Drums and IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) are the most common containers for liquids in industry. To empty them safely and completely, several pump solutions are available: classic drum pumps with a suction tube, submersible pumps or air-operated diaphragm pumps. Which is suitable for what? Read on.
Three solutions compared
|
Drum pump with suction tube |
Submersible pump in the IBC |
Air-operated diaphragm pump |
| Drive |
Electric or air motor |
Electric motor (submerged) |
Compressed air |
| Viscous fluids |
Limited (depends on pump tube) |
Limited |
Well suited |
| Solids, sediment |
Limited |
Limited |
Well suited |
| Dry running when emptying |
Critical with many models |
Critical |
No problem |
| Hazardous area |
Possible with air motor |
Complex |
ATEX versions available |
| Wetted parts |
Suction tube, impeller |
Entire pump |
Pump housing, diaphragms, valves only |
| Several containers |
Move the pump |
Relocate the pump |
Move the suction hose, pump stays in place |
Drum pump with pneumatic drive
With the classic drum pump, a suction tube is inserted into the drum. An air motor on top drives an impeller or spindle inside the tube. The pneumatic drive is spark-free and therefore preferred for flammable liquids. For thin fluids, the drum pump is a quick solution; with thick, contaminated or solids-laden fluids it reaches its limits.
Submersible pump in an IBC?
Electric submersible pumps are mainly used for water. For chemicals, oils or solvents they are usually unsuitable: the entire pump including the cable gland sits in the fluid, material options are limited and use in hazardous areas is complex. A pump installed outside the IBC is usually the safer solution.
The air-operated diaphragm pump as drum and IBC pump
The air-operated diaphragm pump is set up next to the container and draws from above via a suction hose or suction tube – or it is connected directly to the IBC outlet valve. Its advantages:
-
Self-priming, even dry – no priming needed
-
Complete emptying without damage when the pump draws air
-
Viscous and solids-laden fluids such as resins, paints, slurries or sediment
-
Stalls safely when dispensing with a nozzle
-
Wide choice of materials for acids, alkalis and solvents: polypropylene, PVDF, aluminium, stainless steel
Which size for drums and IBCs?
| Container |
Recommended connection size |
| Canisters, small containers, dosing tasks |
1/4" to 3/8" – see small diaphragm pumps
|
| 200 l drum, thin fluid |
1/2" (Versa-Matic E5) |
| 200 l drum, viscous, or 1,000 l IBC |
3/4" to 1" (3/4 inch, 1 inch) |
| Fast IBC emptying, viscous fluids |
1 1/2" to 2" |
Safety with flammable liquids: In hazardous areas, use only ATEX-certified pumps in a conductive version, earth the pump, hoses and containers, and follow your risk assessment. More in
ATEX diaphragm pumps.
Frequently asked questions
How do I empty an IBC completely?
The easiest way is via the outlet valve at the bottom. An air-operated diaphragm pump at the outlet will still empty the container when the inflow slows down, and then runs dry without damage.
Can a diaphragm pump draw from the top of a drum?
Yes. Air-operated diaphragm pumps are self-priming. The possible suction lift depends on pump size and fluid and is stated in the technical data of the respective pump.
