Selection of the right diaphragm for an air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pump is a critical consideration for safety, efficiency and trouble-free operations. A number of factors must be taken into account when choosing the proper diaphragm that will be suitable for a specific application.
Previous experience is always a very helpful guide, but new applications will often require research and outside advice to determine the appropriate diaphragm that will meet specific application requirements and parameters.
The 7 Factors
Chemical Resistance
Material compatibility with the fluid being pumped. The spectrum of fluids pumped can range from water to aggressive acids and caustics. Each diaphragm material has been tested to measure its compatibility against many chemicals. The operator should evaluate the pumped fluid against published chemical compatibility guides.
Temperature Ranges
Capability to remain flexible in low temperatures and not deteriorate in high temperatures. Temperature is a very critical factor, and the working range available in diaphragm materials varies greatly. The type of fluid can also affect the working temperature range of the material.
Abrasion Resistance
Ability to withstand wear and friction from contact with solids and particles in the fluid being pumped. Diaphragms are available to handle fluids ranging from clear to heavy slurries to dry bulk pumping.
Sanitary Standards
Requirements that the diaphragm comply with hygienic or sanitary standards. Applications in the food & beverage and pharmaceutical industry must utilize diaphragms that comply with industry regulations and compliance.
Inlet Condition (Flooded Suction And Suction Lift)
Capacity to pump fluid from one location to another. For different pumping configurations and conditions, certain diaphragm materials are more efficient and longer lasting than others. Contact All Pumps for expert advice in determining the optimum material for specific applications.
Flex Life
Expected longevity of the diaphragm before requiring replacement. Achieving maximum mean time between repairs (MTBR) is a key goal in selecting a diaphragm. However, some materials have inherently shorter flex lives than others even under ideal conditions.
Cost
Total cost of ownership determined by multiple factors such as initial price, rated flex life for the application and costs of downtime and diaphragm replacement labor. Because of the many variables involved, advice from an outside expert such as All Pumps can greatly assist in selecting the best performing, most cost-effective option for individual applications.
Wilden Diaphragms
Over the years, a number of materials have been tested extensively for use in diaphragms in AODD pumps. These materials can be grouped into three primary families: rubber, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) and PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene or Teflon®). Each family and the materials within each family offer properties and attributes that make them suitable for different applications.
Rubber Diaphragms
Rubber diaphragms are compression molded of synthetic rubber with a nylon fabric mesh positioned within the rubber to improve the diaphragm’s flexing characteristics. The following are the rubber diaphragm materials available:
- Neoprene is an exceptional general-purpose, low-cost diaphragm. Perfect for nonaggressive chemical applications such as water-based slurries, well water or seawater, it provides good flex life and abrasion resistance.
- Buna-N provides excellent performance in applications involving petroleum/oil-based fluids such as leaded gasoline, fuel oils, kerosene, turpentine and motor oils. In wide use throughout the fuel processing industry, Buna-N is also referred to as nitrile and provides moderate flex life and moderate abrasion resistance.
- EPDM is an excellent material for extremely cold temperatures and is an economical alternative when pumping dilute acids or caustics. EPDM diaphragms are in use in the manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical and paint/coating industries. The material exhibits good flex life and moderate abrasion resistance. EPDM is also a good choice where statically dissipative materials are required.
- Viton® is excellent for extremely hot temperatures and provides exceptional performance with aggressive fluids such as aromatic/chlorinated hydrocarbons and strong, aggressive acids. Viton is often the only diaphragm material suitable for applications where harsh chemicals are used because of its high temperature limit and chemical resiliency. It provides moderate flex life and moderate abrasion resistance.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Diaphragms
TPE diaphragms are manufactured by injection molding. As a result of their dimensional stability and tensile strength, TPE diaphragms do not need fabric reinforcement. Following are the available types of TPE diaphragms:
- Polyurethane is an outstanding general-purpose diaphragm for nonaggressive chemical applications such as water, wastewater and seawater. It provides excellent flex life, abrasion resistance and durability at an economical price.
- Wil-Flex™ provides a low-cost alternative to PTFE with a cost comparable to neoprene. Made of Santoprene™, Wil-Flex is ideal for use with acidic and caustic fluids such as sodium hydroxide, sulfuric or hydrochloric acids. Exhibiting excellent flex life, abrasion resistance, temperature range and durability, it is widely used in the chemical process, food, pharmaceutical and wastewater industries.
- Saniflex™ is an excellent material for food processing applications. Made of Hytrel®, it exhibits good flex life and excellent abrasion resistance. Hytrel also offers superior sealing or seal energizing due to its low compression set characteristics.
- Geolast® exhibits enhanced oil-resistance and low oil swell making it ideal for petroleum industry applications. Equivalent to nitrile (Buna-N), Geolast provides moderate flex life and good abrasion resistance over a wide temperature range at a lower cost than fabric-reinforced Buna-N.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Diaphragms
Because it is one of the most chemically inert compounds available, PTFE can be used with an extremely wide range of fluids. Also known as Teflon®, PTFE is excellent for highly aggressive fluids such as aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates. Its properties provide excellent flex life and moderate abrasion resistance. Because PTFE is non-elastic, a backup diaphragm of a different material must be used to provide flexibility and memory. Material options for backup diaphragms are Neoprene, Saniflex and high temperature Buna-N.
Wilden Diaphragm Selection Guide
Using extensive material testing and field data, Wilden compiled a Diaphragm Selection Guide that compares and rates the flex life, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, temperature limits and relative cost of each material type.
It is important to note that this chart should be used only as a guideline and in conjunction with thorough additional research and expert advice to determine the suitability of diaphragm materials for individual applications because one factor can affect another.
Conclusion
Whether it is pumping water, aggressive acids, food products or solid-laden slurries, there is a Wilden diaphragm for every application. The challenge can often be selection of the optimum diaphragm that will assure safe, efficient, cost effective and trouble-free operations.
Determining the correct diaphragm requires carefully identifying and factoring all process and application parameters into the analysis. Because one selection factor can offset another, expert advice should be obtained in determining compatibility based on all factors.
All Pumps supply the complete range of genuine Wilden pumps and Wilden spare parts at competitive price levels. All Pumps are also the experts in servicing Wilden Pumps.
