Barrel pump Barrels are often used to contain and transport chemical liquids. When using the term "barrel" the volume within is considered smaller than 500 liter. When the volume is greater than 500 liter, we use the term "tank". The supply barrels, after they've been filled at the factory, have to be emptied again, and some times refilled. The barrels can be emptied by turning the barrel to a certain angle, letting the liquid flow out of the barrel. This approach however, will require some excellent skill to prevent liquid loss. Liquid loss is inevitable and this can cause a dangerous situation. When the liquid is toxic or hazardous in any other way and spills over, a toxic gas can come out, causing breathing problems to people working with the barrels. The barrel pump offers a solution to all of these problems.

The barrel-pump, is a vertical pump where it's pump-casing or pump-rotor is vertically dumped within the liquid. The rotor is mounted with the driven axe onto the pipe-shaped casing, which is conneted with its upperside to a screw-coupling. The bottom side of the tube has holes, this let's the liquid flow into the pump chamber.

Liquid barrels are available in different measures and volumes. The pump-manufacturers use the same measures and over time the measures have been standarized. When emptying smaller barrels the laboratorium barrel pump is used instead of the standard pump. This pump has been developed which is optimized for little capacity.

The barrel pump can be driven by an electromotor or by air pressure, which is placed vertically on the barrel. There are different types of motors available for the pump tubes.

For lower viscosity:
Electro motor Voltage Frequency power Protection rate
Universalmotor 220 v / 155 v 50 Hz / 60 Hz 290-288 Watt IP 23
Universalmotor 42 v 50 Hz 440 Watt IP 54
Universalmotor 24 v 50 Hz 400 Watt IP 54
AC current motor 220 v / 380 v 50 Hz 0.75 - 1.1 KiloWatt IP 54

Air operated barrel pump
Air use: 0.88 Nm³ / min 330 Watt
Rpm: 6900 rpm
Air pressure: 6 bar

A major disadvantage from the standard barrel pump, is the high rotation speed. The support of the drive shaft is a crucial component and has to be maintained closely. The technical lifetime of a barrel pump is notably lower than a horizontal centrifugal pump, which are constructed with motors that can handle 1450 or 2900 rpm. Because of the low rpm the pump produces relatively little noise, compared to the faster barrel pump.

Sometimes the pump is constructed with a mechanical seal. This depends on what liquid is used. When the liquid crystallize or harden or which are sticky a mechanical seal is used. For all other applications the sealles type drum pump is used, since it cannot fail when running dry.