A Guide to Drum Pumps: Operation, Types, and Industrial Applications
Fluid transfer is a crucial part of industrial operations, supported by various tools that facilitate the process. The drum pump is one of those tools, and it has become a staple across many industries for transferring liquids safely and efficiently from large drums or barrels to smaller containers. This post offers a complete guide on the operations of this pump, its types, and various applications.
Understanding the Operations of Drum Pumps
The drum pump is a portable mechanical device that extracts and dispenses fluids from large drums or barrels to smaller containers. The drum pumps mainly transfer chemical fluids, oils, and solvents, following unique configurations to accommodate specific fluid types. Irrespective of the liquid type and configuration, drum pumps work efficiently for different industrial applications.
The pump features a motor, suction tube, body, and discharge hose. Operating it requires inserting the pump tube into a barrel containing the liquid to be transferred, after which the motor activates the pump, resulting in a suction that draws liquid through the tube into the pumping mechanism. This operation varies from one drum pump type to another, but all the drum pumps execute the same function.
Types of Drum Pumps
There are different types of drum pumps, but the common ones include the following:
Rotary Drum Pump
The feature distinguishing the rotary drum pump is that it uses a rotating mechanism to create the suction that draws liquid up through the pumping tube. When the rotary pump is activated and the pump handle and motor turn, it seizes gears inside the pump to create the vacuum that pulls liquid into the pump and through the discharge hose.
Diaphragm Drum Pump
The diaphragm drum pump uses a flexible diaphragm that oscillates to draw liquid into the pump and send it out through the discharge hose. Diaphragm drum pumps are generally preferred for transferring corrosive fluids as they offer a barrier between the fluid and the pump's internal parts.
Piston Drum Pump
The piston drum pump uses a piston mechanism to draw liquid into the pump before expelling it through the discharge port. It is particularly preferred for thick and dense fluid transfer.
Industrial Applications of Drum Pumps
As we mentioned earlier, drum pumps have a range of industrial applications. They are used in chemical processing plants, the food and beverage industry, oil and gas, waste management, and pharmaceuticals. Each application uses a specific type of drum pump for efficient and highly optimal operation.
Regardless of the type of drum pump you get or its intended application, you can rest assured that you'll enjoy ease of use and minimal maintenance. The pumps use highly durable materials to withstand industrial environments and accommodate corrosive fluid.
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