We already know that pneumatic diaphragm pumps have an excellent cost-benefit for companies, but what is its cost throughout its entire period of use? This equipment is known for its high versatility and reliability, being able to handle different fluids and having a low purchase price. Furthermore, these pumps also do not require many repairs and maintenance breaks.
If it is in your plans to purchase a bomba diaphragm pneumatics (and it should be!), we have prepared some tips to help you plan financially. Check it out below!
6 fundamental factors that affect the cost of a pneumatic diaphragm pump during its life cycle
1. Initial purchase price
This is the first cost of your pneumatic diaphragm pump. As it can be found in different sizes and configurations, the price may vary slightly, but in general it is a more economically interesting option than other alternatives available on the market.
2. Installation cost
Due to their simple configuration, the pumps have a low maintenance cost. This is possible due to the following reasons:
• Does not require electricity to operate, eliminating the need for a nearby energy source;
• No laser alignment or other special requirements are required when installed;
• All you need is an air supply, some flexible fluid connections and a basic valve on the pump inlet and discharge lines to isolate them for removal from service for repair and maintenance.
3. Proper sizing
In order to deliver greater efficiency and useful life, the correct sizing of the pneumatic diaphragm pump is essential. For example, if you want to pump 40 gpm (151 lpm) at 10 feet of head, most pumps on the market can achieve this flow rate by pumping water. Unfortunately, the pump would have to work close to its maximum capacity and stroke rate, leading to increased component wear and reduced efficiency.
By moving up to the next size, you can operate the pump significantly slower (reducing per-minute costs), which will extend the life of the pump and increase its efficiency (with reduced compressed air consumption). The difference in initial purchase price between the two sizes is not significant, and this choice allows the cost difference to be quickly offset with longevity and efficiency.
4. Pump Material
The choice of pump material is essential to determine its cost and durability. The first step is to check whether the fluid being pumped is chemically compatible with the pump material. To verify this type of information, consult your pump manufacturer's chemical compatibility guide.
Second, once you have selected the appropriate material, determine what will offer the best lifespan at the best price. For example, if you want to pump sodium hydroxide, polypropylene and PVDF can be used for the wet pump body materials, but PVDF costs significantly more than polypropylene.
5. Repairs: complete components vs. individual components
The cost of repairing a pneumatic diaphragm pump must take into account some factors:
• Process downtime: When a pump is out of service, you must consider the cost of lost production. This is typically the most expensive part of a repair, more than the maintenance itself. Many companies have replacement units that can be swapped out quickly, minimizing downtime and lost production.
• Repair labor cost: Costs associated with maintenance staff may be considered, but these individuals are often already on the payroll. For pneumatic diaphragm pump repairs, many companies choose to have local distributors perform service on their pumps if they do not have the staff to handle the repairs.
• Safety/environmental cost: When a pump fails, it is likely that some of the pumped product will need to be cleaned. In some cases, the spill will simply be water. But in some cases, the product will be a chemical or liquid that cannot be flushed down the reservoir or drain. In this sense, maintaining the pump and working on a preventative maintenance schedule are great ways to reduce costs and downtime.
• Cost of repair parts: Replacement parts are usually a small part of the overall repair costs. To reduce costs and downtime, “complete” maintenance is recommended. This means replacing all critical components rather than just the parts that have failed. It's a cost-effective strategy that almost always saves time and money, helping you reduce the likelihood of future failures.
6. Consumption cost
As we have seen, the pneumatic diaphragm pump does not need electrical energy to operate, with compressed air being its only consumption. In this sense, controlling the air supply to the pump can make it more economical and efficient. Using certain accessories, such as a liquid level controller, prevents the pump from running dry when a tank or reservoir is empty – this saves compressed air, which saves money.
