Selecting Barrel Pumps for Industrial Safety and Efficiency: A Complete Guide

What is a barrel pump and why is it critically important?

Drum pumps are portable pumps designed to transfer fluids such as chemicals, solvents, oils, viscous liquids, or food products from standard drums (typically 200 liters) or IBC tanks in a safe, clean, and ergonomic manner.

Traditional tilting or scooping methods of conveying liquids create **serious risks of leaks, splashes, and accidents**, while a properly selected barrel pump eliminates these risks and increases worker safety. Barrel pumps typically consist of a vertical tube, a pump head, and a motor at the top.

Barrel Pump Types: Choosing the Right Drive Mechanism

Depending on the application type and fluid properties, different drive (operating) mechanisms are available:

1. Electric Barrel Pumps

• Advantages: High efficiency, constant flow rate, and ease of use. This is the most commonly used type.
• Important Note: When transferring flammable or explosive liquids (solvents, gasoline, etc.), only Ex-Proof (ATEX) certified engines must be used.

2. Pneumatic Barrel Pumps

• Advantages: Naturally safe for **Explosion-Proof** zones as there is no electrical risk. Suitable for continuous and demanding use.
• Important Note: Requires a compressed air line to operate.

3. Manual Barrel Pumps

• Advantages: It requires no electricity or air, and is economical at very low flow rates and infrequent use.
• Important Note: Not suitable for use with viscous liquids and high flow rates.

Chemical Resistance Key: Choosing the Right Materials

The most important decision regarding a barrel pump is the material of the piping and internal components that come into contact with the fluid being transferred. Using the wrong material can cause the pump to corrode within hours.

• Polypropylene (PP): A cost-effective solution for moderately aggressive chemicals such as acids (HCl, sulfuric), bases, and salt solutions.
• PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride): Offers superior resistance to higher temperatures and very aggressive chemicals (nitric acid, etc.), where PP falls short.
• Stainless Steel (SS 316): Ideal for solvents, thinners, flammable liquids, petroleum products, oils, and food/cosmetic products requiring high hygiene standards.
• Aluminum: Can be used for light oils and petroleum derivatives, but is susceptible to acids and bases.

ORFA Industrial: Safety and Quality in Barrel Pumps

As ORFA Industrial Products Industry and Trade Inc., we offer internationally certified barrel pump solutions that are perfectly suited to the properties of your fluids.

Our experts design the **longest-lasting and safest** solution for your system by determining not only the pump type but also the pipe length, motor power, and sealing material (e.g., PTFE, FKM). With our **ATEX certified** Ex-Proof solutions for flammable fluids, you never compromise on your industrial safety.