What is it?
DrumQuik® PRO is a closed chemical dispensing system designed to facilitate the safe, easy, and economical extraction of chemicals from plastic drums, jerry cans, and IBCs. This chemical management system comprises two major components; a low-cost and recyclable "drum insert assembly" that combines a bung closure and a dip tube into one integrated unit. The drum insert assembly seals the container for transport from the chemical packager to the end user site.

The second component is a rugged, reusable quick disconnect coupler (dispense head) installed at the point of use. The coupler incorporates an automatic shut-off valve that prevents chemical media from leaking out when disconnected from the drum insert during container changeouts. It also ensures that both sides are sealed from the point of origin to point-of-use. The coupler also incorporates a vent port for controlled venting of the container.

What problem or need does is address?
In many different industries and applications, food products or dangerous chemicals are transferred from their shipping containers via open dispense systems susceptible to spillage, waste, and harmful vapor release. It is often left up to the end user to figure out how to get the chemical from the container to the end-use process. As a result, personnel, equipment, and the environment are needlessly exposed to hazardous chemicals and the fumes they generate. DrumQuik® dispensing systems were developed to provide the chemical packager and their customers a way to solve this problem by allowing the chemical packager to supply the container in a "ready to dispense" state to which the end user can easily and safely connect. DrumQuik systems allow almost any open dispensing system to be converted to a closed system, thereby facilitating the delivery of chemicals from rigid containers to end-use applications while minimizing exposure.

What systems are typically used today to dispense hazardous chemicals from drums?
Common methods today include different versions of an open system in which chemicals are poured or pumped out of the drum. In semi-closed dispensing systems, a dip tube draws chemicals from vertically oriented containers using an attachable hand or electronic pump. While a step in the right direction, the dip tube is reused from one drum to the next, exposing the end-user to drips, leaks, and fumes during transfer.

What is a closed dispensing system?
A closed system is specifically designed to minimize worker exposure to chemicals and fumes at all phases of chemical handling. This includes the connection to the container, chemical dispensing, disconnection and disposal. A key element of DrumQuik dispensing systems that make closed dispensing possible is an integrated closure (bung plug) and dip-tube assembly shipped as part of the drum package, eliminating the need to remove and re-install the dip-tube at point-of-use. The drum insert assembly can be reused if desired, but it is so cost-effective that it can be treated as part of a single-trip disposable package.

Closed systems, such as DrumQuik dispensing systems, also feature additional safety mechanisms, such as a built-in vent port which allows users to safely control and manage the venting of the container instead of allowing fumes to vent directly to the atmosphere. The vent port can be used to route fumes to a vent hood. It can also be outfitted with a filter to prevent contamination or a vent check valve which prevents harmful vapors from contaminating the work environment while allowing "make-up" air into the container (and protecting against spillage in a "tip-over" situation). The vent port can also connect a pressure source to speed chemical flow without releasing vapors or connect to a blanket gas source (N2, CO2, etc.) to protect sensitive liquids, such as edible oils, fragrances, or other chemicals, from oxidation resulting from contact with air.

Why is a closed dispensing system important?
Closed systems are essential because they greatly minimize the potential for hazardous chemical and vapor exposure. OSHA and other safety initiatives are driving the trend toward closed-system chemical handling, requiring that media be transported from container to point-of-use securely. Ultimately, using a secure dispensing system, the safest way to remove chemicals from a rigid container is from the top while the container is vertical. DrumQuik dispensing systems are designed to maximize chemical handling safety in this type of environment.

What are some typical applications that might benefit from a closed system?
One example is an industrial laundry facility that deals with highly toxic chemicals, such as sulfuric acid. In this application, all wastewater must be treated to a neutral PH level to comply with OSHA and EPA regulations. A closed system allows the end-user to neutralize the wastewater and eliminate direct contact with sulfuric acid. Another example is non-hazardous food applications. A closed system prevents messy spills or oxidation of edibles, i.e., olive oil (which can become rancid when exposed to air), thereby extending their product shelf life. A third example is in the developing Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF, AdBlue) markets, where high-purity grade urea is used in a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) process in diesel engine vehicles to meet EPA emission standards. The urea is delivered to filling locations using 55 gallon (200 l) drums and larger IBC containers. A low-cost integrated quick-connect dip-tube system is required to make connection easy for station/site managers while protecting the integrity of the urea.

What industries will find the DrumQuik PRO useful?
The system is ideally suited to industries with cost-sensitive, one-way, and single-use container applications, including institutional cleaning; paint and coatings; pharmaceutical media; fragrances and flavorings; agricultural fertilizer; oils and syrup transport; and acids, caustics, and solvent delivery. In summary, the DrumQuik® PRO will be useful for virtually any industry where chemicals are drawn from a jerry can, plastic drum, or IBC.

What unique features of the DrumQuik PRO set it apart from competitive systems?

• The system is easy to use, rugged, and cost-effective. The coupler and drum insert assembly materials are FDA-compliant, virgin, and uncolored to minimize the potential of contamination from harsh media. Animal-derived component-free versions are available. .
• The drum insert assembly is designed to have the minimum number of components to achieve the lowest possible cost.
• The drum insert can be torqued into the drum using either a standard drum wrench or a ½ inch torque wrench using the DrumQuik torque tool adapter.
• No special tools are required to connect the coupler to the drum insert or remove the shipping plug.
• The coupler features an automatic shut-off valve to prevent leakage during changeouts.
• The coupler can easily be cleaned and rinsed for reuse and can have thousands of connections.
• Through its intuitive locking mechanism, the threaded connector on the coupler takes only two turns to engage and ensure a tight seal.
• The unique dip-tube design provides superior container emptying capacity and minimizes residual left in the container, ensuring easier post-use handling, clean-up, and disposal of the container.
• The FDA-compliant EPDM standard seal material offers broad chemical compatibility; FDA-compliant FKM is also an option for strong acid applications. DrumQuik systems are easily configured to meet the customer's needs, and high minimum quantity orders are not required.
• Two standard dip-tube lengths are available in drums and IBC containers. Dip-tube length is easily trimmed by the customer.

Does the DrumQuik PRO meet international standards?
Designed to be compatible with all types of standard drums and containers, DrumQuik systems were developed to meet United Nations and U.S. Department of Transportation approval standards (Title 49 CFR, Section 178) for transporting dangerous materials. While DrumQuik PRO cannot be UN/DOT approved by itself, it is designed to be capable of approval with jerry cans, drums, and IBCs as part of the "package." It has successfully passed UN/DOT tests with standard 5 gallon (20 l) containers, 15, 30, and 55 gallon drums, and larger 275 gallons (1000 l). DrumQuik systems are available in both North American and European drum thread sizes based on ISO standards and are produced in materials that are compliant with United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA standards).

Is the DrumQuik PRO cost effective?
Absolutely! The coupler is made of high-quality, FDA-compliant virgin polypropylene material engineered to be rugged and withstand thousands of connections. The drum insert assembly is made of FDA-compliant virgin polyethylene (HDPE), designed for cost-sensitive one-way container applications. It can be incorporated into the cost of the drum without significantly adding to the unit cost. In addition, the polyethylene drum insert assembly can be recycled together with the drum. It can also be shipped back to the manufacturer along with the drum.

What bung threads are available?
2" Buttress (ISO G2 x 5), commonly used in plastic drums in North America

Can I use my standard bung wrench to install the drum insert assembly?
Yes. A DrumQuik torque tool adapter is required to mate to the drum insert assembly, but the adapter has provisions to accept a standard ½ inch drive torque wrench and common bung wrenches.

Is the installation torque different from standard bung plugs?
The installation torque is similar to accepted practice and will vary slightly depending on thread style and container type. Colder testing indicates that settings from 15 – 25 ft-lbs (20 - 34 N-m) are adequate to seal but recommends that the customer verify the actual setting for each application.

Are special tools required by the end user to connect the coupler to the drum insert assembly that arrives pre-installed in the drum?
No. A standard Philips #4 or flat-blade screwdriver (or even a coin) can remove the shipping plug. After that, the coupler can be easily connected by simply turning the lock ring two turns in the clockwise direction (a firm "stop" can be felt when fully engaged).

Can I use tamper-evident caps to protect my chemical integrity?
Yes. The drum insert assembly does not protrude above the drum bung; therefore, standard tamper-evident caps can be used with DrumQuik systems.

When does the shut-off valve in the coupler open?
The shut-off valve does not begin to open until the lock ring has been engaged by approximately ½ turn and is not fully opened until the lock ring has been fully screwed down to its physical stop.

Will any pressure be vented from the drum before disconnecting?
Yes, when disconnecting the coupler from the drum insert assembly, the pressure inside the drum is first vented to the atmosphere. As the lock ring continues to be unscrewed, the shut-off valve is closed, and lastly, the coupler may be disconnected from the drum insert assembly. Colder recommends that the user wait 3 – 5 seconds to allow any liquid remnants to drain before finally removing the coupler.

How do I connect the coupler to my plumbing system?
The coupler is available with a ½" male NPT. Colder offers a limited selection of hose barb and compression fittings that can connect to the system tubing. Alternatively, any fitting with a female mating thread can be used.

What type of pump can be used with the system?
DrumQuik dispensing systems are connected to the downstream system via a length of tubing; therefore, the pump-style options are almost limitless. DrumQuik systems work in high-flow "transfer" applications and low-flow "dosing" applications.

What is the flow capacity of the system?
DrumQuik dispensing systems can be used in applications varying from a few drops per hour to applications requiring 15 gpm (56 lpm) or more. Flow capacity can vary widely depending on fluid viscosity and system configuration.

How can I prevent fluid from flowing back into the container when the pump is turned off?
A suitably sized, low-pressure back check valve can be installed downstream of the coupler to prevent backflow. A foot valve can be installed at the end of the dip tube to prevent backflow.

What do I need to purchase to get everything I need for the complete DrumQuick PRO system?
You would need the coupler body, the insert, and the dip tube for a complete system. The nylon drum insert torque socket tool is required for the initial installation of the insert in the bung on your drum.