The pumping mechanism has been used in civilization for thousands of years. There is evidence of the Egyptians using basic pumps made out a cistern, a tube, and a weight to shift the gravitational pull of the water for drawing water from a well, more than 4,000 years ago.
The first diaphragm pump, that used the suction mechanism of a flexible diaphragm instead of a piston for efficient pumping, came into common practice in the 18th century. The improved efficiency and quality of a diaphragm pump has made it a common part of most industrial equipment today. Diaphragm pump electric motor driven equipment is used in the packaging industry for gluing, painting, and printing the packages that every single product bought and sold in our society comes with. Electric drum pumps are used for manufacturing, transporting and handling chemicals such as paint and industrial supplies. The no-contact aspect of diaphragm pump electric-driven motors makes it ideal for sanitary processing of septic tanks, sludge processing, and hazardous chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Diaphragm Pumps
If you are new to the diaphragm pump world, the following information will help you understand your diaphragm pump’s usage, care, and maintenance:
- How thick and heavy of a material can a diaphragm pump process?
Technically, anything that is pourable can be processed through the diaphragm pump. However, the more gelatinous the material is, the more difficult it is for the material to naturally flow through the pump with the simple act of suction. If the material being pumped has the consistency of custard, air holes can develop that prevent the vacuum mechanism from naturally pulling the material through the suction lines. If you experience this, you will need to have additional equipment to prevent air from getting into the material. - How often should I perform maintenance and care on my diaphragm pump?
There are several factors that impact the longevity and the maintenance plan of your diaphragm pump. First, if your pump components are made of plastic, they may wear quicker than a metal pump. Secondly, the usage, pressure, and the temperature of the materials that you pump all impact its wear and tear. The manufacture of your diaphragm pump will recommend a maintenance schedule based on your particular usage to keep it running properly. - What factors cause a pump’s efficiency to slow dramatically?
If your diaphragm pump electric motor is working properly but the material is moving slowly, there is probably an issue with the suction mechanism. Check the fluid lines for blockage. Check the fasteners for air leakage. Check the valves for debris. These are the most common causes of reduced suction efficiency. - Should I take any safety precautions if I’m working with flammable material?
The friction and air involved in a diaphragm pump can increase the flammability of flammable materials. You should always ground the pump if you are working with fluids that are prone to catch fire. The simple installation of grounding lugs help prevent fire with plastic pumps. If your pump is not made of a conductive plastic, you can ground it with a metallic pipe at the input and output of the suction ports.
Do you have any questions about using a diaphragm pump that we didn’t cover? Please share them in comment section below.
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