Diaphragm Pumps & Pump Suppliers
What is a Diaphragm Pump?
A diaphragm pump is any type of pump that uses the reciprocating action of a flexing diaphragm to move fluid into and out of the pumping chamber. Diaphragm pumps are a type of reciprocating positive displacement pump.
Diaphragm pumps work when the flexing diaphragm creates a vacuum at the inlet of the pump chamber that draws the fluid into the chamber. When the reciprocating diaphragm moves in the opposite direction, it causes the volume of the pumping chamber to decrease, forcing the fluid out the discharge port of the pump. Diaphragm pumps use check valves at the inlet and outlet of the pumping chamber to ensure that the fluid flows in one direction and out the other without leaking backwards.
Diaphragm pumps generally work within the following ranges:
- Flow rate ranges between 1 and 1,800 gpm
- Total head (pressure) ranges between 25 and 15,000 psi
- Horsepower ranges between 0.5 and 2,000 hp
How do Diaphragm Pumps work?
There are four main types of diaphragm pumps, with the chief distinction of each being the mechanism that drives the reciprocating diaphragm:
1. Mechanically actuated diaphragm pumps have a reciprocating mechanical linkage that is directly attached to the diaphragm. The pump includes a gear set or other mechanical mechanism to convert the rotation of the motor into a reciprocating motion of the linkage that is attached to the diaphragm. Flow may be varied by varying the stroke length or pump speed.
2. Hydraulically actuated diaphragm pumps employ an intermediate hydraulic fluid located on the non-product side of the diaphragm to flex the diaphragm. The hydraulic fluid is pressurized by a reciprocating plunger. Though it acts similar to a mechanically actuated diaphragm, the plunger isn’t attached to the diaphragm, but rather pressurizes the intermediate hydraulic fluid, which flexes the diaphragm. Flow is varied with this type of diaphragm pump by varying pump speed or by varying the amount of hydraulic fluid that is bypassed.
3. Solenoid diaphragm pumps have an electric motor that alternately energizes and de-energizes a solenoid, which creates an electro-magnetic force that reacts with a metal part on the diaphragm, causing the diaphragm to flex. Flow is varied by varying the pump speed.
4. Air operated double diaphragm pumps are a type of double acting diaphragm pump. They have two diaphragms and two sets of check valves. The pump is driven by compressed air operating alternately on the non-product side of one diaphragm, and then the other. The air is delivered to the alternate sides of the diaphragm by means of a shuttle valve. Flow is varied by varying air pressure supplied to the pump.
Where are Diaphragm Pumps used?
Diaphragm pumps are used in many applications across the commercial, industrial, municipal, and scientific fields. They are commonly used as metering pumps to pump precise volumes of liquid for treating water (e.g., drinking water, waste water, boiler water, swimming pool water, etc). They are used in process applications where very high pressures are required, where metering of fluids is needed, or where the sealless nature of this pump type is an important benefit. And air operated diaphragm pumps are used to move liquids containing solids or where electricity is not available.
Here are a few diaphragm pump manufacturers to consider. Also see information about double diaphragm pumps.
Ace Pumps manufacturers the ACE Model 77 acid resistant diaphragm pump. The pump is designed for the circulating corrosive and abrasive fluids. The diaphragm pump operates at 3.3 GPM flow up to 100 PSI pressure.
Almatec offers a wide range of diaphragm pumps. Almatec's manufacturers its E-Series and BIOCOR air operated double diaphragm pumps; Chemicor, AD 6, F, and CX series pneumatic diaphragm pumps; Futur series of self-priming pneumatic diaphragm pumps; AH series high pressure diaphragm pumps.
American Industrial Pumps distributes a line of air driven double diaphragm pumps from All-Flo. The company also sells centrifugal and positive displacement pumps from Crane Pumps, Berkeley, Homa, American-Marsh Pumps and more.
AMT Pump Company makes 2" and 3" port size 2-stage diaphragm pumps designed for sewage, mud, slurry and sludge. Models 3358-96 and 3355-96 are used in the agriculture, construction, wastewater and maritime industries.
Anchor Sales distributes centrifugal pumps and PD pumps for the industrial, process, water treatment, fire protection, utility markets and more. Anchor Sales offers 26 different pump types including: Diaphragm Pumps, Horizontal Split Case Pumps, Lobe Pumps, Self-Priming Pumps, Booster Pumps, Vertical Sump Pumps, Cryogenic Pumps.
APEX Pumping Equipment sells and distributes a line of air operated double diaphragm pumps from All Flo. The pumps are available in 1/4"-3" sizes and are built with a wide range of material including aluminum, stainless steel, and polypropylene.
APO Pumps & Compressors sells and services positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps throughout NE and Central Ohio. APO Pumps & Compressors offers 28 different pump types including: Diaphragm Pumps, Trash Pumps, Vertical Sump Pumps, ANSI Process Pumps, Self-Priming Pumps, Plunger Pumps, AODD Pumps.
Arizona Pump & Equipment distributes industrial pumps including vertical turbines, air diaphragm pumps, horizontal split case pumps, grinder pumps and more.
Chemac, Inc. manufactures diaphragm pumps for process applications. The company's URACO brand of diaphragm pumps are leak free and designed to handle dangerous fluids. The pumps are suitable to handle pressures up to 5,075 psi and templates from negative 40 degrees F to 302 degrees F.
Cummins Wagner offers a variety of diaphragm pumps including air operated double diaphragm pumps from Wilden. The company sells pumps to the industrial, municipal, and commercial markets.
Integrated Process Solutions sells and services diaphragm pumps and vacuum pumps from KNF, multi-stage and booster pumps from Grundfos, peristaltic pumps from Stenner, and much more.
KNF Neuberger, Inc. is a leading diaphragm pump manufacturer. KNF manufacturers a wide variety of pumps including liquid dosing diaphragm pumps, laboratory transfer diaphragm pumps, double diaphragm pumps, explosion proof diaphragm pumps and more.
OTP Industrial Solutions is a leading distributor of pumps, fluid power, bearings, and more. Among other types of pumps, the company sells air operated diaphragm pumps from Versa-matic, GRACO, and Warren Rupp.
Quackenbush Company is a pump distributor of pumps and parts. The company sells a wide range of centrifugal and positive displacement pumps including air diaphragm pumps from Warren Rupp and diaphragm metering pumps from Madden.
Riverside Pump manufacturers its Premium Series diaphragm pumps. The DP2 model is available in 2 inch size and includes a fiber-core synthetic rubber diaphragm. The DP3 is 3 inch size is for construction site dewatering.
Tencarva Machinery offers a wide range of industrial pump including diaphragm pumps from Wilden.
Tramco Pump sells a wide range of diaphragm pumps from leading pump manufacturers including: air operated double diaphragm pumps from Warren Rupp, and diaphragm pumps from both Warren Rupp and Gorman Rupp.
Water Pumps Direct is an online distributor of water pumps. Water Pumps Direct offers 15 different pump types including: Diaphragm Pumps, Drum Pumps, Jet Pumps, Multistage Pumps, Well Pumps, Horizontal Split Case Pumps, Magnetic Drive Pumps.
Wilden Pump is a leading pump manufacturer of air operated double diaphragm pumps (AODD). The company offers several leading pump brands including the Pro-Flo and Pro-Flo X, Accu-Flo, Turbo Flo and more.
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