Ways of Protecting an Air-Driven Diaphragm Pump From Rupture
Air-driven diaphragm displacement pumps are very popular, largely due to their versatility. However, it is crucial to make sure the diaphragm is in tip-top condition because a rupture can lead to unplanned downtime. From a profit point of view, such downtime can lead to massive losses. From an environmental perspective, the rupture might lead to pollution. For instance, think about the ecological impact of leaking resins or adhesives resulting from a ruptured ADDD pump diaphragm. There is no doubt the clean-up will be expensive and painful, given the difficulty of dealing with resins and adhesives. This article highlights tips to help prevent diaphragm failure in ADDD pumps.
Install a Regulator
It is one of the essential accessories a facility should install in its ADDD pump to prevent damage to the diaphragm. Unfortunately, some industrial facilities rarely do that. As the name suggests, a regulator's primary role in an ADDD pump is to control the amount of air flowing into the pump. Consequently, it helps to manage the pump's stroke speed, thereby ensuring the diaphragms don't overwork. Without the regulator, uncontrolled airflow and speed stroke will over-pressurise the diaphragm, causing it to bubble out and fail.
Use One-Piece Diaphragm
Due to the versatility of ADDD pumps, most facilities prefer to use standard diaphragms that are capable of withstanding normal operating pressures. The argument in support of the preference is that conventional membranes are easier and cheaper to replace. However, you should ask yourself how much you are willing to spend if you have to replace a diaphragm every three months. That is why a one-piece diaphragm is the recommended choice for ADDD pumps because it can withstand more pressure for longer compared to standard diaphragms. Additionally, the dimples on the surface of a one-piece diaphragm provide extra structural strength, thus allowing it to roll excessively and for a longer time.
Avoid Deadheading
One advantage that ADDD pumps have over other types is they don't need priming to function optimally. As such, some facilities don't mind deadheading or dry-running their ADDD pump as it seems harmless. That said, it is advised that dry-running a diaphragm pump should only be done where priming is impossible. For example, if the pump is too large to submerge into the site source, you are allowed to dry-run it. However, if you insist on dry-running the pump at every opportunity, the diaphragm will wear out much faster.