Chemical Pumps

Chemical Pumps

Chemical pumps transfer corrosive, hazardous, and aggressive fluids from drums, IBCs, and storage vessels safely and efficiently — eliminating the need to tip or decant containers that are heavy, awkward, or contain liquids that must not contact skin or be splashed. Selecting the correct pump material for the chemical being handled is critical: the wrong pump body or shaft material can dissolve, swell, or corrode rapidly, leading to pump failure, fluid contamination, or a hazardous spill. AIMS Industrial supplies drum pumps and chemical transfer pumps for industrial and laboratory applications across Australia.

Drum Pumps

Drum pumps (barrel pumps) are the most widely used chemical transfer pump type in industrial settings. A long shaft and tube assembly is inserted through the bung opening of a drum or IBC, and a motor or hand mechanism drives an impeller or positive displacement element to transfer fluid. Key material options:

• HDPE (High Density Polyethylene): Resists a wide range of acids, alkalis, and oxidising agents. The standard choice for concentrated acids, caustic soda, and similar industrial chemicals.
• Polypropylene (PP): Good general chemical resistance. Suited to most acids, alkalis, and moderate solvents. Slightly higher temperature resistance than HDPE.
• PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride): Excellent resistance to aggressive solvents and oxidising acids. Specified for highly aggressive chemicals where standard polymers fail.
• Stainless steel (316L): Suited to food-grade fluids, aqueous solutions, and applications where plastic contamination of the product is unacceptable. Not suitable for strong acids.

Electric vs Hand Pump

Electric drum pumps are the productive choice for regular, high-volume transfer — a 230 V electric motor drives continuous flow at rates of 25–80 litres per minute depending on the pump model. Hand-operated pumps (rotary and lever types) are simpler, require no power source, and suit occasional or low-volume transfer. For hazardous chemicals, an electric pump reduces exposure time versus hand pumping; for remote locations without power, a hand pump is the only option.

Flow Rate and Viscosity

Standard centrifugal drum pumps handle thin, low-viscosity fluids efficiently. For viscous products — oils, adhesives, resins, and thick chemicals — a gear pump or peristaltic pump configuration transfers the product without cavitation and maintains consistent flow rate. Check the fluid viscosity against the pump's rated viscosity range before specifying.

Safety and Compliance

All chemical transfer equipment should be selected in accordance with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical being handled — the SDS specifies compatible materials. For flammable solvents, use pumps with antistatic construction and earth bonding provisions to prevent static discharge ignition.

Order Chemical Pumps from AIMS Industrial

AIMS Industrial supplies drum pumps and chemical transfer equipment for industrial applications. For material selection advice based on your specific chemical, contact our team.