What Makes a Good Electric Barrel Pump?

Take the simple task of moving liquid from one container to another. When that liquid is a cup of soup being transferred to a bowl, it is simple. But when the substance is 55 gallons of corrosive acid in a drum that needs to be transferred to a blending tank – that’s another story.

This type of scenario involves significant weight, a high potential for splash and spillage, and dangerous exposure issues. And that’s where an electric barrel pump comes in. These devices make transfers simple and safe. The electric barrel pump fits into a top opening in the drum. The immersible pump tube is inserted in the liquid. A handheld motor then pumps the liquid from inside the barrel through a hose that is directed to the destination container.

This eliminates the need to lift or tip the container. The process keeps the substance contained and transfers it safely and efficiently.

These benefits have made the electric barrel pump a go-to option for many applications. Chemical manufacturing, plating and anodizing, and water treatment are a few of the industries that commonly use an electric barrel pump in their operations.

How do professionals in these industries select which electric barrel pump they will use for their applications? Regardless of the industry, certain characteristics of an electric barrel pump are crucial for safe, effective operation.

Qualities of a Good Electric Barrel Pump

For optimal results from an electric barrel pump application, choose a pump that offers the following qualities:

Rugged construction: Often, an electric barrel pump is used for the transfer of harsh substances. Heavy-duty construction is required to withstand exposure to these highly acidic or corrosive liquids. Materials must be compatible with the liquids being transferred, to prevent deterioration, leaks, or pump failure.

Reliability: An electric barrel pump is often crucial to a company’s operations. If the pump fails, production stops. Downtime and pump replacement costs hit the organization’s bottom line. To avoid these scenarios, look for an electric barrel pump that is known for reliable, long-term performance.

Efficiency: An advantage of an electric barrel pump is its ability to transfer fluids more quickly than a manual pump. However, not all electric pumps are equally efficient. Choose one with an appropriate flow capability for your application.

Safety: An electric barrel pump’s safety should be tested and proven. The manufacturer should provide information about material compatibility. In some cases, barrel adapters may be necessary to keep the pump stable and help prevent fume emissions. In other applications, filters or strainers may be required to prevent particles from being transferred that would interfere with operations. Some manufacturers even offer models that feature built-in strainers.

Flexibility: If an electric barrel pump can be used for more than one application, this reduces costs and increases convenience. Some pumps can handle a range of fluids and offer flow control, making them more versatile. Certain models are also interchangeable with motors, offering additional flexibility.

Trusted manufacturer: The best electric barrel pump is made by an industry-leading manufacturer you can trust. Proven product performance, strong warranties, and high-level customer service are key.

Founded in 1951, Finish Thompson is known for offering quality pumping solutions around the world. With a complete line of electric barrel pumps backed by top warranties, Finish Thompson is your go-to source for a quality electric barrel pump.

Finish Thompson’s Complete Line of Electric Barrel Pumps

From light-duty to the harshest applications, Finish Thompson’s electric barrel pumps are ready to meet the needs of your operations.

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 Drum Pump 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.