FLUX offers two types of rotors: an axial rotor for high flow rates at low pressure requirements, and a semi-axial rotor (Z-version) for higher discharge pressures at lower flow rates. All rotors are made of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene). The Ø 38 mm axial rotor is also available in stainless steel.

Axial rotor	Semi-axial rotor (Z version)
For high flow rates	For high delivery heads
Flow rate: up to 240 l/min Head: up to 13 mWs High flow rates with low pressure requirements Light fluids (density up to 1.3 kg/dm³) Short pressure lines, small height differences	Flow rate: up to 160 l/min Head: up to 30 mWs High delivery heads for heavy media (density 1.3 kg/dm³ and above) Long pressure lines, large height differences Compensates for pressure losses (due to valves and fittings)

Comparison of the performance curves for an F/FP 430 drum pump with an F 457 drive motor featuring a 38 mm axial rotor and a 37 mm semi-axial rotor (Z version):

Depending on the model and motor power, FLUX barrel pumps achieve a maximum operating pressure (internal pressure) of 3 bar; in practice, this is usually 1–2 bar. When used with FLUX air motors, the maximum permissible operating pressure is 6 bar. At higher pressures, the rotor sliders will wear out prematurely.

The 400 Series is FLUX’s most versatile line of drum pumps—for Hobbocks, 200-liter drums, 1,000-liter IBCs, and tanks larger than 1,000 liters.

• Flow rate: up to 240 l/min (axial rotor)
• Head: up to 13 mWs (axial rotor) or up to 30 mWs (semi-axial rotor, Z version)
• Viscosity: up to 1,200 mPas
• Immersion depths: up to 3,000 mm (F 430)
• Materials: PP, PVDF, stainless steel, Hastelloy C, aluminum

Models: F 424 (seal-less), F 425 (backflow preventer), F 426 (mixing pump), F 427 (hygiene/food), F 430 (with mechanical seal)

FLUX stainless steel drum pumps are suitable for fluids containing solids up to 1.5 mm in size; PP/PVDF pumps are suitable for solids up to 2.5 mm. For abrasive fluids, we recommend using drum pumps with a mechanical seal and a foot strainer.

Details:

• Maximum particle sizes:

-- Stainless steel drum pumps: up to 1.5 mm -- PP/PVDF drum pumps: up to 2.5 mm

• Recommendations to prevent damage:

-- Use a foot strainer to trap dirt particles. -- Particles up to 2.5 mm can pass through the foot strainer without causing damage, but may increase wear on the rotor.

• Abrasive fluids (e.g., water with sand):

-- For stainless steel pumps, a stainless steel rotor is recommended, as it exhibits less abrasion than ETFE rotors. -- Seal-less drum pumps are not suitable for abrasive media (risk of bearing damage). -- Mixing pumps should not be operated with abrasive media, as particles can cause damage between the outer tube and the seal assembly.

• Suitable models for abrasive media, drum pumps with mechanical seals: F 430 S / FP 430 S -- F 425 S / FP 425 S in combination with a foot strainer

Information:

• Operating Instructions
• Performance Curves
• Data Sheets

The FLUX F 426 mixing pump reliably mixes fluids up to 500 mPas.

Details:

• Mixing + Pumping: up to 500 mPas.
• Pumping only: up to 1200 mPas.
• Optimal range: up to 250 mPas for best mixing results.
• Suitable for low-viscosity media; can also be used in IBCs.

FLUX e-polished pumps achieve an average surface roughness of approximately 0.4 µm, but do not consistently meet the requirements for 3A certification. For hygienic applications, 3A-certified pumps with a surface roughness of 0.1–0.2 µm are available.

Details:

• E-polished pumps:

-- Average surface roughness: approx. 0.4 µm. -- Weld seams can reach up to 1.6 µm → not 3A-certified.

• 3A-certified pumps:

-- Surface roughness: 0.1–0.2 µm when new. -- Meet the limit of <0.8 µm on all surfaces in contact with the medium. Background: Smooth surfaces are crucial for preventing particle adhesion and product contamination.

Solutions for hygienic applications:

• 3A-certified FLUX VISCOPOWER progressive cavity pumps – hygienic, FDA- and 3A-compliant.
• 3A-certified versions of the Flux Series 400 drum and container pumps – hygienic, FDA- and 3A-compliant.
• Sanitary versions of the MINIFLUX drum pump (MINIFLUX Sanitary)

– minimal dead space, for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Information:

• Compare technical data
• Operating Instructions
• Performance Curves
• Dimension sheets

• PP (polypropylene): For acids, alkalis, and aqueous solutions.
• PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride): Higher chemical and thermal resistance.
• Stainless steel: For demanding media, food, and pharmaceuticals.
• Hastelloy C: For highly corrosive media (F 425, F 430).
• Aluminum: For oils (F 430).

Material selection based on the FLUX resistance list.

The FLUX MINIFLUX pump empties IBCs via the discharge port in a space-saving manner—at a rate of up to 240 l/min for low-viscosity fluids. Available in an Ex-rated version (MINIFLUX) and a sanitary version (MINIFLUX Sanitary).

The FLUX MINIFLUX container pump is designed for horizontal emptying of IBCs via the discharge fitting. It is the ideal solution when access via the fill opening is not possible or impractical due to space constraints. With a flow rate of up to 240 l/min and capable of handling fluids up to 1,000 mPas, it is particularly well-suited for low-viscosity products in the chemical, cosmetics, and food industries.

Application scenarios:

• Emptying IBCs in areas with low ceiling heights or where containers are stacked on top of one another.
• Rapid filling into canisters or transfer to higher-level containers.
• Pumping against closed valves (e.g., dispensing nozzles) is possible.

Advantages:

• Direct connection to the IBC outlet via a standard thread (S60x6).
• Very compact, lightweight design (1.2 kg).
• MNIFLUX Sanitary: quick and easy to disassemble, easy to clean.
• Can also be used in Ex Zone 1. (MINIFLUX)

Available as MINIFLUX Sanitary: minimal dead space, disassembles without tools, easy to clean, compliant with FDA CFR 21 and EC 1935/2004, for hygienic applications.

Technical Data: Flow rate max. 240 l/min, head max. 13 mWS, viscosity max. 1,000 mPas.

Information:

• Operating Instructions
• Performance Curves
• Dimension sheets

FLUX drum and container pumps quickly and safely empty containers such as drums and IBCs. Depending on the model, they are suitable for chemicals, food products, hazardous areas, and viscous media.

A drum or container pump is a modular pumping system designed for the fast, safe, and nearly complete emptying of containers such as canisters, buckets, drums (60–200 L), and containers (e.g., 1,000 L IBCs). It operates on the centrifugal pump principle and, depending on the model, is designed for low- to medium-viscosity fluids, for hazardous areas, or for hygienic applications.

Operating principle: The motor drives a pump shaft with an impeller; the liquid is pumped upward from the bottom of the container. Variants with axial or semi-axial impellers enable high flow rates (up to 240 l/min) or greater head (up to 30 mWS).

Series: 300/400: Centrifugal pumps for low- to medium-viscosity fluids up to approx. 1,200 mPas.

Versions: With or without a mechanical seal (e.g., F 430 with seal, F 424 without seal). With backflow preventer (F 425) for minimal residual volumes. With mixing function (F 426) for combined pumping and mixing processes. Hygienic versions (F 427), with minimal dead space and FOOD/3A-certified.

Materials: PP, PVDF, stainless steel, Hastelloy C – selection depends on chemical resistance and application.

Applications:

• Chemicals: acids, alkalis, solvents.
• Food/Cosmetics: viscous media such as honey, creams, concentrates.
• Hazardous areas: flammable liquids, ATEX-certified motors and pump tubing.
• General industry: Paints, coatings, wastewater, electroplating.

The FLUX MINIFLUX and MINIFLUX Sanitary models are characterized by their compact, lightweight, and portable design. They can be mounted directly on the IBC’s discharge valve, which increases flow rate and operational reliability and eliminates the need for additional suction pipes. This makes them particularly well-suited as a cost-effective solution for applications with low ceilings or IBCs on racks, where vertical drum and container pumps cannot be used.

Details:

• Flexible application: easy switching between different IBCs and tanks.
• Variants: available in industrial and sanitary/food-grade versions (hygienic, easy to clean).
• Modular: Can be combined with different motors and O-ring materials for a wide range of media.
• Performance: high flow rates, low-maintenance, spare parts available.
• Explosion protection: ATEX-certified for potentially explosive atmospheres (e.g., chemical plants, refineries, distilleries).
• Connection options: Adapters allow connection to virtually any unpressurized pipeline or tank outlet.

More information about the FLUX MINIFLUX IBC pump

FLUX offers drum pumps in four series: the 300 series for small quantities, the 400 series for general-purpose use, the 500 series for high-viscosity fluids, and the 600 series as the VISCOFLUX drainage system.

FLUX offers drum and container pumps in various series for different media, viscosities, and container sizes. The selection ranges from compact pumps for small volumes to specialized solutions for highly viscous or sensitive products.

Overview:

• Series 300 (JUNIORFLUX / COMBIFLUX): Compact drum pumps for smaller containers and canisters (1–60 L).

For low-viscosity media up to approx. 250 mPas. Models available with AC or battery-powered motors.

• Series 400, universal drum and container pumps: for 60–200 l drums and IBCs. For fluids up to approx. 1,200 mPas, flow rate up to 240 l/min.

Variants: seal-less (F 424), with mechanical seal (F 430), with backflow preventer (F 425), with mixing function (F 426), hygienic/low-dead-space (F 427).

• Series 500 (VISCOPOWER / Eccentric Screw Pumps): For highly viscous media up to 100,000 mPas. Also suitable for pasty, shear-sensitive, or filled products.

Variants with different motors (electric, compressed air), also suitable for mobile use.

• VISCOFLUX Drum Emptying Systems: Complete systems for the near-total emptying of high-viscosity products from drums with liners. Flow rate depends on viscosity and motor selection. Also suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications (VISCOFLUX mobile S, minimal dead space, FDA/EC-compliant).

Short answer: A FLUX drum pump from the F 300 series (COMBIFLUX / JUNIORFLUX) is designed to pump low-viscosity liquids such as acids, alkalis, oils, and cleaning and disinfecting agents. It is designed for viscosities up to 250 mPas and densities up to 1.4, making it universally applicable in laboratories, manufacturing, agriculture, and the automotive industry.

Details:

• Fluids: non-flammable chemicals, oils, cleaning agents, and disinfectants.
• Short-term operation is also possible with slightly higher viscosities/densities.
• Materials: PP, PVDF, stainless steel, depending on chemical resistance.
• Versatile applications: laboratory, manufacturing, automotive, agriculture.

See the FLUX compatibility list for materials used in FLUX 300 Series drum pumps (COMBIFLUX / JUNIORFLUX)

FLUX drum pumps handle acids, alkalis, food products, cosmetics, and industrial chemicals—depending on viscosity and material compatibility.

FLUX drum and container pumps handle a wide range of media—from low-viscosity acids and alkalis to viscous food products, cosmetics, or chemicals. The chemical resistance of the materials and the viscosity of the medium are key factors.

Details:

• Chemical media: Acids (e.g., hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, boric acid), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide, ammonia water), oxidizing agents (e.g., sodium hypochlorite), solvents, and cleaning agents.
• Food and cosmetics: Fruit juices, dairy products, syrups, creams, shampoos, or lotions—depending on hygiene standards, with low-dead-space, FOOD/3A-certified pumps (e.g., F 427).
• Industrial products: Paints, varnishes, oils, lubricants, electroplating electrolytes.

Limitations:

• Centrifugal pumps of the 300/400 series: suitable up to approx. 1,200 mPas.
• 500 Series eccentric screw pumps: up to 100,000 mPas.

Selection depends on chemical resistance (materials: PP, PVDF, stainless steel, Hastelloy C; seals: NBR, EPDM, FKM, FFKM).

Note: Exact suitability depends on the composition, temperature, and viscosity of the fluid. To ensure safety, FLUX recommends verifying suitability using the compatibility list and, if necessary, conducting on-site tests.

For 1,000-liter water tanks, for example, the FLUX F 430 TR drum pump with an electric motor is suitable—delivering up to 240 l/min for nearly complete emptying. Alternatively, MINIFLUX-type IBC pumps can be used.

For emptying a 1,000-liter IBC containing water, FLUX recommends the F 430 TR container pump. When combined with an electric motor, it achieves flow rates of up to 240 l/min and empties the tank almost completely, leaving less than 1% residual volume.

Details: The F 430 TR is a centrifugal pump from the 400 series, specifically designed for low-viscosity fluids such as water. It is operated horizontally at the IBC outlet and is ideal when access from above is not possible.

Advantages:

• High flow rate at low viscosity.
• Safe, rapid emptying even of large containers.
• Ex-rated versions available for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Recommended Alternatives:

• The MINIFLUX Sanitary can be used for hygienic applications.
• For high-viscosity liquids, FLUX recommends VISCOPOWER 500 Series (F 580 TR) eccentric screw pumps.

Further information:

• Product Overview: Drum and Container Pumps

Related question: Which pump is best suited for an IBC container?

Data Sheet: F 430 TR

Depending on the medium and installation situation, various FLUX pumps are suitable for emptying IBCs. Low-viscosity products are pumped using Series 400 drum pumps, while high-viscosity media are pumped using VISCOPOWER Series 500 eccentric screw pumps. If access from above is not possible, the compact MINIFLUX container pump is ideal for use at the outlet.

Overview:

• Top access: Series 400 (e.g., F 430): For low- to medium-viscosity media (up to approx. 1,200 mPas), flow rate up to 240 l/min. 500 Series (F 580): For high-viscosity products up to 80,000 mPas, also available in a mobile version.
• Outlet access: MINIFLUX: Horizontal pump for the IBC outlet, space-saving, up to 240 l/min, also available in an Ex-rated version and as the hygienic “MINIFLUX Sanitary.” Alternatively, for high-viscosity media: Series 500 (F 580 TR)

Further information: IBC solutions from FLUX (overview) MINIFLUX product page

Related questions: What types of media can be pumped with FLUX drum pumps? What types of drum pumps does FLUX offer?

Data Sheets: MINIFLUX, MINIFLUX Sanitary, F 430, F 560 TR