26 Sep How Do Drum Pumps Work

How Do Drum Pumps Work and What Are They Used For?

Finding a way to safely transfer fluids from one container to another is required for thousands of applications. Usually, these transfers involve harsh chemicals, acids, or viscous liquids that demand special handling by heavy-duty pumping systems. Drum pumps have been designed to exclusively facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of liquids. By fitting them on the upper opening of containers, they eliminate the need to pivot heavy containers and allow the safe passage of liquids.

Proven Systems That Have Been Around for Decades

Drum pumps are proven in the pumping sector and have been for decades. The universal motors are light, handy and powerful devices for almost all thin and slightly viscous liquids. They work by being fitted on top of a container through a vertical immersion tube. The immersion tube is as long as the depth of the container. The pumping mechanism comes exclusively from the base of the tube where the media is most dense.

Once the pump is activated, a vacuum is created in the drum which moves the liquid into the shaft. This is referred to as positive displacement. Drum pumps for low or medium viscosity fluids generally employ pumping systems with single, double, or multiple impellers. Relying on a centrifugal pump impeller or a rotor at the base of the tube, the motor allows the air to be reversed so that pressure is created. This in turn forces the liquid up the tube and out of a port at the top of the immersion tube.

Many different designs and configurations are available depending on the size and type of container, the media being pumped and the on-site power supply.

The Ultimate in Portable Pumping Systems

The portability of the design makes it easy for drum pumps to be moved to various locations in a plant environment that are ideal for small-batch chemical delivery use. It allows fluids to be quickly and efficiently transferred from barrels mounted inside vehicles directly to a customer’s on-site storage container.

Used in fluid transfer processes in the chemical, water, marine and paper industries, they can be mounted on large tanks to transfer corrosive media, cleaning solutions, salt water, or slurries to storage tanks or treatment systems.

A Quick Transfer and Measuring Process

When transferring chemicals, it is essential to find equipment that can handle harsh or highly corrosive substances. The right drum pumps can safely move these fluids from one container to another, maintaining safety standards and mitigating risks.

As they are portable, it makes them more convenient for testing. They enable technicians to test fluids in various areas quickly and efficiently, making it possible to easily determine chemical levels, water purity, or other crucial measurements. This testing application is extremely useful in aquariums, fish hatcheries and water treatment plants allowing technicians to maintain appropriate chemical levels in the various tanks and containers.

The Next Step

Prochem Pump Manufacturers will guide you in the right direction and make sure that you select the best drum pumps for your specific requirements. Our Finish Thompson range offers high performance, flow rates up to 151 litres per minute and viscosity handling of 10 000 cycles per second. With all the benefits of Finish Thompson drum pumps, you can’t afford not to use them.

Get in contact with us today