Positive displacement (PD) pumps are an excellent choice for emptying drums, barrels, and other containers because they provide precise, consistent flow rates and can handle viscous, abrasive, or shear-sensitive fluids. Here’s a guide to selecting and using PD pumps for drum emptying:
Diaphragm Pumps (Air-Operated or Electric)
Best for: Chemicals, solvents, paints, adhesives, and viscous fluids.
Advantages: Self-priming, dry-run capable, leak-free (sealless design), handles abrasive/slurry fluids.
Example: AODD (Air-Operated Double Diaphragm) pumps.
Gear Pumps (Internal or External Gear)
Best for: Oils, fuels, syrups, resins, and lubricating fluids.
Advantages: Smooth flow, good for high-viscosity liquids, compact design.
Limitations: Not ideal for abrasive fluids unless hardened gears are used.
Peristaltic Pumps (Hose Pumps)
Best for: Aggressive chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food products, and shear-sensitive fluids.
Advantages: No contamination (fluid only contacts the hose), easy maintenance, good for slurries.
Piston Pumps
Best for: High-pressure applications (e.g., lubricants, adhesives).
Advantages: Precise dosing, handles thick fluids well.
Limitations: More complex, higher maintenance.
Rotary Lobe Pumps
Best for: Food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and sanitary applications.
Advantages: Gentle handling, CIP/SIP capable, good for viscous & solids-containing fluids.
Viscosity: PD pumps excel with thick fluids (e.g., gear pumps for oils, diaphragm pumps for sludge).
Chemical Compatibility: Ensure wetted materials (seals, diaphragms, hoses) resist the fluid.
Flow Rate & Pressure: Match pump capacity to your needs (e.g., high flow for fast drum emptying).
Portability: Handheld or mounted options (some PD pumps integrate with drum unloaders).
Power Source: Electric, pneumatic (AODD), or manual operation.
Cleanability: Sanitary pumps (e.g., lobe, peristaltic) for food/pharma.
Dipping Tubes: Adjustable length for complete drum evacuation.
Suction Filters: Prevent debris from entering the pump.
Drum Adapters: Secure the pump to the drum opening.
Hose & Nozzle Kits: For directing discharged fluid.
Chemical Processing: Transferring acids, solvents, or adhesives.
Food & Beverage: Moving syrups, oils, or dairy products.
Waste Handling: Emptying sludge or abrasive slurries.
Lubricants & Fuels: Pumping oils, greases, or diesel.
Yamada, Wilden, Graco (AODD Pumps)
Viking, Tuthill (Gear Pumps)
Watson-Marlow, Verder (Peristaltic Pumps)
Alfa Laval, SPX FLOW (Lobe Pumps)