: 

1. Durability and reliability: Flux designed the F 400 Series pumps for heavy-duty applications. Firstly, they are suitable for continuous running, enabling them handle demanding tasks with ease. Moreover, their robust construction means they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance, providing reliable performance over time. Flux pumps are fully serviceable designs, designed for deliver the lowest whole-life cost. 
2. Unique design features: Flux pumps are designed to minimise vibration and shaft deflection – the barrel pump killers! Our pumps include spiral shaft support bearings, reversible 6 mm diameter driveshafts, hard wearing over-sized bushes and bearings, plus recessed drive couplings. Furthermore, Flux F 430 models in polypropylene and PVDF materials have unique over-moulded steel cores. Hence Flux provides the most robust plastic drum pumps on the market. 
3. Versatility: These pumps are highly versatile, capable of transferring a wide range of fluids, including corrosive, flammable and high-viscosity liquids. Therefore, this makes them suitable for many industries, from chemicals to food and beverage. 
4. High performance: In addition, Flux pumps are among the most powerful barrel pumps available, providing fast, smooth fluid transfer. This performance reduces operational costs and enhances productivity, therefore making them an economical choice for businesses seeking optimal performance. 
5. Safety features: Safety is paramount with Flux Pumps. Our range includes models with ATEX certification, ensuring safe operation in explosive environments. Their design minimises the risk of leaks and spills, protecting both workers and the environment. Flux offers unique accessories such as fume glands, to eliminate harmful vapour emissions from barrels. 
6. Ease of use: The design of Flux barrel pumps focuses on user convenience. Unique design features such as ergonomic handles, recessed control switches and light-weight cordless motors ensure our pumps are a pleasure to use. Furthermore, they are easy to assemble, operate and clean. This user-friendly approach reduces downtime and ensures smooth operation, even for those new to using barrel pumps. 
7. Innovative technology: Additionally, Flux continuously innovates, consistently incorporating the latest technology into our pumps. This includes advanced, high-efficiency motor options, control systems and materials that enhance performance and longevity. 
8. Customisation options: Recognising that different applications have unique requirements, Flux offers a range of customisation options. Consequently, this allows users to select the perfect pump configuration for their specific needs, ensuring optimal performance. 

By combining durability, versatility, efficiency, safety, ease of use, innovative technology and customisation, Flux provides unmatched solutions for barrel and container pumping applications. Therefore, Flux is the no. 1 choice for businesses seeking reliable, high-performance barrel pumps. 

• Innovative legacy: With 75 years of continuous innovation in barrel pump technology, Flux has established a strong reputation. 
• Trusted by leaders:  World-leading brands use Flux pumps for their most demanding applications. 
• Versatile solutions: Flux offers an extensive range of pumps suitable for any industry and application, ensuring flexibility. 
• Regulatory compliance: Flux pumps meet rigorous safety and sanitary standards, guaranteeing adherence to regulations. 
• Comprehensive support: Finally, Flux provides a full range of accessories and expert advice. Furthermore, we provide bespoke solutions and comprehensive after sales support. 

Choose Flux pumps for unmatched reliability, efficiency, and performance in meeting your liquid handling needs.