15/12/25
Adelphi Masterfil expert Francisco Neto explores how drum and IBC processing streamlines bulk liquid handling, and supports modern manufacturing requirements.
Drums and IBCs are widely used for storing and transporting bulk liquids. However, manual handling of these containers can lead to:
Automated drum and IBC processing systems eliminate these challenges by integrating hygienic transfer pumps, precision filling or emptying equipment, and safe handling features designed to meet industry standards.
Handling drums and IBCs manually can lead to injuries and accidents. Automated systems mitigate these risks by:
According to the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE), over 20% of workplace injuries in manufacturing result from manual handling tasks. Investing in automated bulk liquid handling equipment helps protect workers while maintaining productivity.
At Adelphi Manufacturing, our range of drum and IBC solutions includes:
These solutions have been successfully implemented across multiple industries to reduce waste, improve consistency, and streamline bulk liquid workflows.
“Drum and IBC systems are essential in food and beverage manufacturing, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals, where hygienic, safe, and efficient bulk liquid handling is required.”
“Yes. Automated transfer and filling solutions provide precise dosing accuracy and eliminate spillage during manual transfers, reducing both waste and costs.”
“Adelphi’s solutions typically use 316L pharmaceutical-grade stainless steel for product-contact parts, ensuring durability, hygiene, and easy cleaning compared to plastic or lower-grade metals.”
“When filling with flowmeters, liquid passes through a mass or magnetic flowmeter located before the filling nozzle, providing an accurate measure of the liquid being dispensed. As far as weigh scale filling is concerned, the required weight is entered into the weigh scale control panel using the digital indicator. Liquid is filled in a controlled manner, with a diving shut off nozzle at a fast or slow speed until the pre-programmed target weight is reached.
The primary benefit of a weigh scale boom filler over other varieties is the immediate verification of fill weight, rather than having to use a check weigher after the filling cycle. However this comes at the cost of reduced fill speed due to the need to allow time for liquids to settle before getting an accurate reading from the weigh scale.
Whether you invest in a Flowmeter or a Weigh Scale option is really down to your preference as the customer. Perhaps you have other Flowmeter technology already on site and are familiar with it, or you may have had a recommendation from a colleague about Weigh Scale filling options… However, if you are starting from scratch, we are happy to talk through either option with you.”
“With no pistons to clean on Adelphi Masterfil’s Flowmeter or Weigh Scale filling machines, changeover time between products is greatly reduced and the need for cleaning effluent is minimised. These machines were designed with swift changeover in mind, as we understand that many of our customers are filling multiple different products.”
We’re filling other containers sizes too; how can I find the most cost-effective solution?
“Adelphi Masterfil customer Evans Vanodine had this very problem, and we were pleased to create them a volumetric semi-automatic bench height filling machine, with a boom arm attached. This enables them to fill multiple container sizes, from 5L to 1,000L on the one machine”.
“Adelphi Masterfil also offers a Drum Decanting Unit, for customers needing to decant products, perhaps for blending or simply transferring to another part of your site. A drum is placed onto the weigh scale underneath the lance, pressing the button activates the filling cycle and the lance is then lowered into the drum. A pump removes a predetermined amount of liquid from the drum and passes it through to a blending plant. The DDU notably has a function where the nozzle can clean itself in-between decanting different products.”
“Both our Flowmeter and Weigh Scale boom fillers can be created with mobile boom arms, with 120 degree swing. This enables IBC’s to be filled side-by-side, by simply swinging the arm across.”
Optimising drum and IBC processing not only improves productivity but also supports hygienic manufacturing, worker safety, and sustainability goals. Whether you're scaling up production or looking to improve existing workflows, Adelphi’s drum and IBC processing solutions offer a reliable way to meet modern manufacturing challenges.