How Do Air Diaphragm Pumps Work?

The diaphragm pump, also known as a membrane pump, is a positive displacement pump suitable for a wide range of fluids, allowing users in industries to standardize on a single pump type. The only requirement is a compressed air supply.

  • Diaphragm Pumps

The diaphragm pump, also known as a membrane pump, is a positive displacement pump suitable for a wide range of fluids, allowing users in industries to standardize on a single pump type. The only requirement is a compressed air supply.

  • How are Diaphragm Pumps Used?

Diaphragm pumps are used in many industries. A wide range of materials is available to produce many different configurations for difficult fluids. In addition to fluid handling properties, diaphragm pumps can also be specified for ATEX zones, EC1935/2004, FDA, and 3A hygienic applications.

  • Operating Principle of the Diaphragm Pump

A diaphragm pump is a positive displacement pump that uses two flexible diaphragms that reciprocate back and forth, creating a temporary chamber.

  • How Do Diaphragm Pumps Work?

A double diaphragm pump is a positive displacement pump in which two flexible diaphragms move back and forth to create a temporary chamber, which allows it to suck in and discharge fluid. The diaphragms act as a separating wall between air and liquid.

  • First Stroke

The two diaphragms are connected to each other by a shaft in the center section where the air valve is located. The purpose of the air valve is to direct compressed air behind diaphragm number one, moving it away from the center section. Diaphragm number one performs a discharge stroke, discharging fluid from the pump. At the same time, diaphragm number two makes a suction stroke. The air behind diaphragm number two is discharged and atmospheric pressure pushes the fluid towards the suction side. The suction ball valve separates from its seat, allowing fluid to pass into the liquid chamber.

  • Second Stroke

When the pressurized diaphragm number one reaches the end of its stroke, the air valve directs the flow of air behind diaphragm number two. Compressed air pushes diaphragm number two out of the center block, while pulling diaphragm number one towards the center block. In pump chamber number two, the discharge ball valve separates from its seat, while the opposite happens in pump chamber number one. When the stroke is complete, the air valve directs air back behind diaphragm number one, restarting the cycle.

  • Why Diaphragm Pumps?

The AODD (air-operated double diaphragm pump) is a versatile pump that allows standardization on a single pump type for conveying various fluids in a wide range of industries. As long as a compressed air source is available, the pump can be installed anywhere desired and easily moved to another location if needed. Whether it is liquids requiring gentle pumping or chemically or physically aggressive substances, the positive displacement AODD pump offers an efficient and low-maintenance solution.

Where Can Diaphragm Pumps Be Used?

Diaphragm pumps are widely used in many industries. A wide range of materials is available to create different configurations for the following challenging fluids:

✔ Corrosive chemicals
✔ Volatile solvents
✔ Viscous, sticky liquids
✔ Food and pharmaceutical products with shear sensitivity
✔ Dirty water and abrasive slurries
✔ Small solid particles
✔ Creams, gels, and oils

In addition, AODD pumps can be manufactured in compliance with various industry standards such as ATEX zones, EC1935/2004, FDA, and 3A hygienic applications.

Engineering of Diaphragm Pumps

Since their introduction in the 1950s, the structure and basic operating principles of air-operated diaphragm pumps have remained largely similar to those of early double diaphragm pumps. Although its structure seems quite simple, special attention should be paid to ensuring tightness due to the pump's variable operating principle.

Two areas must be sealed to ensure that fluid remains inside the pump: the contact point between the diaphragm and the outer pump chamber, and the contact point between the manifolds and the outer pump chamber.

Traditionally, clamp bands or bolts are used to seal areas adjacent to the pump chamber. Especially when clamps are used in large pumps and applications where high-viscosity products are processed, stresses caused by the movement of the pumps can cause leaks. For this reason, Verder prefers bolted versions as standard. Bolts are distributed to equalize pressure over the sealing area.

Why Choose a Diaphragm Pump?

Verderair double diaphragm pumps are an excellent pump solution for all types of liquids. They can operate with a wide range of fluids, from pasty, thick and thin fluids to liquids containing solid particles. The air valve design guarantees that the pump operates without stalling. Verderair air-operated double diaphragm pumps do not require air lubrication and have a special design against freezing. The air motor is designed to last a long time, even in humid air conditions.

Verderair diaphragm pumps have excellent corrosion resistance. It offers a wide range of products with various materials, both metallic and non-metallic. The pump's wetted part materials include:

Non-metallic models: Acetal, Polypropylene, Kynar, conductive Polypropylene

Metallic models: Aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel

Verderair air-operated diaphragm pumps are designed for easy installation and maintenance and are also an excellent choice as emergency pumps.

Advantages of Verderair Diaphragm Pumps

✔ Suitable for almost any application with a wide range of material options
✔ Variety in metallic and non-metallic materials
✔ Easy portability and multi-location use
✔ Stalling-free operation even at low pressure
✔ Dry-running resistant and self-priming structure
✔ Long-lasting stainless steel air motor
✔ Sealed, leak-proof design

Verderair AODD pumps were an ideal solution for many industries with their easy installation and low maintenance requirements.

Why Choose a Diaphragm Pump?

Verderair double diaphragm pumps are an excellent pump solution for all types of liquids. They can operate with a wide range of fluids, from pasty, thick and thin fluids to liquids containing solid particles. The air valve design guarantees that the pump operates without stalling. Verderair air-operated double diaphragm pumps do not require air lubrication and have a special design against freezing. The air motor is designed to last a long time, even in humid air conditions.

Verderair diaphragm pumps have excellent corrosion resistance. It offers a wide range of products with various materials, both metallic and non-metallic. The pump's wetted part materials include:

Non-metallic models: Acetal, Polypropylene, Kynar, conductive Polypropylene

Metallic models: Aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel

Verderair air-operated diaphragm pumps are designed for easy installation and maintenance and are also an excellent choice as emergency pumps.

Advantages of Verderair Diaphragm Pumps

✔ Suitable for almost any application with a wide range of material options
✔ Variety in metallic and non-metallic materials
✔ Easy portability and multi-location use
✔ Stalling-free operation even at low pressure
✔ Dry-running resistant and self-priming structure
✔ Long-lasting stainless steel air motor
✔ Sealed, leak-proof design

Verderair AODD pumps were an ideal solution for many industries with their easy installation and low maintenance requirements

Why Choose a Diaphragm Pump?

Verderair double diaphragm pumps are an excellent pump solution for all types of liquids. They can operate with a wide range of fluids, from pasty, thick and thin fluids to liquids containing solid particles. The air valve design guarantees that the pump operates without stalling. Verderair air-operated double diaphragm pumps do not require air lubrication and have a special design against freezing. The air motor is designed to last a long time, even in humid air conditions.

Verderair diaphragm pumps have excellent corrosion resistance. It offers a wide range of products with various materials, both metallic and non-metallic. The pump's wetted part materials include:

Non-metallic models: Acetal, Polypropylene, Kynar, conductive Polypropylene

Metallic models: Aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel

Verderair air-operated diaphragm pumps are designed for easy installation and maintenance and are also an excellent choice as emergency pumps.

Advantages of Verderair Diaphragm Pumps

✔ Suitable for almost any application with a wide range of material options
✔ Variety in metallic and non-metallic materials
✔ Easy portability and multi-location use
✔ Stalling-free operation even at low pressure
✔ Dry-running resistant and self-priming structure
✔ Long-lasting stainless steel air motor
✔ Sealed, leak-proof design

Verderair AODD pumps were an ideal solution for many industries with their easy installation and low maintenance requirements.

You can contact us for more information or technical support about Air Diaphragm pumps.