There are a number of different types of barrel pumps available from retailers, and all serve slightly different purposes. 55 Gallon barrels are fantastically useful when it comes to storing liquids, but when you want to get the fluid out, the weight of the barrel and its contents makes it impossible to pour, and so, a pump is required.
The anatomy of a barrel pump is fairly straightforward. Typically, the unit fastens on to the opening at the top of the drum, screwing into place for added stability. A pipe attached to the pump reaches to the very bottom of the barrel in order to draw liquid from the very deepest part first.
The simplest form of barrel pump that you can choose is a standard piston pump. These are ideal for lightweight liquids and although they do require a great deal of effort in use, their relative simplicity means that they do not need a great deal of maintenance, and are able to offer long term and reliable service throughout their lifetime.
For a slightly more viscous liquid, a more powerful pump system is required, and there are a number of different options available. One of the most straightforward is the evolution of the piston pump. By adding a lever to the top of the piston, engineers have been able to provide additional power and make it easier to get the liquid out of the barrel more effectively. Of course the drawback with this kind of barrel pump is the fact that the flow of the liquid is uneven, and care needs to be taken by the operator not to spill excessive amounts of liquid on the floor and surrounding area.
In order to bypass the dual problems of uneven flow and spillage, there are two main options available. The first is the rotary pump. With this type of barrel pump, turning a handle draws liquid up from the bottom of the barrel and allows for the operator to enjoy a consistent and even flow of liquid into their alternative container. This even flow means that there is less risk of liquid splashing out onto the floor, where it will be wasted, or could create a hazard for people slipping over.
An alternative to the regular manual rotary pump is the electric barrel pump. Rather than having to manually pump the system in order to get liquid from one container to another, a motor powered by either a battery or mains power supply is used in place of human power. This produces a good even flow of liquid from the barrel at the push of a button, and means that an exactly controlled amount of liquid can be dispensed in order to avoid any wastage, and driving down business costs in the long run.
Having individual barrel pumps available for all the different types of liquid that you store is an essential part of maintaining all materials in the best possible condition. If a solvent or water based liquid is allows to stand in a pipe or barrel pump that is then used for an oil, it will contaminate it, and this could lead to problems at a later date, such as in an engine where water in the oil can cause the lubricated areas to corrode and very expensive damage to delicate parts of the engine to be caused.
