Selecting the correct barrel pump specifications for your application

8 Things to Consider to Get the Job Done Right

When you need to safely transfer or dispense substances from barrels or drums, you need a reliable barrel pump. These valuable pumps are used in diverse industries, to pump everything from the most corrosive acids to honey, or hair gel. Whatever the application, it is crucial to select the best barrel pump specifications for the job.

What is most important to consider? Here are eight barrel pump specifications you should keep in mind to get optimal results from your application.

Important Considerations for Barrel Pump Specifications

Each of the following variables affects a pump’s performance and requirements. Use these barrel pump specifications as you select the right pump for your operations.

Head and Flow
Some pumps provide high flow rates or high head. Others offer both. Consider the speed, distance, and configuration needs of your application. What is most important? This will determine the head and flow requirements for your barrel pump specifications.

Chemicals Involved
What will you be pumping with your barrel pump? Keep in mind the following characteristics of any substances that are involved:

• Type – What chemicals will the pump transfer or dispense?
• Concentration – How acidic are the chemicals?
• Corrosiveness – Does the pump need to be able to withstand highly corrosive substances?
• Flammability – Are there any flammability concerns that require specific pump safety features?

The answers to these questions will determine the construction material of the pump as well as the style.

Temperature
Does your application involve extreme temperatures? Your barrel pump specifications will need to take into account any heat concerns or potential freezing conditions. You may need to choose a barrel pump that is made to withstand severe temperatures.

Viscosity
Not all pumps can handle viscous substances. Consider how thick are the products that you will be transferring or dispensing from the barrel pump. High viscosity typically requires specialty pumps, so you will need to consider this as you choose barrel pump specifications.

Specific Gravity
What is the weight of the fluid you will be pumping? Specific gravity measures how heavy the liquid is compared to water. This weight impacts the amount of work the pump must do to transfer the fluid, which makes specific gravity an important part of barrel pump specifications.

Container Size
Matching the barrel pump to the container size is key for top performance. The bigger the barrel, the longer the tube required for the barrel pump. If you are emptying large containers, you may also want a fast pump to speed up production.

Desired Motor Type
Several factors may affect the type of motor you want for your barrel pump specifications. If you are pumping in a hazardous location, you may need an explosion-proof or splash-proof motor. The power source is also key. Do you want corded, electric, battery, or air? This often depends on where you will be operating the pump. After you determine what type of motor works best for your application, you can choose a pump with barrel pump specifications that are compatible with the desired motor.

Pump Size/Portability
Do you plan to use the pump in multiple areas of your operations? Do you have limited space for a pump? Consider whether you need to choose a portable pump or a pump with a small footprint, as you make your barrel pump specifications.

Tools for Barrel Pump Specifications

Two things can be helpful as you weigh these variables and choose barrel pump specifications.

Use a Pump Selector. If you already know some of the requirements for your barrel pump specifications, a professional pump selector tool can help. Simply enter what type of substance you’ll be pumping, the length of the tube required, and your motor preference, and the Pump Selector will tell you what type of pump to choose.

Partner with a trusted manufacturer. Not sure what barrel pump specifications you need? Have questions about which pump will produce the best outcomes? Contact an industry expert like Finish Thompson. As a global leader in pump manufacturing, Finish Thompson is a trusted brand, with experts ready to assist you with pump selection.

Choose Your Barrel Pump Specifications from Finish Thompson’s Complete Line of Barrel Pumps

Finish Thompson is your one-stop shop for barrel pumps. With a comprehensive selection, the following pumps meet virtually any barrel pump specifications. Follow the links below to learn more about how Finish Thompson’s pumps offer reliable solutions for your applications.

PF Series High performance design and materials Sealless electric barrel pump design Unique double suction impeller for high flow and high head FDA-compliant options Handles fluids up to 2000 cP
SF Series High performance design and materials Sealless design Dual impeller provides high flow or high head 40 mm (1.6”) diameter tube for smaller bung openings Integral strainer on high-flow versions For fluids up to 1200 cP
EF Series Sealless design Lightweight and economical An affordable choice for light-duty transfer Ideal powered replacement for hand-operated pumps Integral strainer
BT Series High viscosity design Up to 15,000 cP Stainless steel tube construction Sealed design
HVDP Series High viscosity, high head applications Progressive cavity design for up to 100,000 cP Unique camlock feature for quick disassembly FDA-compliant options
TB Series Lightweight and economical Up to 200 cP Interchangeable with motors Compatible with smaller bung openings Variable orifice discharge for greater flow control
TT Series Light-to-medium viscosity fluid handling Ideal for liquids with small particulate or solvents Tubes are interchangeable with motors Up to 2000 cP with M6X air motor Sealed design

About Finish Thompson

Finish Thompson Inc. designs and manufactures pumps for the safe transfer of a wide variety of corrosive liquids. Products include centrifugal sealless magnetic drive pumps with run-dry capability, mechanically sealed pumps, drum and barrel pumps, vertical mag-drive pumps, multi-stage pumps, and the FTI Air line of air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps. For durable solutions for your applications, contact Finish Thompson Inc.