Bürkle, drum pump for concentrated acids/alkalis, 100 cm, 80 rpm, #5762-0200

Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sodium hypochlorite corrode most plastics more severely than diluted acids. The drum pump for concentrated acids and alkalis is therefore of the same design as the drum pump for acids and alkalis, but has a pump body made of PVDF instead of polypropylene. Two immersion depths, 100 and 120 centimetres, are suitable for standard drums up to 220 litres.

PVDF instead of polypropylene for highly corrosive media

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is more chemically resistant than polypropylene and makes the pump suitable for media that would, over time, corrode a pump made entirely of PP. Bürkle cites sulphuric acid, nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sodium hypochlorite as typical applications. This version is also expressly unsuitable for hydrochloric acid; chemical resistance must be checked before use by referring to the manufacturer’s resistance list.

Electric centrifugal pump with a slightly lower flow rate

At around 80 litres per minute, the flow rate is just below that of the PP version at 85 litres per minute; the difference is due to the PVDF pump body. The 2-metre-long outlet hose and the 41-millimetre-thick immersion tube are standard features of the drum pump series.

Two immersion depths for standard drums

The 100-centimetre version and the 120-centimetre version differ solely in their immersion depth; all other technical specifications are identical for both. The immersion tube can be adjusted continuously to the actual drum depth.

When the standard version is sufficient

For low-viscosity acids such as phosphoric acid, chromic acid or battery acid, where polypropylene offers sufficient chemical resistance, the drum pump for acids and alkalis is the more cost-effective choice with a slightly higher flow rate. The PVDF version is worthwhile where more concentrated or aggressive media are used.

Thread and connection

Like the PP version, this pump also uses a G 1¼-inch thread for the drum connection, rather than the G 2-inch thread commonly found on other Bürkle drum pumps. It is therefore worth checking the existing drum connection before ordering to ensure the pump fits without the need for an additional adapter. The yellow colour scheme is identical for both versions in the series and allows for quick visual differentiation from the other drum pump series on the shelf.

Chemical protection for operations and staff

Concentrated acids and sodium hypochlorite are among the media where material failure in the pump can quickly pose a hazard to staff and the surrounding area. The PVDF pump body reduces this risk compared to a PP version, but does not replace the standard personal protective equipment or the other guidelines for handling the relevant hazardous substances in the workplace.

Compatibility list as the final point of reference

Even within the group of highly corrosive acids and alkalis, there are differences in concentration that determine the actual material resistance. Before using a pump with a new medium for the first time, it is therefore advisable to consult the manufacturer’s compatibility list to avoid misjudgements between acids that sound similar but differ in their chemical corrosiveness.

Electric drive for continuous pumping

Even in the concentrated version, the centrifugal pump’s electric motor runs continuously as long as the medium is flowing, rather than delivering individual strokes as with a hand pump. This is particularly suitable for businesses that regularly transfer larger quantities of a specific concentrated acid or alkali between a drum and a process vessel.

Typical applications

• Transferring highly corrosive acids such as sulphuric, nitric or hydrofluoric acid
• Decanting sodium hypochlorite and similarly corrosive alkalis
• Larger transfer volumes from standard drums of up to 220 litres
• Operations where polypropylene is not chemically suitable as a pump material

Technical details

Overview of variants

Scope of delivery

• Drum pump for concentrated acids/alkalis at the selected immersion depth

Regulatory information

The drum pump for concentrated acids/alkalis is an electrical appliance within the meaning of the ElektroG. Information on returns can be found under ‘Environment and Disposal’.

Service and procurement

For low-viscosity, less corrosive acids, the drum pump for acids and alkalis with a PP pump body is often sufficient. For smaller quantities without a mains power supply, the Ultrarein PTFE drum pump is a manually operated alternative. LT Laborhandel stocks both immersion depths separately and can advise on the appropriate choice based on the medium to be transferred.