Drum Pumps: How Do They Work?

There is no question that drum pumps are an important part of industrial sites across New Zealand. They are durable and adaptable enough to handle the transfer of corrosive fluid, including wastewater and chemicals, to the proper treatment systems.

But, for those unaware of how a drum pump works and why it’s such an effective technology, we at PumpWorks are happy to shed some light below.

What is a drum pump?

Essentially, a drum pump is a portable pump that mechanically facilitates the safe transfer of low-viscosity fluids from one container to another. They fit snugly on the upper opening of a container, eliminating the need to pivot or shift these heavy containers and barrels. This serves to streamline industrial operations, and protects the wellbeing of employees – who often put themselves at risk managing the transfer of corrosive or chemical fluids.

Depending on the fluid you need to transfer, drum pumps are extremely customisable. They can be made of different materials, composed of different tube lengths, and with different motors to facilitate the transfer of different fluids.

Your pumping needs shape these requirements; if you are unsure where to start, we at PumpWorks can advise on the right drum pump for you.

How does a drum pump work?

There are many ways of breaking down the function of a drum pump into layman’s terms! For the purpose of this article, we’ll explain as follows:

A drum pump is made of two main parts – the pump pipe and the drive motor above it.

Sometimes called an immersion tube, this pump pipe is immersed directly into the fluid within a container, which is why a drum pump must be fitted securely above a container’s opening! After immersion, this pipe directs the fluid inside to an outlet connection, commonly through a fan or rotor mechanism.

This mechanism inside the body of the drum pump rotates as a result of the drive motor’s power. Because this rotation creates a strong vacuum effect at the opening of the pump pipe, it effectively forces the fluid out of the container and into the pump outlet.

As a result, drum pumps are an extremely seamless way to transfer the most corrosive substances between containers.

How do I maintain my drum pump?

Over time, as with most industrial technologies, drum pumps experience wear and tear, becoming inefficient and unable to sustain their prior flow. Fortunately, there are easy ways to prolong the life of your drum pump!

We advise checking the screen filter and suction pumps regularly to avoid dirt and clogging. These components can be easily cleaned with pliers! You should also take care to check that the piston of your drum pump isn’t loose or cut, and that the cover plate bolts aren’t weak; vulnerabilities here can cause leaks later on.

As long as you inspect your drum pump regularly and address any issues as soon as they arise, their good condition is assured.

At PumpWorks, we provide a wide range of quality drum pumps as off the shelf stock to customers across New Zealand.

With over two decades of experience in the field, our pumps are guaranteed to come from the best brands in the business, including GRACO! For more information about our products and services, get in touch today.