Sanitary drum pumps are designed for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications where hygiene, cleanability, and material safety are critical. These pumps transfer liquids like oils, syrups, dairy, creams, and chemicals without contamination risks.
✔ FDA-Compliant Materials – 316L stainless steel, PTFE, or food-grade plastics.
✔ Easy to Clean – Smooth surfaces, no dead zones, CIP (Clean-in-Place) capable.
✔ Seal Integrity – Avoids leaks and bacterial growth (mechanical seals or diaphragm designs).
✔ 3-A, EHEDG, or EC1935 Certified – Meets strict sanitary standards.
✔ Self-Priming & Dry-Run Safe – Prevents damage when drums are empty.
Best for: Low-viscosity liquids (water, milk, juices).
Pros: High flow rates, easy to clean.
Cons: Not ideal for thick liquids.
Example: Alfa Laval LKH Pump (CIP-ready, EHEDG-certified).
Best for: Medium-viscosity fluids (yogurt, honey, chocolate).
Pros: Gentle pumping, no shear damage.
Example: Waukesha Cherry-Burrell SPX Pump (3-A compliant).
Best for: Oils, syrups, and shear-sensitive products.
Pros: No seals = no contamination risk.
Example: Wilden Pro-Flo SHIFT (FDA-approved).
Best for: High-viscosity fluids (molasses, peanut butter).
Pros: Precise flow control.
Example: Viking Pump Universal Series (3-A compliant).
Best for: Small-batch dispensing from 55-gallon drums.
Pros: Portable, no cross-contamination.
Example: GoatThroat GT-10 Stainless Steel Pump (FDA-approved).
| Industry | Best Pump Type | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy & Beverage | Sanitary Centrifugal/Lobe | Alfa Laval LKH, Waukesha SPX |
| Edible Oils | Sanitary Gear/Diaphragm | Viking Pump, Wilden Pro-Flo |
| Pharmaceuticals | CIP-Ready Diaphragm | Yamada Sanitary Series |
| Cosmetics | Sanitary Lobe/Gear | Seepex BT, Fristam FKL |
| Drum Transfer | Sanitary Manual/Electric | GoatThroat GT-10, Lutz M5 Food-Grade |
Alfa Laval – Premium hygienic centrifugal & lobe pumps.
Waukesha (SPX Flow) – Industry leader in 3-A lobe pumps.
Wilden – Best diaphragm pumps for food safety.
Viking Pump – Reliable gear pumps for thick liquids.
GoatThroat – Top manual/electric sanitary drum pumps.
Material Compatibility
Stainless Steel 316L – Best for corrosive liquids (acids, salty foods).
PTFE Seals – For oils and solvents.
FDA Plastics – Lightweight, chemical-resistant.
Flow Rate & Viscosity
Low viscosity (<500 cP): Centrifugal or lobe.
Medium viscosity (500–10,000 cP): Lobe or diaphragm.
High viscosity (>10,000 cP): Gear or progressive cavity.
Certifications Needed
3-A Sanitary Standard (USA dairy/pharma).
EHEDG (Europe hygienic design).
FDA 21 CFR & EC1935 (Food contact compliance).
Cleaning Requirements
CIP (Clean-in-Place): Needs spray ball compatibility.
Disassembly Cleaning: Look for quick-release clamps.
For drum dispensing: GoatThroat GT-10 (manual) or Lutz M5 Food-Grade (electric).
For processing plants: Alfa Laval LKH (centrifugal) or Waukesha SPX (lobe).
For thick products: Viking Pump (gear) or Seepex (progressive cavity).
Need help selecting a pump for a specific liquid or industry? Let me know!