Serving a wide range of markets, pneumatic diaphragm pumps are versatile equipment that deliver numerous benefits. From water treatment in homes to the pharmaceutical industry, they can guarantee productivity and efficiency for various sectors.
To help you in the choice-making process, we have prepared the 16 main advantages that pneumatic diaphragm pumps can bring to your company, see below!
Benefit 1: can run dry
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps have the ability to run dry for a long period, without the risk of damaging their structure or components. Dry running is quite common, especially when dewatering reservoirs and unloading tanks.
Benefit 2: Provide efficient solids handling
In addition to working very well with liquids, pneumatic diaphragm pumps also operate efficiently with solid-laden fluids. Ball valve units can handle solids up to 19 mm in diameter, and valve units can pass almost line-sized semi-solid waste.
Benefit 3: Pump deadhead safely
Deadheading is when the fluid pressure equals the air pressure that feeds the bomba. When a valve on the fluid side of the pump is closed, the pump will increase pressure until it is equal and stop pumping. When the valve is opened on the discharge fluid side of the pump, it will begin pumping again. Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are an excellent alternative for intermittent operations.
Benefit 4: they do not harm the final product
These pumps operate smoothly and do not harm the product or form foam. There are products that can be completely ruined when not handled gently, such as paints and coatings. This does not happen with other technologies, which can shear and damage the products.
Benefit 5: No electricity required
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps only need compressed ar to operate, and can be grounded to ensure safer operation, particularly in explosive environments. This characteristic is essential when pumping flammable fluids or in the presence of smoke. Furthermore, this feature makes pneumatic pumps portable.
Benefit 6: they present a lower investment
Pneumatic pumps cost relatively less than other types of positive displacement pumps, and they do not require expensive motors and controls to operate. This way, they eliminate the need for specialized installation. Considering their versatility and reliability, these pumps deliver better cost-benefit for companies, especially when compared to other technologies.
Benefit 7: Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are self-priming
Unlike other pumping technologies, these pumps are self-priming and do not require positive inlet pressure. They can pull a height of up to 9.8 meters, or be positioned on the ground next to a tank and operate without inlet pressure of up to 3 meters. Above this height, it is necessary to contact the manufacturer.
Benefit 8: they are submersible
This feature is a great advantage, especially in the mining, oil/gas, wastewater, marine, etc. industries. The materials are compatible with the surrounding fluid. However, as they are capable of pulling at height, some users prefer to position the pumps at a level above the liquid.
Benefit 9: They have a sealless design
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps do not use or require expensive mechanical seals to operate. They feature elastomeric diaphragms and check valves to pull product in and out of the pump.
Benefit 10: have variable flow and pressure without sophisticated controls
The pumps feature flow rates up to 280 gpm (1,060 lpm), providing a wide range of flows without the need for sophisticated, expensive controls. Standard 1:1 ratio AODD pumps can produce pressures up to 125 psi (8.6 bar). High pressure units are generally used in applications that require greater force, such as performing injection in pressurized lines.
Benefit 11: high chemical and high temperature resistance
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials and can handle virtually any type of fluid. Many pump options are offered with wetted component materials made from stainless steel, alloy C, aluminum, polypropylene, cast iron, PVDF and acetal. They can also be equipped with FKM, PTFE, EPDM, Santoprene and nitrile materials, delivering solutions for various demands.
Regarding temperature, pneumatic pumps can easily handle heat up to 104 degrees Celsius and possibly more. Additionally, they can also handle low temperatures, but below freezing point, you need to consult the manufacturer for guidance. Consulting the chemical resistance guide is essential.
Benefit 12: Can handle a wide viscosity range
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps can handle virtually any fluid that can flow up to 90,000 cSt (415,500 SSU) and have the ability to be adjusted to achieve even more.
Using weighted valve balls and oversizing the pump can help when pumping very viscous products. To ensure greater efficiency, gravity feeding can be applied.
Benefit 13: they are easy to clean
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are easy to clean and disassemble, and in most cases it is possible to disassemble and clean them at the operating site. Depending on the model, it can be cleaned without having to disassemble it.
Benefit 14: Meet certification standards
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps can meet various specifications and certifications, such as:
• 3-A
• EHEDG
• CE
• UL Listed
• ATEX
• FDA Compliant
• 1935/2004 Food Contact Materials Standard
• CAE
• Maritime ABS
• ISO 9001
• ISO 14001
Benefit 15: Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are portable
Depending on the material used to manufacture the pump and its size, they can be moved easily.
Benefit 16: they are easy to install
Pneumatic diaphragm pumps do not need to be laser aligned and do not require complex controls to operate efficiently, all they need is an air supply for supply. It can be controlled through a fluid discharge valve, and through compressed air control.
The Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump serves various industries
This equipment is highly versatile and can handle fluids in different sectors, such as:
• Car wash: tire/wheel cleaner, wax, drying agent, soap;
• Waste water/filter press feed: neutralize waste water, filter press feed 1:1 to fill the press (high pressure 2:1 in some cases to finish the cycle);
• Paints and coatings: latex transfer, paint transfer to the filling line;
• Dairy: iodine (teat disinfectant), disinfectant foam, chemical injection;
• Printing: distribution of ink and glue, lubrication (quick lubrication), distribution/evacuation of oil, antifreeze, dispensing and mixing of windshield solvent;
• Wood finishing: spraying of lacquer, thinners and solvents;
• Mine dewatering: evacuating water from a mine to a central reservoir;
• Metal machining: refrigeration oil filtration;
• Carpet manufacturing: latex transfer and circulation;
• Metallic finishing: chemical transfer and circulation;
• Chemical manufacturing: chemical transfer, chemical reservoirs;
• Ceramics (tiles, sinks, toilets): filling molds; providing ceramic slip for lines, glaze transfer and spraying;
• Food and drink: food packaging (mustard, ketchup), citrus fruit (juice, citrus oils), wine, pepper, soy sauce, beer, juice concentrate, corn oil/syrups, salad dressing, condiments;
• Personal care: body lotions, soap, shampoo, hair products, laundry detergent, fragrances.








