Drum Pumps Explained: Working, Benefits, and Key Applications

Drum pumps, also known as rotary pumps or barrel pumps, are among the most effective tools for extracting and transferring liquids from huge barrels, drums, or containers. The primary purpose of a barrel pump is to eliminate the need to tip or move heavy liquid containers, thereby minimising the risk of spills, splashes, product loss, and operator injury, especially when handling hazardous, corrosive, or flammable fluids. There are several pump types and combinations available, depending on the size and type of container, the medium being pumped, and the on-site power source. 

How Drum Pumps Work?

Drum or barrel pumps are generally composed of a motor head, pump tube, and pickup shaft that are inserted directly into the container. To propel fluid through the discharge pipe, an electric or air-operated motor powers an impeller or rotor inside the tube.

They operate by turning a shaft within the tight tube of a barrel. This step, known as actuation, initiates the pump's suction force. The liquid then begins flowing in the appropriate direction. They stand out from other pumps because they can be controlled manually. 

Users may manually adjust the flow rate by twisting the barrel pump's crank. If manual control is not for you, you may connect the pump to an electrical power source and let its internal AC motor do the work for you. The principal benefit of employing drum pumps is that they significantly decrease the workload on industrial personnel by allowing them to transfer liquids without lugging large liquid containers. 

They're available in:

• Centrifugal-style for low viscosity fluids.

• Positive displacement type for thicker, viscous fluids.

These pumps might be powered by:

• Electric motors: They are ideal for high flow rates and continuous duty.

• Pneumatic air motors: They are suitable for hazardous or explosive settings.

• Battery-powered motors: They provide cordless mobility and the convenience of usage.

What are the key features of a Drum Pump?

A drum pump has numerous components that will come into contact with the pushed fluid, in addition to the outside pump tube material. It is critical that the wetted parts are corrosion resistant and, if the fluid is flammable or combustible, safe to use at the specified temperature. Pump tubes and associated components are often available in polypropylene, 316 stainless steel, PVDF, CPVC, and pure polypropylene. A diverse range of wetted materials provides resistance to chemical corrosion in most conditions.

Types of Drum Pumps

Barrel pumps are classified into two types: hand-operated and electric-operated. These categories differ in their makeup, applications, and models.

Hand-operated Drum Pumps

Hand-operated pumps, as the name implies, are powered by hand rather than a motor. They are perfect for remote pumping applications and in cases when there’s little to no power available. Here are some more characteristics of this instrument:

• Available materials include stainless steel, aluminium, plastic, polyacetal, polyphenylene sulfide, and PVC.

• The inlet size ranges from ½"- 1-½".

• Provide easy, leak-free, spark-free pumping.

• Have various lever forms and lengths.

Electric-operated drum pumps

Electric-operated pumps run on electricity to power the pumping. They mimic the hand pump but utilise electric power. Also, they are ideal for tasks that require a high volume transfer. Here are some additional features of this instrument:

• Models that run on batteries or electricity are available.

• Built with different voltages.

• Generally, bulkier and heavier gadgets.

• Have various lever forms and lengths.

• Ideal for use with large amounts of drum drainage.

Let's look at some reasons to utilise drum pumps.

Compatibility

Even though rotary pumps take some strength to run, they are incredibly adaptable with a variety of attachments that allow you to connect them to an electrical supply for automatic operation. This compatibility feature also allows customers to link the pump's motors to the internet for a fully automated experience via the Internet of Things. This can increase production by tenfold in your industry.

Flexibility

These pumps provide a wide range of container attachment options. They also provide a variety of alternatives for tubes. This implies that a single pump may be used on a variety of barrel types without the requirement for several pump sizes.

Safety

One of the main reasons why people like to use rotary pumps in their industries is that they are safer than other types of pumps. They are inert to most substances and hence the ideal choice for transmitting volatile molecules. They are also safe to use in regions where power is not an option.

Applications of Drum Pumps

Most significantly, barrel pumps provide a handy way of dispensing potentially dangerous liquids. This eliminates the need to physically lift and pour dangerous fluids from large canisters. They can handle a wide range of low viscosity liquids, including chemicals, oils, solvents, fuels, food and beverage goods, and viscous solids such as grease, resins, and pastes. Many enterprises and commercial establishments use electric pumps to effectively and safely transport liquids from drums or IBCs.  Furthermore, barrel pumps are simple to clean and maintain after repeated usage. 

The main uses of a drum pump include:

Fluid Transfer 

First, liquids are extracted and transferred to smaller containers, mixing tanks, processing equipment, or filling machines. Operators and process industry specialists find them especially handy for swiftly transferring small or large amounts, as well as for precision flow control. When choosing barrel pumps for flammable or corrosive liquids, consider efficiency, safety, chemical compatibility, and applicable regulations. 

Dispensing and dosage 

Drum pumps provide for regulated dispensing and accurate dosing of fluids. They come with optional variable speed motors, flow metering, and batch dispensing capabilities, allowing customers to dispense the appropriate volume of liquid.

Mixing and Blending 

Barrel pumps can combine or blend liquids within the drum or IBC itself. By pushing liquid from the drum's bottom and returning it via holes cut in the pump tube, the pump stimulates circulation and mixing of the contents.

Emptying drums 

Most centrifugal pumps will remove virtually all of the container contents, although some liquid will remain. When a drum has to be entirely emptied, pumps can remove up to 99.9% of the liquid, reducing waste and ensuring the barrel is ready for storage, disposal, or cleaning for reuse. 

Final Thoughts

Drum pumps make handling industrial liquids simpler, safer, and more efficient. You can use these pumps for fluid transfer, dosing and mixing. They move any chemical from drums, barrels, or larger containers. Barrel pumps normally consist of a tube that is as long as the container's depth and fits through the container's top hole. Inside the tube is a vertical shaft, with a motor at the top and an impeller at the bottom. The pump moves the liquid from the barrel up the tube and out of a discharge outlet at the top.

Looking for high-quality drum pumps? Ceracin is the most trusted brand of industrial pumps that offers expert guidance and prompt support. Get in touch today to find the perfect pump for your needs.