Drum Pumps - Safe Emptying and Controlled Transfer from Drums, Hobbocks, and Canisters
Drum pumps are used when fluids need to be safely, cleanly, and consistently emptied from standard drums, hobbocks, canisters, or similar containers. Key factors here include not only flow rate and lift height, but also residual content, emptying time, media changeovers, drip protection, and safe handling during operation.
At Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH , we design drum pumps based on the fluid, container geometry, viscosity, safety requirements, and desired emptying objective. This results in technically robust systems for the mobile or stationary discharge of chemicals, oils, additives, viscous concentrates, and—depending on the system principle—media containing solids.
At Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH , we design drum pumps based on the fluid, container geometry, viscosity, safety requirements, and desired emptying objective. This results in technically robust systems for the mobile or stationary discharge of chemicals, oils, additives, viscous concentrates, and—depending on the system principle—media containing solids.
Why Choose Drum Pumps from HARTON Anlagentechnik GmbH?
In practice, drum pumps must reliably handle frequently changing fluids. That is why we consider not only the fluid being pumped but also material compatibility, cleaning requirements, drip behavior, residual drainage, and the specific drum opening.
Our design takes into account flow rate, back pressure, hose configuration, fuel nozzles, filters, meters, drip protection, and coupling standards. Especially when handling flammable, toxic, or strong-smelling fluids, a properly tailored safety concept is crucial for reliable operation.
Depending on the medium and application, the system is used as:
- A centrifugal or impeller drum pump for low-viscosity media
- Screw-type drum pump for viscous and oil-containing media
- Eccentric screw drum pump for high-viscosity or solids-laden media
- Compressed-air diaphragm pump for general-purpose or Ex applications
- Peristaltic pump solution designed for abrasive or solids-laden fluids.
Drum pumps are used wherever fluids need to be removed from containers, decanted, dispensed, or transported further.
Typical applications:
Typical industries:
Our experts assess whether a portable solution, a mobile cart, or a stationary discharge station is the best fit from both a technical and economic standpoint.
Typical applications:
- Emptying 200-liter drums
- Handling of hobbocks and canisters
- Transferring to process tanks or mixing systems
- Filling and dosing tasks
- Mobile maintenance and service operations
- Stationary emptying stations with securing and containment systems
Typical industries:
- Chemical and process industries
- Lubricant logistics
- Filling technology
- Maintenance
- OEM Discharge Modules and Custom Stations
Our experts assess whether a portable solution, a mobile cart, or a stationary discharge station is the best fit from both a technical and economic standpoint.
Technical Specifications
| Flow Rate Q | 1-95 l/min |
| Differential Pressure Δp | 0.3-6 bar |
| Media temperature | 3 °C to +120 °C |
| Ambient temperature | -10 °C to +50 °C |
| Viscosity | 0.5-1,500 mPa·s |
| Self-priming head | 1,0 - 1,2 m |
| Solid content | 0-60% by weight for suitable compounds |
| Particle size | 0-50 mm, depending on the principle |
| Residual Emptiness Level | typically 90-99% |
| Protection class | IP54 - IP66 |
| Noise | typically 65-95 dB(A) |
Media Evaluation and Process Suitability
Choosing the right drum pump starts with a thorough assessment of the fluid being pumped.
Typical fluid classes:
Low-viscosity media are evaluated for leakage and safety requirements. Oil-containing media are evaluated with regard to viscosity range, additive compatibility, and temperature control. Chemically aggressive media are approved only if material and seal compatibility has been confirmed. Solids-laden media require a clear assignment to the appropriate pump principle, as the proportion of solids, particle size, sedimentation, and abrasiveness significantly influence service life.
Typical fluid classes:
- low-viscosity fluids such as water and thin chemicals
- oil-containing fluids such as hydraulic oils, lubricating oils, and process oils
- chemically aggressive fluids such as acids, alkalis, and solvents
- Media containing solids, such as suspensions and slurries
- Emulsions and oil-water mixtures
- Gas-containing or foaming media
Low-viscosity media are evaluated for leakage and safety requirements. Oil-containing media are evaluated with regard to viscosity range, additive compatibility, and temperature control. Chemically aggressive media are approved only if material and seal compatibility has been confirmed. Solids-laden media require a clear assignment to the appropriate pump principle, as the proportion of solids, particle size, sedimentation, and abrasiveness significantly influence service life.
The choice of materials is tailored to the medium, temperature, cleaning chemicals, and safety requirements.
Typical metallic materials:
Non-metallic materials:
Sealing materials:
For aggressive media, special materials may be considered on a project-specific basis. For abrasive media, a wear management concept using definable replaceable parts is implemented, such as liners, stator/rotor assemblies, hoses, or wear-resistant hydraulic components. For flammable media, a conductive or antistatic design, including grounding and equipotential bonding, is mandatory.
Typical metallic materials:
- 1.4301
- 1.4404
- 1.4571
Non-metallic materials:
- PP
- PVDF
- PTFE
Sealing materials:
- NBR
- FKM
- EPDM
- PTFE
- FFKM
For aggressive media, special materials may be considered on a project-specific basis. For abrasive media, a wear management concept using definable replaceable parts is implemented, such as liners, stator/rotor assemblies, hoses, or wear-resistant hydraulic components. For flammable media, a conductive or antistatic design, including grounding and equipotential bonding, is mandatory.
Seals, Interfaces, and Safety
The leakage target is defined as “minimized” or “permitted” depending on the medium, HSE requirements, and operator standards. The specific sealing concept depends on the pump design and can be implemented, for example, as a mechanical seal, packing, diaphragm, or hose system.
Safety-related considerations:
Especially in mobile emptying processes, incorrect coupling, dripping, and backflow are typical risk factors that must be mitigated through both design and organizational measures.
Safety-related considerations:
- Overpressure protection for positive-displacement pumps via a safety valve or bypass
- Backflow prevention via a check valve or a valve/coupling design
- Drum adapters and defined coupling standards
- Drip tray and drip protection
- Grounding and protection against accidental contact
- Safe shutdown
- Project-specific ATEX design
Especially in mobile emptying processes, incorrect coupling, dripping, and backflow are typical risk factors that must be mitigated through both design and organizational measures.
Drives, Control, and Energy
Depending on the application, drum pumps are available with electric motors or pneumatic motors. The drive is selected based on the medium, the location of use, and safety requirements.
Possible drive solutions:
Flow rate control can be achieved via speed control, step switching, or process-based control. Starting torque and cold start capability are always evaluated in relation to viscosity and temperature. Sensor options such as pressure, flow, fill counter, temperature, motor current, or leak detection can be integrated on a project-specific basis.
Possible drive solutions:
- 230 V electric motor
- 400 V electric motor
- 24-48 V DC for mobile or compact units
- Pneumatic drive for Ex or special applications
Flow rate control can be achieved via speed control, step switching, or process-based control. Starting torque and cold start capability are always evaluated in relation to viscosity and temperature. Sensor options such as pressure, flow, fill counter, temperature, motor current, or leak detection can be integrated on a project-specific basis.
Integration, Installation, and Peripherals
Depending on the application, the system can be integrated into the process as a portable system, a cart-based solution, or a stationary unloading station.
Key integration points:
In addition, space constraints, accessibility, containment concepts, and container securing are taken into account. This is particularly important during media changes, frequent changeovers, and during batching or filling processes.
Key integration points:
- Riser pipe or immersion depth
- Hose length, nominal diameter, and material
- Coupling standard
- Optional filling meters
- Filtration or screening as needed
- Flushing and cleaning connections
- Ventilation and drainage options
- Grounding and antistatic hose lines in hazardous areas
In addition, space constraints, accessibility, containment concepts, and container securing are taken into account. This is particularly important during media changes, frequent changeovers, and during batching or filling processes.
Monitoring, Protective Functions, and Operational Safety
To ensure availability, barrel pumps can be equipped with appropriate monitoring and protection functions.
Typical options:
Dry running must be avoided at all costs and is prevented through operating procedures, level monitoring, or process logic. The target availability is linked to a spare parts strategy and a media change concept.
Typical options:
- Pressure monitoring to detect blockages or a closed discharge line
- Temperature and current monitoring during cold starts or when dealing with high viscosity
- Leak monitoring or a drip pan for hazardous fluids
- Level or dry-run protection
- Alarm and shutdown logic in accordance with operator standards
Dry running must be avoided at all costs and is prevented through operating procedures, level monitoring, or process logic. The target availability is linked to a spare parts strategy and a media change concept.
Quality, Testing, and Documentation
The scope of testing and documentation is tailored to the criticality of the application.
Typical test items:
Typical documents:
Material certificates in accordance with EN 10204 2.2 or 3.1 are considered on a project-specific basis if required by the operator’s standards or an audit. The language of the documentation is typically specified as German or English.
Typical test items:
- Functional run
- Performance test for Q/Δp
- Leak test
- ATEX compliance test, if applicable, within the defined scope
- FAT or SAT as agreed
Typical documents:
- Data sheet
- General Arrangement (GA) or Connection Diagram
- Spare Parts List
- Operating instructions
- Conformity Documentation
Material certificates in accordance with EN 10204 2.2 or 3.1 are considered on a project-specific basis if required by the operator’s standards or an audit. The language of the documentation is typically specified as German or English.
Service, Maintenance, and Operating Costs (TCO)
The operating costs of a drum pump are determined not only by energy consumption, but also significantly by media changes, cleaning requirements, spare parts needs, and operating time.
Typical TCO drivers:
The maintenance strategy is defined as either scheduled or condition-based, depending on the pump design. Wear parts include seals, bearings, and design-specific replacement parts. Standard models are generally available from stock or can be delivered at short notice, which further supports the spare parts and availability strategy.
Typical TCO drivers:
- Energy consumption
- Spare part costs
- Risk of downtime
- Cleaning costs
- Media losses
- Setup and changeover times
The maintenance strategy is defined as either scheduled or condition-based, depending on the pump design. Wear parts include seals, bearings, and design-specific replacement parts. Standard models are generally available from stock or can be delivered at short notice, which further supports the spare parts and availability strategy.
Advantages of Harton Drum Pumps
- Safe emptying of drums, hobbocks, and canisters
- Application-specific selection of the appropriate pump principle
- Definable residual discharge level and controlled discharge of media
- Coordinated material and sealing design
- Explosion-proof and grounding concepts for flammable media
- Mobile, wheeled, or stationary system solutions
- Technical design by experienced in-house specialists
Types and Models of Our Barrel Pumps
At Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH, you’ll find drum pumps for virtually any application—from electrically driven systems with high flow rates to special designs for corrosive chemicals and high-viscosity fluids, as well as mobile models, screw-type pumps, and submersible pumps. Below, we present the various types and models along with their technical specifications and typical applications.
Electric Barrel Pumps (Motorized)
These drum pumps are driven by an electric motor and provide a constant flow rate with minimal maintenance. They are ideal for applications that require high flow capacity and do not require system mobility. Harton Anlagentechnik GmbH offers these pumps in various performance classes to meet the requirements of production environments.
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, PVDF |
| Seal | Mechanical Seal |
| ATEX | optional |
| Volume flow rate Q | 5 - 1.000 l/min |
| Pressure | up to 10 bar |
| Viscosity | 1 - 100.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +120 °C |
Drum Pumps for Chemicals (AGRO / PETRO / INDUSTRIAL)
These pumps are designed for the safe transfer of corrosive chemicals from drums or IBC containers. They are used in the petrochemical, agricultural, and food industries and provide complete isolation of the fluid through high-quality seals and materials.
| Seal | PTFE |
| ATEX | required |
| Volume flow rate Q | 1 - 500 l/min |
| Pressure | up to 10 bar |
| Viscosity | 1 - 50.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +100 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, PVDF |
Drum Pumps for High-Viscosity Fluids
Drum pumps for high-viscosity fluids are designed to handle viscous, sticky, or paste-like substances such as lubricants, resins, or bitumen. These pumps offer exceptionally high pressure capacity and are engineered to efficiently dispense even high-viscosity fluids. Ideal for use in the chemical industry as well as in food production and processing.
| Pressure | up to 30 bar |
| Viscosity | 1.000 - 1.000.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +80 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, FKM |
| Seal | Mechanical Seal |
| ATEX | optional |
| Volume flow rate Q | 0,1 - 100 l/min |
Portable Drum Pumps (Transportable Drum Pumps)
Portable drum pumps offer a high degree of flexibility and are specifically designed for mobile use at various production facilities or construction sites. They are often built with a rugged housing, an integrated carrying handle, and quick-connect fittings, allowing them to be easily moved between different containers and applications. Ideal for transporting your liquids in small and medium quantities and designed for use across various industries.
| Volume flow rate Q | 1 - 100 l/min |
| Pressure | up to 6 bar |
| Viscosity | 1 - 50.000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -10 to +90 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, plastic |
| ATEX | optional |
Standard Drum Pumps (Screw Pumps)
Drum pumps are designed for the safe transfer of liquids from drums, IBC containers, and other large vessels. They are frequently used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The medium is pumped out of the container by a screw-driven spindle. This model is ideal for use in environments where flexibility and mobility are important. We offer them in both manual and motorized versions.
| ATEX | optional |
| Volume flow rate Q | 0,1 - 100 l/min |
| Pressure | up to 8 bar |
| Viscosity | up to 200,000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -10 to +80 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PVDF, PTFE |
| Seal | Mechanical Seal |
Submersible Pumps for Barrels
Submersible pumps for drums are specifically designed for applications in which the fluid must be drawn directly from a container (such as a drum or IBC) without moving the container. These pumps are typically equipped with a submersible motor, which allows for direct integration into liquid containers. Submersible pumps offer a high degree of flexibility, especially for mobile applications, and are particularly effective in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
| Volume flow rate Q | 0,1 - 500 l/min |
| Pressure | up to 5 bar |
| Viscosity | up to 100,000 mPa·s |
| Temperature | -20 to +90 °C |
| Materials | Stainless steel, PTFE, plastic |
| ATEX | optional |
Relevance for Engineers and Technical Buyers
The design is based on the medium, container geometry, viscosity, flow rate, residual content, material and seal compatibility, and safety requirements to ensure reliable and cost-effective emptying.
For technical procurement, the following factors are particularly relevant: flow rate, differential pressure, viscosity range, fluid temperature, residual discharge level, materials, seals, protection class, explosion-proof suitability, and compatibility with existing hose, coupling, and metering systems.
Depending on the application, drum pumps must be designed and tested in accordance with the applicable machinery, explosion protection, and material requirements (e.g., CE, ATEX for Ex applications, as well as media- and application-specific resistance and leak-tightness certifications).
FAQs by Industry
Select an industry
Drum Pumps in the Chemical Industry: Handling Acids and Lyes
Food Industry: Discharging Concentrates and Oils
Surface Treatment: Electroplating and Pickling Facilities
Drum Pumps in Mechanical Engineering: Oils, Coolants, and Lubricants
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Industries: Sterile Withdrawal
Agricultural and Environmental Technology: Fertilizers and Waste Management
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