A Few Things To Know About One Of The Most Reliable Designs Of Pumps

By Author: Jim Lee
Total Articles: 332
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A pump is much more than just a machine for transporting fluid from one place to the other. It is a device that enables the easy transportation of the fluid, saves time, labor and cost. In some cases it also facilitates the mixing of certain fluids which can pose potential threat to human health if exposed to it directly. So, it must be noticed here that various kinds of industries require various kinds of pumps which not only help in transferring the fluids but also takes care of other aspects too. For example, the food and beverage industry emphasizes the importance of hygiene; while the chemical, biochemical and petrochemical sectors emphasize the importance of safety from toxic materials. Even though, there are different kinds of pumps available nowadays, which cater to varied and specific needs; it has to be understood that the scenario was not always this favorable. Previously, there were only a few kinds of pumps manufactured by different companies. Every manufacturer found their niche and preferred to stick to it. It was only after the acute need for diversified and more durable pumps was felt that people started putting ...
... their minds and energy to it. New designs were introduced which made the handling of things much easier and resulted in a lot less, almost no downtime.


When it comes to the subject of very simple design of pumps which are also very efficient and durable, mention has to be made of diaphragm pumps or air operated diaphragm pumps. Then again, the packaged pumping systems are also preferred by many people nowadays. This is mainly because of the fact that in the case of packaged pumping systems, minute attention is paid to the quality and functioning of each of the parts of the pump separately and this, in turn, improves the quality of the machines and enhances their performance.


However, the diaphragm pumps also demands a fair share of attention. It is basically a positive displacement pump. It makes use of a unique combination of the reciprocating action of a rubber, thermoplastic or Teflon diaphragm, complemented by the appropriate non-return check valves (or flap valves) to pump a fluid. These pumps can be categorized into three main types:


In the pumps that fall in the first category, the diaphragm is sealed with one side in the fluid to be pumped. The other side is exposed to air or hydraulic fluid. It is the flexing of the diaphragm which results in the increase and decrease in the volume of the pump chamber. There is a pair of non-return check valves which keep a check on the reverse flow of the fluid.


The second kind uses the volumetric positive displacement. In this kind the diaphragm is moved by an electro-magnetic power which is channeled through a crank or geared motor drive. One side of the diaphragm is exposed to the air. These kinds of pumps make use of a simple mechanical action.
The third type consists of pumps which have one or more unsealed diaphragms. Liquid is left to be pumped on both sides. In this kind of pump too, the flexing of the diaphragm causes the volume to change.


It has to be mentioned here that out of all these types, the air operated diaphragm pumps are preferred more by customers because of their qualities. They feature a rugged construction and they are self priming, dry running.