Electric Drum Pumps for hazardous liquids enable safe and precise dispensing from drums into smaller containers. These are sometimes referred to as a barrel transfer pump. Electric drum pumps are available in various sizes depending on the size of container the liquid is being transferred from. Other important selection criteria for an electric drum pump are the desired flow rate, the suitability of the pump material for the medium to be filled and whether an ATEX rated pump is required. Obviously an ATEX rated pump and motor would be required for flammable liquids such as petrol, alcohols and solvents. If an electric oil drum pump or electric oil pump is required for waste oil or a diesel/water mixture then possibly an ATEX rate pump would not be necessary.
Electric barrel pumps are ideal for transferring high volumes of chemicals in a short space of time. Electric barrel pumps are also known for their versatility, utilised for chemical mixing and blending, waste oil transfer, oil and lubricant dispensing, etc.
It is often necessary to dispense hazardous substances precisely - for example from a large barrel or drum into a small jug or bucket. With large containers it is often difficult to tip or tilt it for dispensing without the risk of spillage. It may be possible to fit a tap or drain hose to a barrel, but this is an additional step in the process and increases the risk of spillage.
Barrel pumps for low or medium viscosity fluids generally employ extended centrifugal pumps with single, double or multiple impellers. The rotation of the impeller discharges the liquid up the tube and out of a port at the top of the immersion tube.
The main advantage of a barrel pump is that it eliminates the many risks that arise from the manual handling of containers: injuries, chemical splashing and leaks, and toxic fumes. Barrel pumps are lightweight and portable, and therefore easy to transfer between containers. If the liquid is a hazardous chemical then an electric chemical transfer pump can reduce the risk of operator injury or equipment damage due to spillage or splashing. The barrel pump electric supply can be either mains electricity or battery power. A barrel transfer pump is an extremely useful and cost effective investment.
Michael Smith Engineers Ltd is one of the leading UK suppliers of pumps for difficult applications and we have over five decades of pump experience. We have been representing Finish Thompson Inc since 1978 and consider their AODD and drum pumps to be among the best on the market. They offer outstanding durability, reliability and excellent value for money.