Diafragmapompen

Diafragmapompen, in Dutch and other languages often referred to as diaphragm pumps, are a type of positive-displacement pump that uses a flexible diaphragm to move liquids. The diaphragm is driven by an actuator—mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic—and creates a pumped chamber with inlet and outlet check valves. When the diaphragm expands, fluid is drawn in through the inlet valve; when it contracts, fluid is expelled through the outlet valve. This design allows handling of viscous fluids, slurries, and fluids containing solids, with relatively gentle, low shear action.

Common variants include air-driven double-diaphragm pumps (AODD), which use compressed air to alternately flex two diaphragms and move fluid; other diaphragm pumps are driven by electric motors or hydraulic pistons. Materials for diaphragms and wetted parts are selected for chemical compatibility and temperature resistance, with elastomers such as NBR, EPDM, FKM, and fluoropolymers like PTFE, and housings in aluminum or stainless steel.

Applications span chemical processing, paints and inks, food and beverage when compliant, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and wastewater or slurry handling. Advantages include positive-displacement pumping with a pulsating but controllable flow, good self-priming capability, and the ability to handle viscous or abrasive fluids. Limitations include lower flow rates and pressures compared with centrifugal pumps, diaphragm wear or failure risk, and flow pulsation that may require dampeners.

Maintenance focuses on diaphragm integrity and valve condition; selection depends on fluid compatibility, required flow, pressure, and duty cycle.