How to Choose

What is a Drum Pump?

Drum pumps are portable pumps that perform the role of emptying drums, IBCs, tanks, carboys, and barrels. They are also known as a barrel pump, electric, usually. Due to the fact that most of the liquids that are used on processing and manufacturing plants will often be delivered in either 200 or 100-litre drums, this makes them too heavy in order to tip so that the liquids inside can be decanted.

Reasons to Use a Drum Pump

The design of the drum pumps offers a safe and easier method to transfer all types of chemicals and liquids from barrels and drums. There are various models along with different tube lengths made available to meet up to the requirements of different industries and customers.

Here is an overview of how to select a drum pump:

Step One: Determine the Application Requirements

The first step involves deciding how the pump will be used. From here you can choose the applicable pump series, motor types, tube construction, and accessories.

• The Required Head and Flow

The majority of the applications for drum pumps provide a simple transfer, yet some will require flow rates that higher (to empty larger tanks or IBCs), or increased pressure (head) capabilities (to transfer liquids from the top of a machine, to a second floor, or for pumping fluids of a higher viscosity).

• Chemical Type or Name

This information is very important and is necessary to make sure the tube materials on the drum pump is suitable for the fluids that will be pumped. It is also important to establish whether the fluids are combustible or flammable liquids.

• The Temperature of the Fluids That Will Be Pumped

The tubes in the drum pumps have a maximum temperature limit. These maximum temperatures are dependent on the tube length, construction, and series.

• Specific Viscosity and Gravity

The different types of drum pumps offer different capabilities in association to pumping fluids which have a gravity that is greater than 1.0 or viscosities that exceed 1 cP. These capabilities will be based on the motor that drives the pump and the design of the pump.

• The Size of the Container

The tube lengths of the drum pump can be altered according to the size of the container. For instance, the standard 45-gallon/200 litre drum will use a pump tube with a 100cm length. The tanks and IBCs require lengths that are longer. While the 15 to 30-gallon containers will require smaller lengths.

• The Type of Motor

It is important to determine whether the environment requires a specific type of motor style. These include explosion-proof electric or air. For the electric motors it is important to find out what type of voltage will be required.

Step Two: Choose the Suitable FTI Pump Series and the Tube Material

Once you have determined your application requirements, the next step involves choosing the right FTI pump.

• Select the Right Pump Tube Materials

Begin with the outer-tube materials. These tubes come in 316 stainless steel, PVDF/pure polypropylene, CPVC, and polypropylene.

You can refer to the guide for chemical resistance to choose your material for the outer tube to ensure it is able to resist the chemicals being pumped. The guides for chemical resistance can be found on our info page.

Note: Each of the pump tubes also contains other types of materials that will come into contact with either the fluids or chemicals being pumped.

Step Three: Choose the Right FTI Motor

• Choose A Suitable Motor

Use the information on motor preferences to choose the motor from our tech flier which matches up to your requirements. It is important to note that not all of the motors are compatible with some of the pump series.

If the product you plan to pump is combustible or flammable, or even in a location that is hazardous, then choose an air-drive or explosion-proof electric motor that uses a stainless steel tube using our static-protection kit.

Step Four: Choose Your Accessories

• Hose

• Static Protection Kit

This provides a safe way to transfer combustible or flammable liquids when combined with tube pumps made from stainless steel and explosion-proof electric or air motors.

• Drum Adapters

The tube should fit tightly into the drum, and these come in various materials and constructions.

• Flow Meters

These allow precise measurements of chemicals or liquids that will be pumped.

• Lubricator/Filter Assembly

This ensures a lubricated, dry air-supply for the air-drive motors.

• Nozzles

This part controls the flow of the liquid.

• Strainers

Protects the pump from any damages that may arise from foreign objects.