In businesses that rely on buying materials in bulk before portioning the resource out to individual production staff, having the appropriate storage for raw materials is essential. Most work places rely on using large 55 gallon drums for storing liquid, and then use smaller pails and bottles for production staff. This ensures that the production staff have a more manageable and practical amount of liquid appropriate to their work, and reduces wastage thanks to liquid being left over at the end of the day. Transfer pumps are used in order to move the chemicals or liquid from the storage drum into the day to day container that will be used to hold the smaller working amount.

It is also commonly the case that liquids will need to be moved from even larger receptacles into the 55 gallon drums for storage, and under these circumstances too, transfer pumps are required to ensure a smooth and easy flow that will minimize wastage.

Depending on the amounts of liquid that need to be moved, coupled with the kind of liquids that you are storing, there are many different transfer pumps available on the market that serve slightly different purposes, and have been designed to operate as efficiently as possible under any circumstances. In general, the most important consideration that you should make when selecting what kind of transfer pump you need is whether to opt for an electric or manual pump.

An electric drum transfer pump works on a push button basis, and will happily transfer large quantities of liquid from one place to another. It is ideal for situations where you want to maintain a smooth flow, or need to be able to handle multiple tasks at the same time. If a member of staff needs to hold their container at the same time as getting liquid, an electric pump will allow them to do this, as they are designed to operate hands free.

Manual transfer pumps on the other hand offer a low cost option, and although they require manual effort to be expended, either through the piston or rotary system, they are quick to set up, and require no external source of power to operate. Manual pumps are perfectly suited to occasions where small amounts of liquid need to be transferred.

It is also important to consider the exact kind of materials that you will be using your transfer pump to move around. If you are using high weight liquids such as lubricating oils and paint, then staff will find it easier to use either a lever pump or an electric pump, as these require less effort in use.

Transfer pumps made of different materials such as plastic and metal are available, and these are intended to be used with different materials. Plastic based pumps are good for paints and inert liquids, as well as acids due to the fact that they do not react. Hard wearing stainless steel transfer pumps are intended for use with oils and paints, while thanks to the protective patina that develops over the metal surface, aluminum can be used with practically any liquid that you may need to work with making these one of the most versatile transfer pumps available.