3 steps to finding the right pump
Pumps allow safe and accurate filling from drums. Depending on the requirements, they are available in different versions. It is not only important to consider the suitability of the pump for the medium to be filled but the container size and the desired delivery rate are also important criteria for ensuring the best pump is chosen to meet your requirements.
Here's how to choose the best pump for your application:
1. Medium
The most important criteria when selecting the appropriate pump is the material to be pumped. Liquids are highly variable in their viscosity and chemical properties. There is no pump that can satisfactorily convey all media - and of course, the pump must also be resistant to the medium to be filled. Depending on the requirement, pumps are therefore optimized for different hazardous substances.
Resistance lists:
Here you will find resistance lists in which we have already assigned the most suitable products to many common liquids:
Important for the choice of a suitable hand pump are the size and type of container, as well as the desired flow rate and the suitability of the pump for the medium to be filled. The pump must be resistant to the medium to be filled. In many areas, special occupational safety and environmental protection regulations must also be observed, e.g. for explosion protection.
Important note: The information was determined on the basis of laboratory tests with raw materials. Plastic parts manufactured from the raw materials are often subject to influences that are not detected in laboratory tests. For these reasons, the values given are only a recommendation. No legal claim can be derived from this information. In cases of doubt, we recommend carrying out a test. In addition to chemical resistance, other relevant regulations, e.g. explosion protection, must also be taken into account.
2. Mode of operation
Depending on how often and for what flow rates you want to use your pump, there are different modes of operation; Manual, electric and compressed air. While electric and compressed air pumps are usually designed for larger containers and, above all, allow a quick filling of large quantities, hand pumps are more suitable for the occasional filling of small quantities. The viscosity of the media to be pumped also has a considerable influence on the selection of the mode of operation.
We have clearly summarised the advantages and disadvantages for you below:
Electric Pumps and Compressed Air Pumps
The safe handling of liquids of different viscosities requires the use of special pumps, especially for large containers or viscous substances.
| Pros |
|---|
| Efficient & ergonomic for large flow rates |
| Efficient & ergonomic for viscous substances |
| Suitable for frequent and/or permanent operation |
| Cons |
|---|
| Air or power supply required locally |
Manual drum pumps
Manual filling of liquids or chemicals from drums requires specially equipped pumps. Depending on the equipment, a foot operation is also possible.
| Pros |
|---|
| Fast and flexible use |
| Economical |
| Cons |
|---|
| High power & time required for large flow rates |
| High force & time required for viscous substances |
| May not be suitable for heights |
| Not suitable for continuous use |
Pumping from large containers?
To remove some liquid from a drum quickly and easily, it is also possible to use a hand pump. Depending on the model, the immersion tube can be adjusted to the depth of the container - and therefore also enables the removal of small quantities from larger containers. For filling larger quantities from drums or filling from IBC, electrical or compressed air pumps are more suitable. Models with different depths are also available as finished sets.
Electric or compressed air?
On the one hand, this depends on the connections available during operation. On the other hand, compressed air pumps can achieve better results, especially with "difficult" substances. Compressed air diaphragm pumps are even suitable for abrasive or solids-containing substances, as well as media with extremely high viscosity.
3. Special requirements & practical accessories
Special applications also require special pumps which is why you will find in our extensive range a number of pumps for special requirements:
Gas-tight pumps for odorless filling of strong-smelling substances such as ammonia
Mini pumps for the safe filling of small quantities in the laboratory area
Specially tested and approved pumps for the food or pharmaceutical sector
Mobile pumps that combine the performance of a compressed air pump with optimum flexibility
Dry-running suitable pumps for applications where drainage from below (floor drain) is required
For optimal results, you can also rely on a wide range of accessories. Here you will find flow meters, anti-static kits for static electricity discharge, level indicators or drum wedges for tilting drums for optimal draining. Drum pumps generally have suitable threads for the respective application area or suitable for the container material. For all other applications, we have suitable thread adapters for the common package sizes in the program.
Related Products
DENIOS Safety Tips for Filling from Barrels
Always remember your Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Before you begin any filling or refilling work, you must ensure that you are wearing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). This legal requirement can include items such as goggles, gloves and hard hats - depending on the type of work that you are carrying out.
Depending on which substance you want to pump and what your operating instructions specify, you may also need additional equipment, such as aprons to protect your body and respiratory equipment.
It may be appropriate to implement monitoring measures for employees, to ensure that you are able to offer rapid assistance in the event of an emergency.
Best precautions to prevent drip losses
When removing pumps from containers, trailing liquid can lead to drip losses. Safety stands for barrel pumps with an integrated collecting container offer reliable protection. However, it is advisable to carry out filling and decanting work only in special designated areas that are not within passageways and traffic routes.
You may also need to use a suitable absorbent to catch any spillage.
Additionally, you can place the drum on a spill pallet to catch drip losses.
To guarantee that leaks are detected, you can install a SpillGuard® - the new hazardous substance warning system available only from DENIOS. Created by our experts, this revolutionary alarm system quickly and efficiently detects leaks, releasing a continuous alarm and LED light system over a 24-hour period.
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The specialist information on this page has been compiled carefully and to the best of our knowledge and belief. Nevertheless, DENIOS Ltd cannot assume any warranty or liability of any kind, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, for the topicality, completeness and correctness either towards the reader or towards third parties. The use of the information and content for your own or third party purposes is therefore at your own risk. In any case, please observe the locally and currently applicable legislation.
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