IBC emptying & dry installation
MINIFLUX container pumps for horizontal use with IBCs and containers with bottom outlets.
Overview
The MINIFLUX is mounted horizontally at the bottom outlet of an IBC or similar container.
This installation position is particularly suitable for low ceiling heights, stacked containers, or areas with limited accessibility. The top of the container remains unobstructed.
The pump increases the flow rate and discharge pressure compared to gravity drainage alone. This allows the medium to be conveyed or filled in a controlled manner.
Highlights
Mounted horizontally
Direct connection to the floor drain.
Compact design
Suitable for limited installation situations.
Installed on dry ground
The motor and pump unit are located outside the medium.
Modular Drive System
Different motors for different processes.
Applications
MINIFLUX
For industrial fluids and applications without specific hygiene requirements.
MINIFLUX Sanitary
For food, beverages, and processes with heightened requirements for cleaning and product safety.
Petroleum products
For low-viscosity oils and similar fluids.
Solvent
With compatible materials and a suitable seal.
Aqueous liquids
For salt solutions and other industrial process media.
Flammable Media
With a suitable explosion-proof design and a properly matched drive.
Food and Beverages
Use MINIFLUX Sanitary for processes with strict hygiene requirements.
Controlled Filling
In combination with a flow meter, FLUXTRONIC® control electronics, and a compatible filling unit.
Technology
Hygienically designed.
Easy to maintain.
The MINIFLUX Sanitary can be disassembled without tools and cleaned quickly – for hygienic processes and low-maintenance operation.
Compare
| FEATURE | MINIFLUX | MINIFLUX SANITARY |
|---|---|---|
| Typical application | Industrial applications | Hygienic applications |
| Installation | Horizontal at the container outlet | Horizontal at the container outlet |
| Suitable media | Industrial liquids | Food products and sensitive media |
| Flow rate | Up to 240 l/min(MINIFLUX Sanitary with Z Rotor up to 120 l/min) | |
| Delivery head | Up to 13 mWS (MINIFLUX Sanitary with Z Rotor up to 24 mWs) | |
| Viscosity | Up to approximately 1,000 mPas | |
| Seal | Mechanical seal | Lip seal |
| Tool-free disassembly | – | ✓ |
| Low-dead-space design | – | ✓ |
| Suitable for food contact | – | ✓ (FOOD, FDA, EC 1935/2004) |
| ATEX | ✓ (ATEX, Zone 1) | – |
| Typical motors | Commutator, air and brushless motors | Commutator, air and brushless motors |
| View MINIFLUX | View MINIFLUX Sanitary |
FAQ
For which applications is a container pump or IBC pump / MINIFLUX suitable?
The FLUX MINIFLUX pump empties IBCs via the discharge port in a space-saving manner—at a rate of up to 240 l/min for low-viscosity fluids. Available in an Ex-rated version (MINIFLUX) and a sanitary version (MINIFLUX Sanitary).
The FLUX MINIFLUX container pump is designed for horizontal emptying of IBCs via the discharge fitting. It is the ideal solution when access via the fill opening is not possible or impractical due to space constraints. With a flow rate of up to 240 l/min and capable of handling fluids up to 1,000 mPas, it is particularly well-suited for low-viscosity products in the chemical, cosmetics, and food industries.
Application scenarios:
- Emptying IBCs in areas with low ceiling heights or where containers are stacked on top of one another.
- Rapid filling into canisters or transfer to higher-level containers.
- Pumping against closed valves (e.g., dispensing nozzles) is possible.
Advantages:
- Direct connection to the IBC outlet via a standard thread (S60x6).
- Very compact, lightweight design (1.2 kg).
- MNIFLUX Sanitary: quick and easy to disassemble, easy to clean.
- Can also be used in Ex Zone 1. (MINIFLUX)
Available as MINIFLUX Sanitary: minimal dead space, disassembles without tools, easy to clean, compliant with FDA CFR 21 and EC 1935/2004, for hygienic applications.
Technical Data: Flow rate max. 240 l/min, head max. 13 mWS, viscosity max. 1,000 mPas.
Is the MINIFLUX suitable for stacked IBCs?
Yes. Installation at the floor outlet allows for use even when access from above is limited.
What sets the FLUX MINIFLUX apart from other IBC pumps?
The FLUX MINIFLUX and MINIFLUX Sanitary models are characterized by their compact, lightweight, and portable design. They can be mounted directly on the IBC’s discharge valve, which increases flow rate and operational reliability and eliminates the need for additional suction pipes. This makes them particularly well-suited as a cost-effective solution for applications with low ceilings or IBCs on racks, where vertical drum and container pumps cannot be used.
Details:
- Flexible application: easy switching between different IBCs and tanks.
- Variants: available in industrial and sanitary/food-grade versions (hygienic, easy to clean).
- Modular: Can be combined with different motors and O-ring materials for a wide range of media.
- Performance: high flow rates, low-maintenance, spare parts available.
- Explosion protection: ATEX-certified for potentially explosive atmospheres (e.g., chemical plants, refineries, distilleries).
- Connection options: Adapters allow connection to virtually any unpressurized pipeline or tank outlet.
More information about the FLUX MINIFLUX IBC pump
Which barrel pump should I use for a 1,000-liter water tank?
For 1,000-liter water tanks, for example, the FLUX F 430 TR drum pump with an electric motor is suitable—delivering up to 240 l/min for nearly complete emptying. Alternatively, MINIFLUX-type IBC pumps can be used.
For emptying a 1,000-liter IBC containing water, FLUX recommends the F 430 TR container pump. When combined with an electric motor, it achieves flow rates of up to 240 l/min and empties the tank almost completely, leaving less than 1% residual volume.
Details: The F 430 TR is a centrifugal pump from the 400 series, specifically designed for low-viscosity fluids such as water. It is operated horizontally at the IBC outlet and is ideal when access from above is not possible.
Advantages:
- High flow rate at low viscosity.
- Safe, rapid emptying even of large containers.
- Ex-rated versions available for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Recommended Alternatives:
- The MINIFLUX Sanitary can be used for hygienic applications.
- For high-viscosity liquids, FLUX recommends VISCOPOWER 500 Series (F 580 TR) eccentric screw pumps.
Further information:
Which MINIFLUX solution is right for my application?
| Requirement | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Emptying an IBC under a low ceiling | MINIFLUX |
| Emptying stacked IBCs | MINIFLUX |
| Conveying food or beverages | MINIFLUX Sanitary |
| Frequent cleaning and product changes | MINIFLUX Sanitary |
| Preconfigured industrial solution | MINIFLUX Pump Set |
| Complete hygienic system | MINIFLUX Sanitary Pump Set |
| Flammable Fluids | Customized MINIFLUX Ex Version |
Which pump is best suited for an IBC container?
Depending on the medium and installation situation, various FLUX pumps are suitable for emptying IBCs. Low-viscosity products are pumped using Series 400 drum pumps, while high-viscosity media are pumped using VISCOPOWER Series 500 eccentric screw pumps. If access from above is not possible, the compact MINIFLUX container pump is ideal for use at the outlet.
Overview:
- Top access: Series 400 (e.g., F 430): For low- to medium-viscosity media (up to approx. 1,200 mPas), flow rate up to 240 l/min. 500 Series (F 580): For high-viscosity products up to 80,000 mPas, also available in a mobile version.
- Outlet access: MINIFLUX: Horizontal pump for the IBC outlet, space-saving, up to 240 l/min, also available in an Ex-rated version and as the hygienic “MINIFLUX Sanitary.” Alternatively, for high-viscosity media: Series 500 (F 580 TR)
Further information: IBC solutions from FLUX (overview) MINIFLUX product page
Need advice on IBC emptying & dry installation?
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