VISCOFLUX
Drum Emptying Systems
Drum emptying systems are used wherever high-viscosity media need to be emptied continuously and gently from lidded drums. VISCOFLUX systems achieve a residual quantity of less than 1% in the drum.
VISCOFLUX lite is suitable for higher-viscosity media that are just barely flowable, while VISCOFLUX mobile S also handles highly viscous, non-self-flowing media—on a mobile, wheeled process unit.
Applications
Typical applications and areas of use for FLUX eccentric screw pumps.
High-viscosity fluids
Convey paste-like substances up to 100,000 mPas—gently and without pulsation—with the VISCOPOWER F 580.
Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
Creams, ointments, petroleum jelly, mascara—gentle removal without altering the structure.
Paints & Varnishes
Raw materials, coating compounds, solvent-based pastes—including explosion-proof versions (Zone 0/1).
Adhesives & Sealants
Construction adhesives, fixing compounds, casting compounds—viscosity up to 500,000 mPas.
Lubricants
Soft greases up to NLGI Class 3 – can be drained almost completely from lidded drums.
Chemical Industry
High-viscosity base materials and ingredients – with VISCOFLUX lite or mobile S.
More media examples
- Media that are just barely fluid
- Soft greases up to NLGI Class 2 (e.g., machine greases)
- Filler
- Raw materials for paints and coatings
- Solvent-based mixing pastes
- Coating compounds (primers)
- Adhesives / Construction adhesives / Fixing compounds
- Corrosion protection gels
- Media that are just barely fluid
- Soft greases up to NLGI Class 2 (e.g., machine greases)
- Filler
- Raw materials for paints and coatings
- Solvent-based mixing pastes
- Coating compounds (primers)
- Adhesives / Construction adhesives / Fixing compounds
- Corrosion protection gels
- Media without inherent flow behavior
- Media that outgas or react with oxygen
- Oils up to oil class 3
- Media in which neither air pockets nor foreign particles are permitted
- High-viscosity base materials and ingredients
- Tomato paste concentrate
- Paste-like spice preparations
- Nut creams and pastes
- Chocolate & caramel
- Fruit concentrates
- Creams and ointments, e.g., zinc oxide ointments
- Vaseline
- Mascara & lipstick
- Hair and body care products
A Comparison of Drum Emptying Systems
An overview of the most important specifications and features—for selection and comparison.
Feature |
VISCOFLUX lite |
VISCOFLUX lite Ex |
VISCOFLUX mobile S |
| Max. flow rate | Depends on the medium, 50 l/min max | depending on the medium, 30 l/min | depending on the medium, 50 l/min |
| Max. discharge pressure | 8 bar | 8 bar | 15 bar |
| Max. viscosity | 500,000 mPas | 500,000 mPas | 500,000 mPas |
| Residual amount | < 1% | < 1% | < 1% (< 2% for inliners) |
| Drum size | ISO-compliant drum | ISO-top drum | ISO-lidded drum / Standard+ conical |
| Mobile (on wheels) | – | – | ✓ |
| Explosion-proof |
– | ✓ | – |
| FOOD / FDA / 3-A | – | – | ✓ (EC 1935/2004, FDA) |
| Ideal for | High-viscosity media | Flammable, hazardous area | High-viscosity, non-flowable |
| View product | Go to product | Go to product |
The maximum flow rate is a test bench value, measured with water at 20 °C at the pump’s discharge port, without accessories (hose, dispensing nozzle, flow meter). The flow rate that can be achieved in practice is lower and depends on the specific application, the properties of the fluid, and the pump configuration. Specifications are for an axial rotor, unless otherwise noted.
Downloads
Documents, catalogs, and technical documentation related to FLUX products in one place. select a category to find the documents you're looking for.
Operating Instructions
Operating instructions for all FLUX drum emptying systems.
Data Sheets
Technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data for all FLUX pumps and motors.
Performance Curves
Flow rate, head, and performance curves for precise pump selection.
Dimension Sheets
Dimensions and installation dimensions for technical planning and design.
Certificates & Evidence
Declarations of conformity, ATEX/IECEx certificates, as well as ISO, REACH, and other certifications.
Brochures
Product brochures and company information to browse and download.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about drum emptying systems: design, maintenance and certification.
FLUX drum emptying systems are designed for standard drums as well as conical or cylindrical steel and plastic drums. Some models can also empty aseptic bags or lined drums, either in stationary or mobile applications.
When selecting a system, consider both the container and the process requirements:
- VISCOFLUX lite: stationary system for individual drums; designed for ISO open-head drums with an internal diameter of 571.5 mm
- VISCOFLUX mobile S: mobile system for emptying several drums on a pallet. Suitable for drum diameters of 560 mm or 571 mm, conical drums measuring 550 mm at the top and 515 mm at the bottom, and drums with a smaller opening measuring 540 mm at the top and 571 mm at the bottom.
The process seal adapts to reinforcing beads, uneven surfaces and slightly deformed drum walls. Versions are also available for drums with liners or sterile packaging, for example in food and pharmaceutical applications.
Products:
FLUX drum emptying systems are designed for medium- to high-viscosity, paste-like, and non-free-flowing media. They handle products that cannot be moved using conventional drum pumps—from lubricating greases to silicone, tomato paste, or adhesives.
The closed system prevents air from entering and protects sensitive products from contamination. The choice of system depends on the viscosity of the medium:
- VISCOFLUX lite: for higher-viscosity media that are still just barely flowable.
- VISCOFLUX mobile S: suitable for highly viscous, paste-like, and non-flowable substances.
Typical applications can be found in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and adhesive processing industries. For example:
Food processing: tomato paste, caramel, fruit and vegetable concentrates, peanut butter, concentrates for sauce production, etc. -- Pharmaceuticals: petroleum jelly, ointments, personal care products, glycerin, mascara, etc. -- Industry: greases, paints, coating and potting compounds, PVC printing/insulating paints, etc.
Products:
FLUX drum emptying systems are available with both electric and pneumatic drives. The choice of drive depends on the medium, the process environment, and the level of automation.
Details:
- Electric drive: Three-phase motors starting at 0.75 kW or helical gearmotors—for continuous operation at a constant speed. Suitable for stationary and mobile systems.
- Pneumatic drive: Compressed air motors—for use in potentially explosive atmospheres or where no power supply is available. Stepless speed control via air pressure.
- Battery operation: The VISCOFLUX mobile S is available with a battery-powered process unit (24 V, lead-acid battery)—self-sufficient and independent of an external power supply.
All drive variants power an eccentric screw pump that delivers the medium with low pulsation and low shear. The motor and pump can be combined in a modular fashion—the modular design allows for customization to the specific medium.
Products:
FLUX drum emptying systems are designed for quick cleaning and easy maintenance. The pump, follower plate, and process seal can be disassembled in just a few simple steps—without any special tools. The motor remains attached to the process unit.
Cleaning:
- All parts in contact with the medium can be removed individually and rinsed.
- Smooth surfaces and a design with minimal dead space prevent product buildup.
- IP 66 protection rating—can be cleaned with a water jet.
Maintenance:
- Wear parts (rotor, stator, process seal) are available as individual replacement parts.
- Regular visual inspection of the process seal is recommended—especially when handling abrasive media or during frequent batch changes.
- Maintenance intervals depend on the medium and frequency of use; see the respective data sheet for details.
Products:
FLUX drum-emptying systems are designed with minimal dead space, are easy to clean, and are available in a food-grade version compliant with EC Regulation 1935/2004 and FDA CFR 21 (VISCOFLUX mobile S). All parts in contact with the medium are made of stainless steel or PTFE and can be easily disassembled.
Details:
- The systems are designed for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical processes.
- IP 66 protection rating—can be cleaned with a water jet.
- No product buildup thanks to smooth surfaces and a design with minimal dead space.
- Quick disassembly of the pump, backing plate, and seal without special tools.
- CIP/SIP-compatible version available as an option.
Products:
A FLUX drum emptying system achieves a residual volume in the drum of less than 1%. Depending on the system and medium, the flow rate can reach up to 50 l/min, while the delivery pressure remains constant and low in pulsation. Nearly complete emptying is achieved through the precise guidance of the follow-up plate and the sealing process lip.
Flow rate comparison:
- VISCOFLUX lite: up to 50 l/min (Ex version: 30 l/min). Drive motor can be selected individually.
- VISCOFLUX mobile S: depends on the medium and motor type (motors starting at 0.75 kW, e.g., FLUX F 560 or F 560 Food). The eccentric screw pump delivers a continuous flow without shear stress or heating of the medium. This significantly reduces material loss and cleaning effort.
Products:
Depending on the model, FLUX barrel-emptying systems achieve a maximum delivery pressure of up to 15 bar. This allows even highly viscous fluids to be reliably pumped against pipe resistance and back pressure—for example, through piping, filters, or directly into processing systems.
Details:
- VISCOFLUX lite / lite Ex: max. 8 bar delivery pressure, max. 50 l/min (Ex version: 30 l/min)
- VISCOFLUX mobile S: max. 15 bar delivery pressure, VISCOPOWER F 580 eccentric screw pump
The actual delivery pressure depends on viscosity, pipe length, and cross-sectional area. For precise sizing, we recommend referring to the performance curve of the respective system.
Products:
The follow-up plate rests on the surface of the medium and follows the liquid level during pumping. The integrated process seal hermetically seals the drum rim—allowing the medium to be pumped out completely and without air.
Details: The follow-up plate ensures even pressure distribution across the surface of the medium. The process seal (elastic, medium-resistant) adapts to beads, weld seams, or slight deformations. This keeps the system airtight and enables residual discharge of less than 1%. If the process is interrupted, the seal prevents the medium from dripping or reacting with ambient air.
Products:
A FLUX drum emptying system leaves less than 1% residual product in the drum. Depending on the system and medium, the flow rate can reach up to 50 l/min, while the delivery pressure remains constant with minimal pulsation. The drum is emptied almost completely thanks to the precise guidance of the follower plate and the sealing process lip.
Flow rate comparison:
- VISCOFLUX lite: up to 50 l/min (30 l/min for the Ex version). Drive motor can be selected individually.
- VISCOFLUX mobile S: depends on the medium and motor type (motors from 0.75 kW, e.g. FLUX F 560 or F 560 FOOD). The progressing cavity pump delivers the medium continuously without subjecting it to shear or heat. This significantly reduces product losses and cleaning effort.
Products:
Get in touch.
Find documents.
Sales & Advice
Select a pump suitable for the application
We determine the medium, flow rate, viscosity and operating environment.
Requests for quotations
Please send us your requirements
We will assess your requirements and advise you on the most suitable option.
Service & Support
Documents for planning, operation and servicing
Find user manuals, dimension sheets, technical specifications and FAQs.