Pumps for pumping oil out of drums

For pumping oil (e.g., lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, vegetable oil, or fuel oil) out of 55-gallon drums, you need a pump that handles viscosity, ensures efficient transfer, and prevents leaks. Here are the best options:

1. Rotary Gear Pump (Best for Most Oils)

Why?

• Handles viscosity (works well with thin to thick oils, up to ~1,000 cSt).

• Self-priming (good for drum emptying).

• Compact & efficient with smooth flow.

Recommended Types:

• Internal Gear Pump (e.g., Viking, Tuthill) – Better for higher viscosities.

• External Gear Pump (e.g., Bosch Rexroth) – Good for precision transfer.

Materials:

• Body: Cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum.

• Seals: Viton or Buna-N (compatible with petroleum oils).

Flow Rate: ~2–20 GPM (adjustable for drum emptying).

2. Hand-Operated Drum Pump (Manual Option)

Why?

• No power needed – Good for remote locations or infrequent use.

• Simple & inexpensive.

Types:

• Piston-style hand pump (for thinner oils).

• Rotary hand crank pump (for thicker oils like gear lubes).

Best For:

• Small shops, emergency transfers, or occasional use.

3. Electric Drum Pump (For Frequent Use)

Why?

• Faster than manual pumps (good for daily use).

• Some models are explosion-proof (for flammable oils).

Types:

• DC (12V/24V) or AC-powered.

• Magnetic-drive (leak-free for hazardous oils).

Brands:

• Lutz, Finish Thompson, Graco.

4. Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump (AODD) (For Heavy Oils & Waste Oil)

Why?

• Handles dirty/used oil (won’t clog easily).

• No electricity (safe for flammable oils).

Limitations:

• Slower than gear pumps for thin oils.

Best For:

• Waste oil, used motor oil, or thick lubricants.

Key Features to Consider

✔ Viscosity Range – Thin (hydraulic oil) vs. thick (gear oil).
✔ Material Compatibility – Avoid plastics that degrade with petroleum.
✔ Portability – Fixed vs. handheld pump.
✔ Seal Type – Viton for synthetic oils, Buna-N for mineral oils.

Accessories for Drum Pumping

• Flexible suction tube (reaches drum bottom).

• Filter (for used oil to prevent debris damage).

• Nozzle or hose kit (for direct filling).

• Drum caddy (tilts drum for complete emptying).

Best Brands for Oil Drum Pumps

• Viking Pump (gear pumps).

• Tuthill (gear & transfer pumps).

• Lutz Pump (electric/hand pumps).

• Wilden/Yamada (AODD for waste oil).

Safety Tips

⚠ Ground the drum & pump (static electricity can ignite fumes).
⚠ Use non-sparking tools around flammable oils.
⚠ Check local regulations for used oil handling.