A drum pump is a portable pump designed to transfer liquids from drums, barrels, IBCs and other containers safely and efficiently, without the need to tip, pour or siphon. The pump tube is inserted through the opening in the top of the container, and the motor (electric or pneumatic) sits above, driving the liquid up the tube and out through a discharge hose or nozzle.
At TF Pumps we supply drum pumps and barrel pumps from Flux, Aro and Graco, covering everything from lightweight hand-operated units to heavy-duty electric and air-powered drum pumps for continuous industrial use. Browse our ranges below, or call us on +44 1332 913500 for help selecting the right drum pump for your application.
A drum pump, also known as a barrel pump or container emptying pump, consists of three main parts: a motor at the top (electric, pneumatic or manual), an immersion tube that sits inside the container, and a discharge outlet connected to a hose or nozzle. Inside the tube, a vertical shaft connects the motor to an impeller at the bottom. As the impeller spins, liquid is drawn up through the tube and discharged at the top.
Drum pumps eliminate the manual handling risks associated with tipping heavy containers. A standard 200-litre drum filled with chemical can weigh over 250 kg, far too heavy to pour safely. A drum pump allows the operator to transfer the contents without lifting, tilting or opening the container beyond the bung hole, reducing the risk of spills, splashes and musculoskeletal injury.
Electric drum pumps: the most common type in industrial settings. An electric motor drives the impeller at the base of the tube, providing consistent flow rates and the ability to handle a wide range of liquid viscosities. Variable-speed electric motors offer precise flow control for dispensing and filling applications. Brushless motors are available for longer service life and lower maintenance.
Pneumatic (air-powered) drum pumps: use compressed air to drive the pump. Intrinsically safe for use with flammable or explosive liquids and in ATEX-rated zones. Air-powered drum pumps are a practical choice wherever compressed air is already available on site and where electrical ignition risk must be eliminated.
Battery-powered drum pumps: offer portability where neither mains electricity nor compressed air is available, ideal for use in the field, on delivery vehicles, or in warehouses without fixed services. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery motors provide enough power for multiple drum-emptying cycles between charges.
Manual drum pumps: hand-operated lever, rotary or piston pumps for low-volume, occasional use. Cost-effective for simple dispensing tasks where powered equipment is not justified.
The tube material must be compatible with the liquid being pumped. Common options include:
Drum pumps are available in a range of immersion tube lengths to suit different containers: 700 mm for small containers and carboys, 1,000 mm for standard 200-litre drums, and 1,200 mm for 1,000-litre IBCs. Custom lengths are available for non-standard tanks and vessels.
Selecting the right drum pump means matching four things: the liquid being pumped (chemical composition, viscosity, temperature, flammability), the container size (which determines tube length), the flow rate and head required, and the power source available (electric, air or battery).
As experienced drum pump suppliers we stock pumps from Flux (the F300 and F400 series, Combiflux, Juniorflux and Viscopower ranges), Aro and Graco, giving us the breadth to match the right pump to any application. Call us on +44 1332 913500 with your container type, liquid and duty, and we’ll recommend the right model.
If your questions have not been answered here, get in touch with our team for more information.
A drum pump is a portable pump inserted into the top of a drum, barrel, IBC or other container to transfer liquids safely without tipping or pouring. It consists of a motor at the top, an immersion tube inside the container, and a discharge outlet. Drum pumps are also commonly known as barrel pumps or container emptying pumps.
There is no difference: the terms are used interchangeably. “Drum pump” is the more common term in the UK; “barrel pump” is also widely used. Both refer to the same type of portable container emptying pump.
Drum pumps handle a wide range of liquids, including chemicals, acids, alkalis, solvents, oils, fuels, lubricants, paints, inks, food ingredients, pharmaceutical products and water. Applications span chemical processing, manufacturing, automotive workshops, agriculture, food production and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Selection depends on four factors: the liquid being pumped (chemical compatibility, viscosity, temperature and flammability), the container size (which determines tube length), the required flow rate and head, and the available power source (electric, pneumatic or battery). Send us your application details and we’ll specify the right pump.
Standard centrifugal drum pumps handle low-viscosity liquids up to around 250 cPs. For higher viscosities such as greases, resins, adhesives and thick oils, progressive cavity or eccentric screw drum pumps such as the Flux Viscopower range can handle fluids up to 100,000 cPs or more.
If you are pumping flammable or combustible liquids or operating in an area classified as a hazardous zone, yes, you need an ATEX-rated pump and motor combination. Stainless steel tube construction with a pneumatic or ATEX-certified electric motor is the standard configuration for flammable duties.
