A powered drum pump provides a safe, effective method to transfer fluids from drums, totes/intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and other container types and sizes. It offers a versatile solution, with drum pump models to suit virtually any application.
It is important to be familiar with the various parts of a drum pump to specify an appropriate model. In particular, the materials of construction used for these components affect which drum pump is suitable for which applications. Here’s what you need to know.
This is the most visible part of a drum pump and is the part of the pump that is placed in the container opening. The outer tube can be manufactured from a variety of plastics and metals. It is crucial to select a drum pump based on the outer tube construction material being suitable for the fluid used in the application. This will ensure safe operation and pump longevity.
The pump head is connected to the outer tube and contains the bearing, coupling, and connection for the hose. Drum pump discharge hose connections are most often barbed, but threaded options are available. For plastic drum pump models, the pump head is typically threaded to the outer tube, but it may be welded if the drum pump construction is metal. The pump head is also the location for the motor to be mounted.
You’ll find the coupling in the pump head. The coupling connects the motor to the pump shaft and transfers the motor power to the impeller. The motor also contains its own coupling.
Inside the pump head you’ll also find a high-speed bearing. This bearing centers the pump shaft in the pump.
The pump shaft is connected to the coupling (at the pump head) and the impeller (at the bottom of the pump). It rotates via its connection to the motor to turn the impeller. This action moves the fluid up and out of the pump. It is essential to use a pump with a shaft made of material that is compatible with the fluid that will be transferred by the drum pump.
At the bottom of the pump is the impeller. It is connected to the pump shaft and moves fluid up and out of the pump tube. The design of the impeller varies by drum pump model. Some are designed to provide high flow while others create high head. Some manufacturers even offer impeller designs that provide both high flow and high head.
A drum pump motor can be broadly classified as open drip proof, TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled), hazardous location (explosion-proof electric), air, or cordless lithium-ion battery. Each drum pump model is compatible with certain motor options. Always confirm this compatibility when selecting a specific motor.
A variety of drum pump accessories are available to tailor a drum pump for a specific application or to increase ease of use. Some of the most common accessories include:
Bung adapters – To screw into the bung of the container and help center the pump tube to the container opening.
Nozzles – For precise fluid flow with squeeze-lever control.
Flow meters – To let the user know how much fluid has been dispensed by the drum pump as well as provide an option to shut off the pump after a pre-determined batch has been dispensed.
Wall mount brackets – To safely store the pump and motor in an upright position.
Filter/lubricators – To provide high-quality air for optimal performance when an air drive motor is being used.
Finish Thompson offers a drum pump for virtually every application, across a broad range of industries. Use the links below to find the perfect drum pump for your setting.
PF Series Chemical Drum Pump
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SF Series Chemical Drum Pump
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EF Series Chemical Drum Pump
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BT Series Chemical Drum Pump
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HVDP Chemical Drum Pump
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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.
