Common questions about Diaphragm Pump

No matter what new developments happened in the world of air operated diaphragm pumps, there are certain questions that never change. Here, we’ll resolve some of the most frequently asked questions about air operated diaphragm pumps.

1. HOW DO I KNOW WHICH TYPE OF AIR OPERATED DIAPHRAGM PUMP TO BUY?

While this seems like a loaded question, there are only five things you need to know when selecting the right pump for your application.

Fluid: The type & composition of the fluid you plan to pump is the most important factor while choosing a air operated double diaphragm pump. In order to avoid wear & tear or corrosion, determine the fluid chemical makeup & consistency. Is it a clean fluid / slurry?

Viscosity: Fluid viscosity is a very important factor while selecting a diaphragm pump. To provide some perspective, at All-Flo, eight out of ten customers are pumping fluid less viscous than motor oil.

Flow rate: In order to select the appropriate pump, it is most important to determine the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM)—or in simpler terms, the existing pump size (diameter). Usually if you desire a higher flow rate, you’ll need both a larger pump & larger pipe size.

Pressure: Determining the potential pressure conditions on the inlet & outlet of the pump will help establish the right equipment needed.

Temperature: The temperature of the fluid dictates which pump material best suited to a particular application. Click here to know more about diaphragm pump India.

2. WHICH KIND OF FLUID DOES A DIAPHRAGM PUMP TRANSFER?

Diaphragm pumps can move nearly any kind of fluid. Some common examples of fluids pumped using a diaphragm pump are water, oil & acid. Diaphragm pumps are capable of pumping high viscosity fluids from adhesives & gear oils to h& lotions, surfactants & resins. The rule of thumb: If it is pours, it is a pump. Use very large suction lines when pumping viscous fluids, in some cases up to three times the size of the pump ports. The aodd pump should also be positioned close to or even below the fluid level. Higher viscosity fluids may cause the pump to stroke slowly; adjusting the air control valve on the pump to slow the air flow we will keep the pump from stroking too fast.

3. ARE THERE SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLASTIC AND OTHER DIAPHRAGM PUMPS?

Plastic diaphragm pumps are best suited for applications involving chemicals like acids, caustics, & bleach. Some chemicals are not suitable for plastic pumps such as styrene & certain resins like isocyanine & polyol.
A common question is being asked by many people is, “Do plastic pumps always leak?” The answer is no; however, they should be regularly inspected & retightened more frequently than a metal or stainless pump. Frequency of tightening depends on the application; pressure, hours in service & fluid temperature will all affect the flow of plastic. Remember, plastic materials flow when compressed. Tightening the fasteners on your plastic diaphragm pump must be a part of any preventative maintenance program which is based on the pump’s service duty.

4. WHAT ARE THE MAIN KEY FACTORS FOR DIAPHRAGM PUMP MAINTENANCE?

In order to avoid expensive repairs & delays, & keep your production running smoothly, you should implement a regular pump maintenance schedule. The good news: air operated diaphragm pumps are very easy to clean & maintain, compared to other different types of pumps with a lot of electrical components & parts. Even better, in most cases, you’ll only need a wrench & a screwdriver to keep your diaphragm pump in top working condition.
There are four main tasks that one should keep in mind while performing regular pump maintenance:

Air quality: Since air operated diaphragm pumps depend on air to operate, air quality & air moisture are critical to maintaining your pump’s health. Regularly check the air filter, which can become dirty & clogged with poor air quality. Moisture in the air should also be checked to ensure proper pump flow.

Elastic components: Examine the component of plastic pump every two months to safeguard against uneven wear.

Inlets/Outlets: Continuously inspect your pump’s inlet/outlet, also known as suction side/discharge side. It is common for rocks or other debris material to build up & clog pump flow.

Torque settings: Particularly with double diaphragm pump, you should daily check the torque of the pump’s bolts. Plastic components can compress over time.