How to Select a Drum Unloading System

What is a Drum Unloading System?

Drum Unloading Systems are used across both industrial and hygienic applications, offering a complete range of processing and cleaning capabilities. These systems are used to empty all media that cannot be handled by a drum pump and are ideal for pushing high-viscosity, paste-like, non-self-flowing media out of device drums in a line while maintaining efficiency and process safety.

Advantages of Drum Unloading Systems:

All Tapflo Drum Unloading Systems ensure immediate and precise preparation of a less concentrated solution of SLES. Some key benefits of using Drum Unloading Systems are:

• Removes up to 99% of the product
• Reduce the risk of airborne contamination by creating a sealed section between the piston and the drum
• Removes the need for manual handling
• Advanced cleanability thanks to the sealless design Diaphragm Pump
• Inflatable seal system can be integrated with multiple drum shapes and sizes
• Various piston, control, and frame options ensure advanced configurability to suit almost any application requirement
• High-capacity capabilities with lower viscosity products

Common industries & applications:

• Food & Beverage
• Cosmetics
• Pharmaceutical
• Industrial

What are your fluid & media transfer characteristics?

To choose the appropriate Drum Unloading System for your application, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What media will be pumped? Consider the chemical composition of the media you will be pumping – is it chemically neutral or corrosive, shear sensitive etc.
2. What is the viscosity of the media you intend to pump? Consider viscosity limitations, shear sensitivity etc.
3. Do you need to pump fluids containing solids?
4. Is your environment or fluid explosive?
5. Do you require CIP/SIP?
6. Do you require self-priming capabilities?

Materials Available:

• Stainless Steel AISI 304/316: Offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability for prolonged and efficient use

Some of our materials offer an ATEX option on request for explosive applications and environments.

Maintenance required to keep your Drum Unloading System running:

• Conduct routine visual inspections of the pump’s components
• Check and tighten the pump’s main nuts and bolts to the specified torque settings
• Monitor and clean/replace the air filter regularly
• Keep the air exhaust muffler clear of any obstructions
• Inspect diaphragms for signs of wear
• Check valve balls and seats for wear or damage and replace any worn/broken components
• Regularly inspect suction and discharge pipework for blockages or leaks
• Routinely monitor suction and discharge pressure gauges to ensure the system pressure remains within the working parameters of the pump
• Consider maintenance intervals

Depending on the size of your pump and the fluid you are pumping, a more detailed maintenance schedule may be required.

Additional Factors to Consider:

Will your pump be stationary, or do you need it to be portable? If you require portability, Drum Unloading Systems can be fitted to trolleys of any size to suit your needs.