Diaphragm pumps use a flexible diaphragm and check valves to move fluids in a two-part cycle. They can be powered by air, fluid, or motors and can run dry without damage. There are two types of actuators: compressed air/fluid and mechanical.
A diaphragm pump is a positive displacement pump that uses a flexible diaphragm to pump fluids. The pump uses a series of check valves to ensure that fluid can only travel in one direction through the chamber. The diaphragm itself can be expanded and contracted using air or pressurized fluids or motors.
In general, a diaphragm pump moves fluids using a two-part cycle. In the first part the diaphragm is moved away from the inlet/outlet valves so that the volume of the chamber increases. This increase in volume causes a decrease in pressure within the chamber relative to the inlet and outlet, creating a vacuum effect which sucks in the fluid. Check valves on the inlet and outlet connections ensure that fluid can only enter the chamber through the inlet connection.
At the end of the first stage, the diaphragm of the diaphragm pump is pushed back into the chamber. The volume inside the chamber therefore decreases and the pressure increases. The fluid inside the chamber is pushed through the outlet connection. As with the inlet loop, connected check valves allow fluid to exit the chamber only through the proper connection.
In most cases, the diaphragm itself is sealed to the sides of the pump, completely separating the chamber from the drive mechanism. Since the mechanism doesn’t actually move the diaphragm, but rather stretches and contracts it, there is little friction within the pump itself. This feature of the diaphragm pump sets it apart from other types as it allows the pump to run dry for long periods of time without sustaining damage. This, coupled with their flexible designs, allows diaphragm pumps to be used in everything from heavy industrial applications to artificial hearts.
There are two main types of diaphragm pump actuators. The former uses compressed air or fluid to expand or contract the diaphragm. An increase in pressure on the actuator side of the pump pushes the diaphragm into the chamber, increasing the pressure on the fluid within the chamber and forcing it through the outlet. Similarly, a decrease in pressure on the actuator side causes the diaphragm to deflect away from the chamber.
The second type of actuator uses a mechanical device attached to the diaphragm to push and pull it in and out of the chamber. The effect inside the chamber is the same regardless of the type of actuator used. Only the mechanism used to drive the pulsations of the diaphragm is different.
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