What is a Drum Pump?
This is a portable pump which can be used to empty intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), barrels, tanks, carboys and huge containers. Most of the liquids delivered to manufacturing and processing plants are delivered in high capacity drums and as such they are too heavy to tips when the user is trying to get the liquids inside.
A drum pump usually provides users with an easy, convenient and safe way to transfer liquids contained in huge containers to where there are needed. There are very many models of drum pumps with varying tube lengths designed to cater for the diverse needs of people who use these devices. Below is a guide on how to choose the most ideal drum pump.
1. Determine Why You Need the Drum Pump
In order to select the right type of pump with the appropriate tube, motor type and accessories, you have to first decide the reasons why you need the appliance. Some of the considerations that you should take into account include:
• The Required Pressure and Flow Rate
It is important to remember that some types of containers such as tanks and IBCs require a higher flow rate to empty and, in some instances, a high pressure is needed to transfer liquids if the liquid to be transferred has a high viscosity. Before acquiring a pump, you should consider the desired flow rate as well as the pressure required to pump the fluid in a container.
• The Type of Chemical to be Transferred
It is important to know the type of chemical that you will be pumping using a drum pump, as it will determine the type of material that the pump should be made of. You should also take the flammability of the fluid into account to select a pump made of the right materials.
• The Temperature of the Fluid
Pumps usually have an upper temperature strength limit. The maximum temperature that a drum pump can accommodate usually depends on the construction of the pump tubing, the length of the tube and the pump series.
• The Viscosity of the Liquid Being Transferred
Different pumps have different pumping capabilities. The capabilities of a pump usually depend on the motor powering the pump and the design of the machine.
• The Size of the Container
The ideal type of tube length in a pump is usually dictated by the size of a container. For example, a standard 200 litre gallon drum requires a pump with a tube that is 1 metre long. Containers with a capacity of less than 200 litres can use pumps with a shorter tube.
• Type of Motor
When choosing a drum pump, you should also consider if the site where pump will be used can accommodate the type of motor being used by a pump. If you favour a pump powered by an electric motor, ensure that you check the right voltage so that your pump serves you properly.
2. Choose the Correct Tube Material and FTI Pump Series
Once you have decided on how you will be using your pump, the next step is to select an FTI pump that can handle the job at hand. Flux Pumps UK can provide all the pumps that you need.
When choosing the tube material in your pump, ensure that the tubing is compatible with the job at hand.
• When choosing an outer tubing material, it is important to remember that it can either be made from pure PVDF, 316 stainless steel, PVDF, polypropylene or CPVC. When choosing an outer tubing material for your pump, you should consider the chemical resistance of the material being pumped. The outer tubing should be able to withstand the chemical resistance of the fluid being pumped. You can check out the chemical resistance guide for different tubing materials in our useful information page.
It is important to note that the pump tube also has other materials that will be in contact with the material being pumped in addition to the outer tubing material in the pump.
3. Select the Right Type of Motor
To choose the right motor for your pump, you can check out the information provided in the motor preference page.
It is important to note that not all types of motors work with all pump series.
If you are pumping a flammable fluid or you are working in a hazardous site, you should use an air drive moor on a pump tube that is manufactured using stainless steel in addition to our static protection kit or an explosion proof electric motor.
4. Select Pump Accessories
After choosing a pump, the next step should be fitting it with accessories. They can include:
• A Static Protection Kit – Allows you to safely transfer flammable liquids when using stainless steel tube pumps and air drive pump motors or explosion proof electric motors.
• Hose – Typically made using flexible PVC
• Drum Adapters – They are designed to ensure a tight fit of the tube in the drum and are made using different materials
• Flow Meters – Allows a person to accurately measure the fluid being pumped
• Filter/Lubricator Assembly – They ensure that air drive motors get a dry and lubricated air supply
• Nozzles – They allow a person to control the amount of liquid being pumped
• Strainers – They protect the pump from getting damaged by foreign objects