Pumps for extracting juice from 55 gallon drums

For extracting juice (fruit, vegetable, or other liquid food products) from 55-gallon drums, you need a sanitary, food-grade pump that prevents contamination, handles delicate fluids, and meets hygiene standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, 3-A). Here are the best options:

1. Sanitary Peristaltic (Hose) Pump

Best for:

• Gentle extraction (no shear damage to pulp/seeds).

• High hygiene (no seals, fluid only touches the hose).

• Easy cleaning (CIP/SIP compatible).

Key Features:

• Food-grade tubing (EPDM, Santoprene, or FDA silicone).

• Adjustable flow rate (~1–20 GPM).

• Self-priming & dry-run safe.

Top Brands:

• Watson-Marlow

• Verderflex

• Cole-Parmer

2. Sanitary Rotary Lobe Pump

Best for:

• High-capacity transfer (e.g., juice with pulp).

• Viscous juices (e.g., tomato, mango puree).

Key Features:

• Stainless steel (304/316L) or polished finish.

• Gentle on product (low shear).

• CIP/SIP capable.

Top Brands:

• Alfa Laval

• SPX FLOW (Waukesha)

• Fristam

3. Sanitary Centrifugal Pump

Best for:

• Clear, low-viscosity juices (e.g., apple, grape).

• High-flow applications.

Key Features:

• FDA-compliant materials.

• Less expensive than PD pumps.

• Not ideal for thick/pulpy juices.

Top Brands:

• Grundfos (BioPure series)

• Fristam

4. Food-Grade Diaphragm Pump (AODD or Electric)

Best for:

• Versatile use (juice, syrups, concentrates).

• Portable drum emptying.

Key Features:

• PTFE or Santoprene diaphragms.

• Leak-free & self-priming.

Top Brands:

• Wilden (Pro-Food series)

• Graco (Ultra series)

Key Selection Criteria

✔ Food-Grade Materials – 316L SS, FDA plastics, EPDM/PTFE seals.
✔ Cleaning Method – CIP (Clean-in-Place) compatibility.
✔ Viscosity & Pulp Content – Peristaltic/lobe for pulp, centrifugal for clear juices.
✔ Flow Rate – Match to your processing speed (e.g., 5–30 GPM).

Accessories for Juice Extraction

• Sanitary drum adapter (tri-clamp or threaded connection).

• Stainless steel dipping tube (adjustable for complete emptying).

• Strainer/filter (to catch seeds/pulp if needed).

• Hose & fittings (FDA-compliant, smooth bore).

Top Hygiene Practices

• Avoid dead zones where bacteria can grow.

• Disassemble & inspect regularly.

• Use compatible sanitizers (e.g., PAA, steam).

Best for Specific Juices

• Orange/Apple (clear): Sanitary centrifugal or peristaltic.

• Tomato (pulpy): Rotary lobe or peristaltic.

• Cold-Pressed (sensitive): Peristaltic for minimal oxidation.

Need help picking a model for your exact juice type? Let me know the viscosity, pulp %, and cleaning requirements!