If you are looking for a pump that is versatile, easy to use and can handle a wide range of fluids, an air operated double diaphragm pump may be the solution you need.
These pumps offer a number of advantages compared to other types of pumps. For example, their simple and no seal design makes them easier to service and clean, which in turn reduces maintenance costs and extends pump life. It also allows smooth and reduced pulsation transfer, making them capable of handling fluids with a wide range of viscosities. They are ideal for transferring corrosive liquids, viscous liquids, paints, solvents, oils and many other fluids, regardless of whether they contain solids, allowing them to be used in a wide variety of applications in different industries.
Below, we will detail some of the industries that benefit most from these features due to the nature of their production processes:
CERAMICS
Diaphragm pumps are an essential tool in the ceramic industry , as they allow a precise and efficient transfer of fluids containing solids. The ceramic industry uses ½" or larger diaphragm pumps. Each size is adapted to a specific range of industry needs.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- The ½" diaphragm pumps are used for transferring low viscosity fluids such as water-based paints, liquid clay and glazes, or finishing applications where high flow rates are not required.
- The 1" pumps are commonly used for transferring more viscous fluids as clay mixtures, slurries or ceramic pastes, in applications requiring a constant and uniform flow such as dispensing or color kitchen processes.
- 2" or 3” diaphragm pumps are suitable for transferring extremely viscous fluids such as frits or certain glazes. Being able to handle fluids with solid content, they are perfect for material loading, water treatment and formulation applications.
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
Diaphragm pumps are widely used in the chemical industry due to their ability to handle a wide variety of corrosive and abrasive fluids. In this industry, it is essential to choose the right pump for each application to ensure optimum performance and long life due to the nature of the fluids pumped.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- The ½" to 1" pumps are often used for applications requiring low pressure and constant flow, including fluid transferring between storage tanks, feeding chemicals and recirculating fluids within production lines.
- 2" or 3" diaphragm pumps, depending on the required flow rate, are the best choice if more flow and robust construction are required for more demanding tasks, using more viscous fluids, with solids in suspension or in installations with higher pressure drops.
MINING
In the demanding world of mining, reliable and efficient AODD pumps are vital for successful operations .Their versatility and robust construction makes them suitable for numerous applications in mining processes
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- Smaller-sized pumps of 1" in size are commonly used due to their compactness and precise delivery. Depending on the specific chemical compatibility requirements they can be used in various chemical processes such as dosing, leaching and PH adjusment.
- The 2 or 3" pumps are used for their high flow capacity and when solids handling is required, for example, in processes involving the transfer of substances generated during mining, such as waste water management, slurries or contaminated fluids.
PAINT & COATINGS MANUFACTURING
In the dynamic and demanding world of ink and paint production, reliable and consistent high fluid transfer is essential. In the ink printing industries, however, the final finish is more important, requiring pumps with low fluid pulsations. Diaphragm pumps have quickly become essential tools for these industries.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- Pumps from ½'' to 1'' are typically used when smooth and even pumping is required in the final printing process to ensure consistent, high quality results.
- Pumps in the 2" to 3" size range are most commonly used in large-scale ink and paint applications. These pumps handle higher flow rates and are used for tasks such as transferring bulk quantities of viscous ink and paint, filling large containers and circulating fluids in production lines.
PULP AND PAPER
In the pulp and paper industry, diaphragm pumps find extensive use in transferring a wide variety of fluids essential for paper production. These pumps excel at managing low viscosity fluids and abrasive slurries encountered in pulp and paper mills.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- 3/8” pumps are installed for dosing applications required in the industry, such as pH adjustment in wastewater treatment.
- Pumps from ½'' to 1'' are found in transferring applications during the paper manufacturing process, where low flow rates are needed. They usually handle chemicals, that can be used in production processes as crosslinking and waterproofing, or inks.
- Pumps of 2" to 3" in size, with their robust construction, are most common for transferring processes where higher flows are required, such as bulk transfer.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Diaphragm pumps play a vital role in wastewater treatment processes, efficiently handling various fluids and sludges encountered in the treatment of sewage and industrial wastewater. These pumps can handle a wide range of chemicals and abrasive fluids commonly found in these processes.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- 3/8” pumps in size are perfect for chedmical dosing applications, as they have very low flow rates.
- The ½" to 1" pumps are often used for mobile treatments or transferring processes of chemicals or waste, where low flow rates are required.
- 2" or 3" diaphragm pumps, are the best choice if more flow and a robust construction are required. These applications include skid mounted mobile treatments , filter press applications or clearing sumps. They can also be found in transferring applications that require high flow rates.
OIL & GAS INDUSTRY
This industry has a lot of processes where diaphragm pumps can be the best option, due to their robust construction and capability of handling a wide range of fluid types. These pumps are intrinsically safe, as they are air operated, which makes them suitable for use in potentially explosive environments common in this industry.
MOST COMMON PUMP SIZES AND MATERIALS
- ½" to 1" pumps are often used for applications, such as slurry transfer or tank processes as cleaning, where low and constant flow is required. For loading or unloading drums or tanks at low rates are also suitable.
- Bigger pumps, such as 2" or 3" in size, are the best choice for more demanding tasks, such as clearing out sumps or tank processes that need high flow rates.
The specific requirements of your application, for example the fluid being pumped or temperature, will determine the chemical compatibility, and thus the most suitable pump material to use.
Whenever your applications involve abrasive fluids, as in some of the industries mentioned above, your best choice will be a metallic pump. As for diaphragm materials, plastic elastomers are the most suitable. Santroprene, for example, is recommended for low temperature applications, where abrasion resistance and flexibility are needed.
If your applications involve pumping chemically aggressive fluids, please consider a non-metallic diaphragm pump with PTFE diaphragms. PTFE, in particular, is an excellent choice for extremely aggressive fluids requiring high chemical compatibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether it's the ceramics industry, chemical manufacturing, or any other industry that requires reliable and efficient fluid transfer, AODD pumps have consistently proven their value. By selecting the appropriate pump size and material compatibility, industries can optimize their processes, improve productivity, and ensure the safe handling of fluids.
