Electric diaphragm pumps and pneumatic diaphragm pumps are two common industrial pumps. The following are the differences between them in terms of energy drive, operating principle and applications:

1. Energy drive and operating principle:

Electric diaphragm pump：It is a diaphragm pump that uses electrical energy to drive the pump. It is mainly composed of a series of components such as motor, reducer, clutch, diaphragm pump, and sensor. The electrically driven reducer is a primary component that reduces the speed of the electric motor to a speed that can drive the diaphragm pump. Electric diaphragm pumps are powered by an electric motor, converting energy into mechanical motion to drive the diaphragm to work. Its working principle is based on the reciprocating piston principle, and is connected to the diaphragm through a motor-driven connecting rod to realize the suction and discharge of liquid.

Pneumatic diaphragm pump：It is a pump that use compressed air as a power source . It mainly consists of pneumatic part and mechanical part. The pneumatic part includes pneumatic motors and air pressure amplification devices, and the mechanical part includes components such as diaphragm pump body and connecting rods. The Pneumatic diaphragm pumps convert air energy into mechanical kinetic energy, and push the diaphragm to complete the work. Its working principle is based on the principle of pneumatic piston, which is connected to the diaphragm through the air compression part, and uses the push of air to achieve the suction and discharge of fluid.

2.Applications

Electric diaphragm pump

Electric diaphragm pumps are widely used in fields that require stable flow& pressure, safe and convenient operation, such as chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, electronics, food, paper making, printing and dyeing, etc.

Pneumatic diaphragm pump

Pneumatic diaphragm pumps are mainly used for transportation in special and harsh environments such as flammable and explosive, highly corrosive, high viscosity, high temperature and high pressure. Such as chemical production, dangerous goods transportation, paint spraying, petroleum processing, adhesive transportation, sewage treatment, etc.

3. Different operating methods: Electric diaphragm pumps can adjust flow and pressure by adjusting the frequency converter and flow controller, while pneumatic diaphragm pumps adjust pressure and flow rate through the air inlet and exhaust port.

4. Maintenance costs: The maintenance cost of electric diaphragm pumps is relatively high due to the presence of motors, reducers and other parts, while that of pneumatic diaphragm pumps is relatively low.

5. Noise and vibration: Because the motor directly drives the diaphragm pump, the electric diaphragm pump has greater noise and vibration; while the pneumatic diaphragm pump has less noise and vibration.

6. Flow rate: The electric diaphragm pump is about 0.5-20m3/h, and the head can only reach 30 meters. For a pneumatic diaphragm pump, the flow rate is approximately 0.8 - 63.6m3/h, and its maximum lift can reach 84 meters.

7. Advantages of diaphragm pumps

Electric diaphragm pump

• No need to fill water, the self-priming can reach 7 meters.​
• Since the diaphragm separates the transported medium from the transmission mechanical parts, the medium will not leak. And the pump itself has no shaft seal, which greatly extends its service life. According to different media, diaphragms are divided into Teflon, Santoprene, Hytrel, Viton, which can meet the requirements of different liquids.​
• Small size and light weight: Compared with pumps of the same type, its volume and weight are reduced by half.​

Pneumatic diaphragm pump

• The pump will not overheat: compressed air is used as power, and it is a process of expansion and heat absorption when exhausting. The temperature of the pneumatic pump is reduced when it is working, and no harmful gas is discharged.​
• No sparks will be generated: the pneumatic diaphragm pump does not use electricity for power, and it prevents static sparks after being grounded.
• Liquids containing particles can pass through: because it works in a positive displacement and the inlet is a ball valve, it is not easily blocked.
• Low shear force on the material: The agitation of the material is small, and it is suitable for the transportation of unstable substances.
• It has the function of self-priming, Dry suction lifts of 4m and wet suction lifts of 8m are not uncommon.
• It can be run dry.​Pumps can be ‘Run Dry’ without damaging the internals of the pump.
• It can be used as Submersible pump.
• There is no complex control system, no cables, fuses, etc.​
• Portable & Easily Installed: Compared with other pump types, the AODD pump can be easily transported to the site and only needs an air connection to complete the set up.​
• No lubrication is required, maintenance is easy and the working environment will not be polluted by dripping.​
• The pump can always maintain its performance and will not be reduced due to wear and tear.​
• There is no leakage. AODD pumps have a ‘Seal Less’ design with no glands or packing to leak around a main shaft.

Conclusion

when choosing a suitable pump type, you must consider the working environment and needs, and make decisions based on your liquid, your need flow rate and pressure. Plastic diaphragm pump, Aluminum diaphragm pump, stainless steel diaphragm pump, 1/2inch diaphragm pump, 1inch diaphragm pump, 2inch diaphragm pump, 3inch diaphragm pump are available.