FAQ - Frequently asked questions about drum pumps
Find answers to your questions about drum pumps
Can I repair drum pump motors myself?
Provided you have a qualified electrician, you may repair our standard motors. You can request our exploded drawings with the spare parts here. What you as a customer are not allowed to repair are the ATEX motors, here the repair is only permitted by us as the manufacturer or by a certified company.
What is the difference between the rotor and impeller version?
Depending on the use of the drum pump, a rotor version or impeller version is used. When using a rotor, the flow rate is higher compared to an impeller, but the delivery head is lower. The use of an impeller can also make sense for more viscous media.
Please refer to the respective motor diagrams for the theoretical values.
Does a drum pump empty the entire drum?
With normal drum pumps, there is always approx. 2 fingers’ width of residual medium in the containers.
This also serves to cool the pump tube. In addition, the medium runs back when the motor is switched off.
We have drum pumps with a residue emptying function, here the residue remaining in the container is much less, as the medium remaining in the pump tube is enclosed in the pump and can therefore be removed from the container.
What do I have to pay attention to during operation?
A drum pump should always be positioned vertically in the drum or IBC container. If it is positioned at an angle, the wear and thus the service life is increased.
This is easiest to realise with a threaded adapter and IBC lid or drum adapter.
The motor and the pump tube must always be firmly connected to ensure power transmission.
If you have particles or foreign bodies in the medium, you should consider whether you should also use a foot strainer.
It should also be noted that the motors are not designed for continuous operation over several hours. We have new three-phase motors with a gearbox in our programme for this purpose.
Switch off the motors occasionally and allow them to cool down.
A drum pump must not run dry. This means that the pump must never run without medium. There must always be a residue that can be sucked in by the pump so that the rubbing parts are cooled.
Are there any special features that need to be taken into account with speed control?
As the rotational speed of the fan wheel is directly linked to the engine speed, it must be noted that the slower and longer an engine is operated at reduced speed, the greater the risk of overheating.
Speed control is often not necessary as the dosing is usually also done with the petrol nozzle or valves.
As an alternative, the flow rate can be easily adjusted with a manual valve when the engine is running at full speed (= full cooling capacity).
How can I repair/disassemble the pump tube?
Simply ask for the spare parts list for your pump type, e.g. PP(HC) 41mm diameter (length does not matter here), where an exploded view of the respective pump tube is shown. The individual parts can be easily screwed on by hand. Please note that some of the threads are left-handed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can also send the pump tube or motor to us at any time for analysis and repair.
Please note that both must be cleaned and free of chemicals/media. Please also enclose a brief description of the fault.
Address: Dr Jessberger GmbH, Jägerweg 5, 85521 Ottobrunn. Please do not forget to include your contact person.
Which pump tube length is right for me?
Our pump tube length specifications are always from the lower edge of the pump foot to the centre of the pump tube outlet.
In general, you can say that for a standard IBC, a pump tube with a length of 1200mm and for a 200 litre drum, a pump tube with a length of 1000mm is sufficient.
For smaller containers, simply measure the height of the drum and add approx. 200mm so that the outlet has sufficient space above the container.
Important to know.
Longer pump tubes also fit on smaller containers, e.g. a 1200 pump tube on a 200 litre drum, but it must be noted that the stability of smaller containers must be checked, as the whole thing can quickly become top-heavy with empty drums and there is a risk of tipping over.
Is there a pump tube for all media?
No. Many materials are resistant to chemicals, but the resistance varies from medium to medium.
It is therefore always important to know and consider the temperature in addition to the exact medium and concentration.
The flash point must also be taken into account. In addition to the safety data sheet, please also refer to the product information sheet enclosed with some media.
The following must be taken into account when selecting a drum pump:
- Exact description of the application
- Medium (liquid to be pumped)
- Concentration of the medium (for chemicals or mixtures)
- Viscosity and specific weight/density of the medium
- Medium temperature
Are there particles in the medium?
- Required delivery rate for the required delivery head/ distance
- Size and height of the drum or container
- Operating hours per day and per day in a row
- Any other important information about the application
Can I simply replace an existing motor with a larger or smaller one?
Basically yes, the connections of our drum pumps are the same.
However, please note that
in the ATEX area, only pump tubes, motors, hoses etc. for the ATEX area may be used (including earthing) if a smaller motor is used, the delivery rate may be reduced or pumping may no longer work if the viscosity/density is too high.
What useful accessories are available?
We at Jessberger consider a drum screw connection (9001 or 9002, stainless steel) to be necessary.
You may also need a thread adapter (various thread types, please ask us) for drums, if necessary, or a threaded lid for the IBC lid.
To store your pump tube correctly, we offer wall supports.
It may also be useful to fit a foot strainer if you have larger particles in the medium or you want to protect the pump tube.
If you have a compressed air motor, a suitable maintenance unit with pressure gauge is also useful.
In the Atex area, you need a potential equalisation, here you need the 9003 set to be able to connect all components.
Should I simply always use an EX protection pump set?
A very clear no here.
A pump tube and motor with EX protection is not only heavier and more expensive.
It is also more expensive:
The motor may only be repaired by certified companies or by us as the manufacturer.
The earthing cabling can be disruptive during operation.
In the EX protection area, we are limited by the possible materials. We cannot fall back on a few well-resistant plastics.
What’s more:
The Ex-zone motor comes without a CE plug; this is usually connected at the customer’s premises. If the customer requires a plug, we are happy to offer a suitable plug and socket. However, this is usually not desired for cost reasons.
I haven't found a suitable pump, what should I do?
Please contact us, we also make many special lengths or can offer you items from our partners at favourable conditions.
Our specialists in the office and in the field have a lot of experience and will find the best solution for you.
