Contact-Free Emptying Of IBC Tank Containers For Aggressive Chemicals

Barrels and especially ‘intermediate bulk containers’ (IBCs) in which aggressive and harmful chemicals are stored are emptied with barrel pumps as standard. However, there is a risk of employees picking up parts contaminated with chemicals, for example when opening caps or lids.

A new pump set from Sondermann is therefore working with a permanently installed dip tube – this completely avoids contact with the chemicals. The Cologne-based company has tackled this current problem, which mainly affects modern IBCs. These are completely closed and sealed so that neither the contents can come into contact with dirt and foreign substances with the hazardous liquids – nor, of course, people coming into contact either. In order to safely empty the contents of these containers, they are equipped with a permanently installed dip tube. A quick-action coupling prevents the contents from escaping unintentionally.

The core of the set is a self-priming magnetic centrifugal pump. The externally rotating drive magnet transfers the motor power to the inner magnet and thus to the impeller without contact. This means that there is no need for a continuous shaft and thus no shaft seal to the motor that would be subject to wear.

Non-Contact Pumps In Operation

In automatic mode, different filling quantities can be stored and selected. When filling starts, the pump starts and stops automatically as soon as the desired filling quantity is reached. If the container is empty and the pump draws in air, it also switches off automatically. The graphic display of the touch panel shows the operating status and can also be operated with gloves.

The pump set, which was developed in cooperation with the Dutch manufacturer Promens, combines all components such as pump, flow meter, sensors and control in a compact console. It is delivered with a wall bracket, but can also be mounted on a trolley and is therefore very flexible to use. Typical areas of application are places where hazardous chemicals such as sulphuric acid or cleaning agents are stored on sites without a WHG tank.

In terms of good, preventive environmental protection and the applicable Water Resources Act (WHG), this is a good basis for using modern storage technology and protecting employees.

Photo: Danish Khan