Check valves are used in the diaphragm pump to prevent fluid backflow through the entry valve. Diaphragm pumps are useful for metering, dosing, and transferring liquids. They can be used with either corrosive or non-corrosive liquids. Because of the diaphragm design, there is no tubing to wear out or break due to wear or corrosion. You might be wondering what the importance of diaphragms in fluid pumps is. This article will discuss the role of diaphragms in fluid pumps. You’ll also learn how diaphragms affect reliability and the pump’s life.
Diaphragms
Diaphragms in fluid pumps deliver liquids and gases through a spool. They work by displacing fluids or gases through Diaphragm Pumps made of rubber, thermoplastic, Teflon, or a combination of these materials. These pumps use appropriate valves on either side of the diaphragm.
Diaphragm pumps use an intermediate hydraulic fluid as the medium. This fluid is situated on the non-product side of the pump, and the pistons or plungers rotate around it to pressurize it. The pistons and cylinders pressurize the fluid, which flexes the diaphragm and changes the flow. In contrast, solenoid pumps use an electromagnetic force to flex the diaphragm.
Viscosity
The viscosity of fluid plays a crucial role in pump behavior. It can vary significantly under various conditions but generally stays the same. Therefore, the speed of a pump must be adjusted to maximize the flow rate of the fluid. Therefore, when choosing a pump, the fluid’s viscosity and the type of system should be considered.
As mentioned, diaphragm pumps can pump almost any type of fluid. They are usually used for gear oils and high-viscosity hand lotions. However, if you plan to pump acids or other chemicals, you should use a plastic pump. Styrene and polyol are unsuitable for pumping fluids high in viscosity. It is advisable to inspect the pump every two months.
Reliability
The reliability of diaphragms in fluid pump systems is vital. The diaphragm’s flex life is crucial because millions of flex cycles will be involved. In addition to ensuring predictable performance, diaphragms must be able to withstand a wide variety of chemicals. If the flex life is not long enough, unexpected shutdowns will occur, causing costly repair actions and loss of production batches.
Fortunately, many of these pumps are very reliable. The latest advancements in diaphragm design have greatly improved the pump’s reliability. While diaphragms are still an important component, they have also been made safer and more durable than ever before. The use of sandwich diaphragm monitoring systems and safety venting and snifting valves are important safety measures. In addition to safety venting and snifting valves, a pump’s drive unit design and cavitation are also essential.
Applications
Diaphragms in fluid pumps provide high-quality conveyance of liquids and gasses at low pressure. Instead of using a piston inside the cylinder to pump the material, these pumps use simple rubber diaphragms. Diaphragm pumps should operate at 50% of their capacity during normal use and provide long-term performance without requiring extensive maintenance. The specifications of these pumps should state their operating capacity in gallons per minute.
Pumps using liquid diaphragms are also widely used in inkjet printing. Inkjet printers use low-pulsation diaphragms to ensure high-quality output. Pumps in this industry can withstand pressure peaks because high pulsation would adversely affect the print quality. Various configurations are available for liquid diaphragm pumps.
