An air-operated double diaphragm pump is indeed a highly reliable pump type and is generally easy to operate and maintain. However, several factors can lead to the deterioration or failure of the pump.
- Run the pump dry without limitations: dry running an air-operated double diaphragm pump may not immediately damage the pump, but it can accelerate wear and lead to premature failure.
- Run the pump with dirty and/or very humid air: high moisture or poor air quality can lead to issues such as icing or clogging of the air valve or muffler in an air-operated double diaphragm pump.
- Start-up of the pump at full pressure: it’s always advisable to start a diaphragm pump slowly to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
- Use the same diaphragms on different applications: incorrect diaphragm selection can lead to diaphragm rupture and various other issues with the pump. The lifespan of diaphragms largely depends on the material they are made of. Always ensure that the diaphragm material is resistant to the liquid being pumped.
- Run the pump with high inlet pressure: an air-operated double diaphragm pump producing an irregular noise is often indicative of the pump operating at excessively high inlet pressure.
- Installing an air line with an inner diameter that is too small: using an air line that is too small, or air equipment in the air supply that reduces the volume of air your pump requires, will starve the pump of compressed air, causing it to operate slowly.
- Installing a fluid piping to the pump that is too small: a suction pipe that is too small can cause cavitation inside your pump and reduce its lifetime.
- Run your pump fast on abrasive applications: if you run an air-operated double diaphragm pump at high speeds in abrasive applications, the valve seats and balls will wear out quickly.
- Ignoring suction lift and medium viscosity when selecting a pump: always consider the flow reduction curves for suction lift and viscosity when selecting a pump.
- Not using the most efficient double diaphragm pump: Inefficient pumps consume more air and take longer to complete tasks, leading to increased maintenance not only for the pump but also for the compressed air installation (compressor, dryer, supply pipes, etc.).
Learn how to avoid these problems by reading our white paper 10 Ways to Kill your Double Diaphragm Pump: Verder_10ways-to-kill-diaphragm-pump_INT_EN_Whitepaper.pdf (verderliquids.com)
