1. Drive Type<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe first thing to consider is the drive mechanism, how you will get the diaphragm to flex and thus the pump to run. The drive type (electric or air-operated, for example) you choose for your diaphragm pump depends on two things: Where you\u2019ll be operating the pump and whether or not you\u2019re working around flammable substances. If you plan to work off-site away from a power source, you\u2019ll need to purchase an air-operated double diaphragm pump (AODD). AODD pumps are also the only safe option for use around flammable liquids or vapours because they don\u2019t present a risk of ignition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re working near a power source and away from flammable materials, a diaphragm pump with an electric motor may be more suitable for your application. Consider an electric diaphragm pump if your application requires high pressure (AODD pumps can\u2019t exceed the pressure of the forced air supply), or if operating costs are a concern for you. Electric diaphragm pumps use up to 80% less energy than AODD pumps, making them cheaper to run for long periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Click here<\/a> to read more on the different driving mechanisms\/types of diaphragm pumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Valve Type and Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs a general rule, if you want to achieve a high flow rate or pump liquids with large suspended solids, you should choose a pump with a large valve size (3-4 inches) and a robust check valve. Our 4″ Pro Series Hydraulic Diaphragm Pump<\/a>, for example, combines a heavy ball valve design with a 4″ connection to effectively handle liquids containing solids up to 1\u00be\u201d in size. Heavy\/weighted ball valves are essential when pumping very viscous fluids as they\u2019re capable of cutting through thick materials to seat quickly, preventing backflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother consideration when choosing a valve type is the abrasiveness of the liquid being pumped. For highly abrasive liquids, such as ceramic slip or mineral slurry, choose an abrasion-resistant valve seat (e.g., look for valve seats made of stainless steel rather than rubber).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Diaphragms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs the part responsible for propelling liquid and keeping it separate from the pump body, diaphragms are incredibly important to the operation of any diaphragm pump. Failure to properly select and maintain diaphragms can result in liquid leaking into the pump\u2019s casing or motor, causing significant damage and operational safety risks. Before choosing diaphragms for your pump, make sure you understand the qualities of the liquid you intend to pump (e.g., its viscosity, chemical content, abrasiveness or corrosiveness, maximum solids size, etc.) Then, review the following criteria to find the best diaphragms for your application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemical & Abrasion Resistance<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a set of diaphragms, you should always refer to a detailed chemical resistance guide. Diaphragm materials vary widely in the type of chemicals they can withstand: just because a material offers good overall chemical resistance, that doesn\u2019t guarantee it will be compatible with the specific chemical you\u2019re handling. There are, however, some general material guidelines you can refer to when assessing chemical and abrasion resistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene (TPO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSantoprene is a highly durable thermoplastic rubber designed for superior chemical and abrasion resistance. Santoprene is used in many of our Wastecorp diaphragm pumps due to its extremely long flex life and versatility; Santoprene can handle most alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters, acids, salts and bases without degrading. However, it should not be used with certain volatile chemical compounds, such as benzene\/chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, kerosene, trichloroethylene, naphtha, toluene, or xylene. For this reason, Santoprene is unsuitable for pumping gasoline and other fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA rubber compound, neoprene offers mild to moderate chemical resistance, good abrasion resistance, and long flex life. It can safely withstand some oils, but not esters, ketones, acetone, or strong acids, and some hydrocarbons can damage Neoprene over time. Neoprene may also absorb water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nitrile (Buna N)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNitrile offers moderate abrasion resistance and excellent resistance to a variety of hydrocarbons, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, grease, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, turpentine, and other compounds often used in painting and automotive applications. However, Buna N has a reduced flex life compared to neoprene and Santoprene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like neoprene, nitrile is not suitable for use with harsh chemicals, ketones, acetone, or strong acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM (Viton)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFKM can resist very high temperatures and offers broad chemical compatibility, being able to withstand multiple solvents, ozone, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, most acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, it isn\u2019t recommended for use with ketones, amines, certain esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, and very potent acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPDM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEPDM is the diaphragm material of choice for use with many corrosive fluids such as solvents, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It also offers enhanced temperature resistance, with a wide range of operating temperatures. However, it should not be used with oils, fats, grease, petroleum-based fluids, or highly concentrated acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE (Hytrel)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTPEE is among the toughest diaphragm materials, offering excellent resistance to temperature extremes, impact, and flex fatigue. It\u2019s a common choice for use with very abrasive liquids and many industrial chemicals, oils and solvents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE (Teflon)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPTFE offers the highest level of chemical resistance, being suitable for use with most aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temperature Limits<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a diaphragm material, consider the temperatures of the environment where your pump will be operating and the fluid it will be pumping. The temperature ranges of various diaphragm materials are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene: -18\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buna N: -12\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM: -29\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPD: -50\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene: -23\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE: -18\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE: 4\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suction Capability<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHow much \u201csuction lift\u201d your application requires is another important factor to consider when choosing diaphragms. Some materials, like Teflon, are very rigid and may therefore become damaged by high vacuum pressure, while rubber compounds readily bounce back. If you need both suction lift and superior chemical resistance, you may need to purchase two-piece bonded diaphragms, which combine the durability of one material (such as Teflon or stainless steel) with the flexibility of rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hygiene Standards<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIf you plan to use your pump for applications related to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics manufacturing, you\u2019ll need to use diaphragms that comply with hygienic standards. Two-piece bonded PTFE diaphragms are often used for applications requiring enhanced hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Pump Body Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCommon diaphragm pump materials include cast iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and certain highly specialized hard plastics, such as fluorine plastic (PVDF). If you plan to pump non-corrosive liquids, choose a pump with a metal body (e.g., cast iron or aluminum alloy) as metal pumps offer excellent durability when not exposed to corrosive substances. Pumps with a metal body are also less prone to leakage than plastic pumps and can withstand high levels of abrasion from suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For corrosive liquids, on the other hand, plastic and PVDF pumps are usually recommended as they will not rust or otherwise degrade, giving your pump a longer service life. Most plastic pumps can safely transfer acids, caustics, and bleach; however, you should always consult your pump\u2019s manual to verify that it\u2019s suitable for your application before pumping a corrosive liquid. To prevent leakage, inspect plastic pumps regularly for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operating temperature also plays a role in material selection: If you plan to pump liquids at very hot temperatures, you will need to use a stainless steel or PVDF pump, as both materials offer excellent thermal resistance. If pumping an abrasive liquid at high temperatures, choose a stainless steel pump; for highly corrosive liquids, PVDF may be a better choice in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Flow Rate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final step before buying a diaphragm pump is to calculate the flow rate needed for your application. Diaphragm pumps can transfer liquid at rates as low as one gallon per minute up to hundreds of gallons per minute, depending on the pump\u2019s size and operational speeds. To reduce wear on your pump, we strongly recommend selecting a pump that has twice the flow rate you require. Running a pump at 50% of its maximum capacity during typical operation will greatly extend its service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the Experts at Wastecorp For Advice on Choosing a Diaphragm Pump<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChoosing the correct diaphragm pump will protect your pump from premature damage and ensure safe usage. If you would like to review your options or have a diaphragm pump designed to fit your specific application, Wastecorp can help. As a pump manufacturer, we offer custom diaphragm pumps and a wide range of diaphragm pump parts<\/a> and accessories, giving our pumps unmatched versatility. Plus, all of our pumps are designed and manufactured in North America, guaranteeing superior product quality and reliability. Contact us<\/a> today to get started or browse our extensive selection of diaphragm pumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Valve Type and Size<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs a general rule, if you want to achieve a high flow rate or pump liquids with large suspended solids, you should choose a pump with a large valve size (3-4 inches) and a robust check valve. Our 4″ Pro Series Hydraulic Diaphragm Pump<\/a>, for example, combines a heavy ball valve design with a 4″ connection to effectively handle liquids containing solids up to 1\u00be\u201d in size. Heavy\/weighted ball valves are essential when pumping very viscous fluids as they\u2019re capable of cutting through thick materials to seat quickly, preventing backflow.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother consideration when choosing a valve type is the abrasiveness of the liquid being pumped. For highly abrasive liquids, such as ceramic slip or mineral slurry, choose an abrasion-resistant valve seat (e.g., look for valve seats made of stainless steel rather than rubber).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Diaphragms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs the part responsible for propelling liquid and keeping it separate from the pump body, diaphragms are incredibly important to the operation of any diaphragm pump. Failure to properly select and maintain diaphragms can result in liquid leaking into the pump\u2019s casing or motor, causing significant damage and operational safety risks. Before choosing diaphragms for your pump, make sure you understand the qualities of the liquid you intend to pump (e.g., its viscosity, chemical content, abrasiveness or corrosiveness, maximum solids size, etc.) Then, review the following criteria to find the best diaphragms for your application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemical & Abrasion Resistance<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a set of diaphragms, you should always refer to a detailed chemical resistance guide. Diaphragm materials vary widely in the type of chemicals they can withstand: just because a material offers good overall chemical resistance, that doesn\u2019t guarantee it will be compatible with the specific chemical you\u2019re handling. There are, however, some general material guidelines you can refer to when assessing chemical and abrasion resistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene (TPO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSantoprene is a highly durable thermoplastic rubber designed for superior chemical and abrasion resistance. Santoprene is used in many of our Wastecorp diaphragm pumps due to its extremely long flex life and versatility; Santoprene can handle most alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters, acids, salts and bases without degrading. However, it should not be used with certain volatile chemical compounds, such as benzene\/chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, kerosene, trichloroethylene, naphtha, toluene, or xylene. For this reason, Santoprene is unsuitable for pumping gasoline and other fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA rubber compound, neoprene offers mild to moderate chemical resistance, good abrasion resistance, and long flex life. It can safely withstand some oils, but not esters, ketones, acetone, or strong acids, and some hydrocarbons can damage Neoprene over time. Neoprene may also absorb water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nitrile (Buna N)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNitrile offers moderate abrasion resistance and excellent resistance to a variety of hydrocarbons, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, grease, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, turpentine, and other compounds often used in painting and automotive applications. However, Buna N has a reduced flex life compared to neoprene and Santoprene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like neoprene, nitrile is not suitable for use with harsh chemicals, ketones, acetone, or strong acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM (Viton)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFKM can resist very high temperatures and offers broad chemical compatibility, being able to withstand multiple solvents, ozone, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, most acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, it isn\u2019t recommended for use with ketones, amines, certain esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, and very potent acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPDM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEPDM is the diaphragm material of choice for use with many corrosive fluids such as solvents, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It also offers enhanced temperature resistance, with a wide range of operating temperatures. However, it should not be used with oils, fats, grease, petroleum-based fluids, or highly concentrated acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE (Hytrel)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTPEE is among the toughest diaphragm materials, offering excellent resistance to temperature extremes, impact, and flex fatigue. It\u2019s a common choice for use with very abrasive liquids and many industrial chemicals, oils and solvents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE (Teflon)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPTFE offers the highest level of chemical resistance, being suitable for use with most aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temperature Limits<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a diaphragm material, consider the temperatures of the environment where your pump will be operating and the fluid it will be pumping. The temperature ranges of various diaphragm materials are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene: -18\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buna N: -12\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM: -29\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPD: -50\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene: -23\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE: -18\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE: 4\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suction Capability<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHow much \u201csuction lift\u201d your application requires is another important factor to consider when choosing diaphragms. Some materials, like Teflon, are very rigid and may therefore become damaged by high vacuum pressure, while rubber compounds readily bounce back. If you need both suction lift and superior chemical resistance, you may need to purchase two-piece bonded diaphragms, which combine the durability of one material (such as Teflon or stainless steel) with the flexibility of rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hygiene Standards<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIf you plan to use your pump for applications related to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics manufacturing, you\u2019ll need to use diaphragms that comply with hygienic standards. Two-piece bonded PTFE diaphragms are often used for applications requiring enhanced hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Pump Body Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCommon diaphragm pump materials include cast iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and certain highly specialized hard plastics, such as fluorine plastic (PVDF). If you plan to pump non-corrosive liquids, choose a pump with a metal body (e.g., cast iron or aluminum alloy) as metal pumps offer excellent durability when not exposed to corrosive substances. Pumps with a metal body are also less prone to leakage than plastic pumps and can withstand high levels of abrasion from suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For corrosive liquids, on the other hand, plastic and PVDF pumps are usually recommended as they will not rust or otherwise degrade, giving your pump a longer service life. Most plastic pumps can safely transfer acids, caustics, and bleach; however, you should always consult your pump\u2019s manual to verify that it\u2019s suitable for your application before pumping a corrosive liquid. To prevent leakage, inspect plastic pumps regularly for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operating temperature also plays a role in material selection: If you plan to pump liquids at very hot temperatures, you will need to use a stainless steel or PVDF pump, as both materials offer excellent thermal resistance. If pumping an abrasive liquid at high temperatures, choose a stainless steel pump; for highly corrosive liquids, PVDF may be a better choice in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Flow Rate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final step before buying a diaphragm pump is to calculate the flow rate needed for your application. Diaphragm pumps can transfer liquid at rates as low as one gallon per minute up to hundreds of gallons per minute, depending on the pump\u2019s size and operational speeds. To reduce wear on your pump, we strongly recommend selecting a pump that has twice the flow rate you require. Running a pump at 50% of its maximum capacity during typical operation will greatly extend its service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the Experts at Wastecorp For Advice on Choosing a Diaphragm Pump<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChoosing the correct diaphragm pump will protect your pump from premature damage and ensure safe usage. If you would like to review your options or have a diaphragm pump designed to fit your specific application, Wastecorp can help. As a pump manufacturer, we offer custom diaphragm pumps and a wide range of diaphragm pump parts<\/a> and accessories, giving our pumps unmatched versatility. Plus, all of our pumps are designed and manufactured in North America, guaranteeing superior product quality and reliability. Contact us<\/a> today to get started or browse our extensive selection of diaphragm pumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another consideration when choosing a valve type is the abrasiveness of the liquid being pumped. For highly abrasive liquids, such as ceramic slip or mineral slurry, choose an abrasion-resistant valve seat (e.g., look for valve seats made of stainless steel rather than rubber).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Diaphragms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs the part responsible for propelling liquid and keeping it separate from the pump body, diaphragms are incredibly important to the operation of any diaphragm pump. Failure to properly select and maintain diaphragms can result in liquid leaking into the pump\u2019s casing or motor, causing significant damage and operational safety risks. Before choosing diaphragms for your pump, make sure you understand the qualities of the liquid you intend to pump (e.g., its viscosity, chemical content, abrasiveness or corrosiveness, maximum solids size, etc.) Then, review the following criteria to find the best diaphragms for your application:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemical & Abrasion Resistance<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a set of diaphragms, you should always refer to a detailed chemical resistance guide. Diaphragm materials vary widely in the type of chemicals they can withstand: just because a material offers good overall chemical resistance, that doesn\u2019t guarantee it will be compatible with the specific chemical you\u2019re handling. There are, however, some general material guidelines you can refer to when assessing chemical and abrasion resistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene (TPO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nSantoprene is a highly durable thermoplastic rubber designed for superior chemical and abrasion resistance. Santoprene is used in many of our Wastecorp diaphragm pumps due to its extremely long flex life and versatility; Santoprene can handle most alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters, acids, salts and bases without degrading. However, it should not be used with certain volatile chemical compounds, such as benzene\/chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, kerosene, trichloroethylene, naphtha, toluene, or xylene. For this reason, Santoprene is unsuitable for pumping gasoline and other fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nA rubber compound, neoprene offers mild to moderate chemical resistance, good abrasion resistance, and long flex life. It can safely withstand some oils, but not esters, ketones, acetone, or strong acids, and some hydrocarbons can damage Neoprene over time. Neoprene may also absorb water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nitrile (Buna N)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nNitrile offers moderate abrasion resistance and excellent resistance to a variety of hydrocarbons, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, grease, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, turpentine, and other compounds often used in painting and automotive applications. However, Buna N has a reduced flex life compared to neoprene and Santoprene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like neoprene, nitrile is not suitable for use with harsh chemicals, ketones, acetone, or strong acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM (Viton)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFKM can resist very high temperatures and offers broad chemical compatibility, being able to withstand multiple solvents, ozone, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, most acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, it isn\u2019t recommended for use with ketones, amines, certain esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, and very potent acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPDM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEPDM is the diaphragm material of choice for use with many corrosive fluids such as solvents, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It also offers enhanced temperature resistance, with a wide range of operating temperatures. However, it should not be used with oils, fats, grease, petroleum-based fluids, or highly concentrated acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE (Hytrel)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTPEE is among the toughest diaphragm materials, offering excellent resistance to temperature extremes, impact, and flex fatigue. It\u2019s a common choice for use with very abrasive liquids and many industrial chemicals, oils and solvents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE (Teflon)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPTFE offers the highest level of chemical resistance, being suitable for use with most aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Temperature Limits<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nBefore selecting a diaphragm material, consider the temperatures of the environment where your pump will be operating and the fluid it will be pumping. The temperature ranges of various diaphragm materials are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neoprene: -18\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buna N: -12\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FKM: -29\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EPD: -50\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene: -23\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
TPEE: -18\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PTFE: 4\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Suction Capability<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nHow much \u201csuction lift\u201d your application requires is another important factor to consider when choosing diaphragms. Some materials, like Teflon, are very rigid and may therefore become damaged by high vacuum pressure, while rubber compounds readily bounce back. If you need both suction lift and superior chemical resistance, you may need to purchase two-piece bonded diaphragms, which combine the durability of one material (such as Teflon or stainless steel) with the flexibility of rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hygiene Standards<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIf you plan to use your pump for applications related to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics manufacturing, you\u2019ll need to use diaphragms that comply with hygienic standards. Two-piece bonded PTFE diaphragms are often used for applications requiring enhanced hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Pump Body Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCommon diaphragm pump materials include cast iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and certain highly specialized hard plastics, such as fluorine plastic (PVDF). If you plan to pump non-corrosive liquids, choose a pump with a metal body (e.g., cast iron or aluminum alloy) as metal pumps offer excellent durability when not exposed to corrosive substances. Pumps with a metal body are also less prone to leakage than plastic pumps and can withstand high levels of abrasion from suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For corrosive liquids, on the other hand, plastic and PVDF pumps are usually recommended as they will not rust or otherwise degrade, giving your pump a longer service life. Most plastic pumps can safely transfer acids, caustics, and bleach; however, you should always consult your pump\u2019s manual to verify that it\u2019s suitable for your application before pumping a corrosive liquid. To prevent leakage, inspect plastic pumps regularly for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Operating temperature also plays a role in material selection: If you plan to pump liquids at very hot temperatures, you will need to use a stainless steel or PVDF pump, as both materials offer excellent thermal resistance. If pumping an abrasive liquid at high temperatures, choose a stainless steel pump; for highly corrosive liquids, PVDF may be a better choice in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Flow Rate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe final step before buying a diaphragm pump is to calculate the flow rate needed for your application. Diaphragm pumps can transfer liquid at rates as low as one gallon per minute up to hundreds of gallons per minute, depending on the pump\u2019s size and operational speeds. To reduce wear on your pump, we strongly recommend selecting a pump that has twice the flow rate you require. Running a pump at 50% of its maximum capacity during typical operation will greatly extend its service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the Experts at Wastecorp For Advice on Choosing a Diaphragm Pump<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nChoosing the correct diaphragm pump will protect your pump from premature damage and ensure safe usage. If you would like to review your options or have a diaphragm pump designed to fit your specific application, Wastecorp can help. As a pump manufacturer, we offer custom diaphragm pumps and a wide range of diaphragm pump parts<\/a> and accessories, giving our pumps unmatched versatility. Plus, all of our pumps are designed and manufactured in North America, guaranteeing superior product quality and reliability. Contact us<\/a> today to get started or browse our extensive selection of diaphragm pumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before selecting a set of diaphragms, you should always refer to a detailed chemical resistance guide. Diaphragm materials vary widely in the type of chemicals they can withstand: just because a material offers good overall chemical resistance, that doesn\u2019t guarantee it will be compatible with the specific chemical you\u2019re handling. There are, however, some general material guidelines you can refer to when assessing chemical and abrasion resistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Santoprene (TPO)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Santoprene is a highly durable thermoplastic rubber designed for superior chemical and abrasion resistance. Santoprene is used in many of our Wastecorp diaphragm pumps due to its extremely long flex life and versatility; Santoprene can handle most alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters, acids, salts and bases without degrading. However, it should not be used with certain volatile chemical compounds, such as benzene\/chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, kerosene, trichloroethylene, naphtha, toluene, or xylene. For this reason, Santoprene is unsuitable for pumping gasoline and other fuels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neoprene<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A rubber compound, neoprene offers mild to moderate chemical resistance, good abrasion resistance, and long flex life. It can safely withstand some oils, but not esters, ketones, acetone, or strong acids, and some hydrocarbons can damage Neoprene over time. Neoprene may also absorb water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nitrile (Buna N)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nitrile offers moderate abrasion resistance and excellent resistance to a variety of hydrocarbons, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, grease, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, turpentine, and other compounds often used in painting and automotive applications. However, Buna N has a reduced flex life compared to neoprene and Santoprene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like neoprene, nitrile is not suitable for use with harsh chemicals, ketones, acetone, or strong acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FKM (Viton)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n FKM can resist very high temperatures and offers broad chemical compatibility, being able to withstand multiple solvents, ozone, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, most acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, it isn\u2019t recommended for use with ketones, amines, certain esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, and very potent acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EPDM<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n EPDM is the diaphragm material of choice for use with many corrosive fluids such as solvents, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It also offers enhanced temperature resistance, with a wide range of operating temperatures. However, it should not be used with oils, fats, grease, petroleum-based fluids, or highly concentrated acids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TPEE (Hytrel)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n TPEE is among the toughest diaphragm materials, offering excellent resistance to temperature extremes, impact, and flex fatigue. It\u2019s a common choice for use with very abrasive liquids and many industrial chemicals, oils and solvents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PTFE (Teflon)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n PTFE offers the highest level of chemical resistance, being suitable for use with most aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before selecting a diaphragm material, consider the temperatures of the environment where your pump will be operating and the fluid it will be pumping. The temperature ranges of various diaphragm materials are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Neoprene: -18\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buna N: -12\u00b0C to 82\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n FKM: -29\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n EPD: -50\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n Santoprene: -23\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n TPEE: -18\u00b0C to 120\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n PTFE: 4\u00b0C to 100\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n\n\n How much \u201csuction lift\u201d your application requires is another important factor to consider when choosing diaphragms. Some materials, like Teflon, are very rigid and may therefore become damaged by high vacuum pressure, while rubber compounds readily bounce back. If you need both suction lift and superior chemical resistance, you may need to purchase two-piece bonded diaphragms, which combine the durability of one material (such as Teflon or stainless steel) with the flexibility of rubber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you plan to use your pump for applications related to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics manufacturing, you\u2019ll need to use diaphragms that comply with hygienic standards. Two-piece bonded PTFE diaphragms are often used for applications requiring enhanced hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common diaphragm pump materials include cast iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and certain highly specialized hard plastics, such as fluorine plastic (PVDF). If you plan to pump non-corrosive liquids, choose a pump with a metal body (e.g., cast iron or aluminum alloy) as metal pumps offer excellent durability when not exposed to corrosive substances. Pumps with a metal body are also less prone to leakage than plastic pumps and can withstand high levels of abrasion from suspended solids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For corrosive liquids, on the other hand, plastic and PVDF pumps are usually recommended as they will not rust or otherwise degrade, giving your pump a longer service life. Most plastic pumps can safely transfer acids, caustics, and bleach; however, you should always consult your pump\u2019s manual to verify that it\u2019s suitable for your application before pumping a corrosive liquid. To prevent leakage, inspect plastic pumps regularly for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operating temperature also plays a role in material selection: If you plan to pump liquids at very hot temperatures, you will need to use a stainless steel or PVDF pump, as both materials offer excellent thermal resistance. If pumping an abrasive liquid at high temperatures, choose a stainless steel pump; for highly corrosive liquids, PVDF may be a better choice in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The final step before buying a diaphragm pump is to calculate the flow rate needed for your application. Diaphragm pumps can transfer liquid at rates as low as one gallon per minute up to hundreds of gallons per minute, depending on the pump\u2019s size and operational speeds. To reduce wear on your pump, we strongly recommend selecting a pump that has twice the flow rate you require. Running a pump at 50% of its maximum capacity during typical operation will greatly extend its service life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choosing the correct diaphragm pump will protect your pump from premature damage and ensure safe usage. If you would like to review your options or have a diaphragm pump designed to fit your specific application, Wastecorp can help. As a pump manufacturer, we offer custom diaphragm pumps and a wide range of diaphragm pump parts<\/a> and accessories, giving our pumps unmatched versatility. Plus, all of our pumps are designed and manufactured in North America, guaranteeing superior product quality and reliability. Contact us<\/a> today to get started or browse our extensive selection of diaphragm pumps:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTemperature Limits<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Suction Capability<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hygiene Standards<\/em><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Pump Body Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Flow Rate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ask the Experts at Wastecorp For Advice on Choosing a Diaphragm Pump<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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