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How Does a Diaphragm Pump Work?

Today, air operated diaphragm pump types find their correspondence in many different areas of the industry. There are two types of diaphragm pumps, compressed air driven and electric driven. Apart from its ex-proof feature with protection against explosion and flammability, its high performance and efficiency, its simple and compact structure make diaphragm pumps indispensable in many applications. Let's take a closer look at what diaphragm pumps do and their main working principles.

What is a Diaphragm Pump?

Pumps are used effectively in almost every stage of the industry. The pumps that make up the liquid transfers or movement from one tank to another are divided into various classes according to the type of material, mode of operation or preferred energy source. Diaphragm pumps are also referred to as direct air operated diaphragm pumps in some sources.

The fluid is pumped as a result of the movement of the diaphragm, or in other words, its movement. Diaphragm pumps are preferred in many areas from chemistry to pharmaceutical industry. Diaphragm pumps have two opposite diaphragms. In particular, air operated diaphragm pumps do not need any electrical source, which makes it attractive in terms of cost. It fits in a very practical and simple logic in terms of the system.

How Does a Diaphragm Pump Work?

When the contents of diaphragm pumps are examined, it will be seen that there is a great symmetry between the two opposing parts. In both sections, there are inlet and outlet connections and ball valves outside the fluid chamber. Of course the most important part is the diaphragm. All these departments have an important contribution to the working principle and system separately. One side of the diaphragm is in contact with the liquid while the pump is in operation. The other side is in direct contact with compressed air. These two equal parts are actually connected to each other thanks to the distribution valve.

The distribution valve can sometimes be referred to as an air valve. Meanwhile, both diaphragms are integrated with each other thanks to a common shaft. The section known as the distribution valve directs the pressurized air to the diaphragm to move the shaft. Together with the movement from the shaft, they provide a parallel movement at equal time with the diaphragm. While one diaphragm is pushed with the effect of compressed air, the other diaphragm undertakes the task of directly expelling the air in front of it. The vacuum created in the chamber during this process enables the lower ball valve to be opened and the upper ball valve to be closed. Thanks to all this movement, the pump chamber starts to fill with liquid fluid in a short time.

Diaphragm Pump Usage Areas

The usage areas of diaphragm pumps are extremely wide. We can list the most preferred sectors as follows:

• Food applications,

• Surface treatment technologies,

• Paper industry,

• Water treatment technologies,

• Chemical industry,

• Electronic applications,

• Paint applications.