Diaphragm pumps – How does it work, advantages and applications
This guide will provide a comprehensive explanation of how diaphragm pumps operate, their potential applications, and what sets WAGNER’s technology apart from traditional diaphragm pumps. The WAGNER brand of paint sprayers utilises a variety of pumps, including the diaphragm pump.
How does a diaphragm pump work?
The paint sprayer diaphragm pump efficiently utilises an electric motor and planetary gear to power the hydraulic pump. As a result, it propels the hydraulic oil under the diaphragm, which then enables the material to be sprayed with immense pressure from the spray gun. Moreover, the diaphragm doubles as a valve that automatically shuts the inlet valve and lets the material out through the outlet valve when pressed upwards, while creating a vacuum and drawing in more material when pulled down. This incredible function allows it to function as a vacuum pump. The pressure control valve works to limit the delivery pressure in the hydraulic oil circuit and the material pressure, which can be fine-tuned to control the spray jet.
The advantages of a diaphragm pump.
One of the notable advantages of diaphragm pumps is their continuous operation, ensuring consistent pressure and an even spray pattern without any pulsations. This is due to the diaphragm’s constant motion that eliminates the need for frequent stops, unlike other pumps. Moreover, these pumps have a purely mechanical design that doesn’t require any circuit board or control technology, significantly reducing maintenance needs. If replacement of parts is needed, it’s a quick and straightforward process. SuperFinish paint sprayers, equipped with a hopper, eliminate the need for a suction hose filled with paint. Diaphragm pumps can also be used with small diameter hoses, which require less material to fill, thus reducing material costs. Lastly, diaphragm pumps are specially designed for small amounts of material, making them ideal for specific applications.
Which materials can be processed with a diaphragm pump?
Many materials can be processed with the diaphragm pump! Including:
- Primers
- Separating agents
- Undercoats
- Varnish
- Water based paints
- Silicate paints
- Corrosion protection
- External paints and more
Higher-viscosity materials must be tested. Low-viscosity flame retardants, for example, can still be sprayed with a diaphragm pump. For more viscous fire protection, a different pump should be used. Filling compound or plaster is also not suitable for processing with the diaphragm pump.
What applications is a diaphragm pump suitable for?
The diaphragm pump is an incredibly versatile pump that can handle a range of small to medium-sized material applications with ease. It is particularly useful for woodworking projects, where it can spray primers, varnishes, and paints on wood and metal surfaces with great precision.
This pump is also perfect for interior and exterior wall and ceiling painting, making it a go-to choice for many professionals in the industry. While it can handle materials with low to medium viscosity, it is not suitable for coarse or highly viscous substances like filler or plaster. For those materials, HeavyCoat or PlastCoat pumps with different capabilities are recommended. It is crucial to steer clear of using substances that are too highly viscous, as this can not only damage the device but also reduce its lifespan. Below are the Diaphragm pumps that we currently offer.
Basic differences between a diaphragm pump and others
The diaphragm pump is an incredibly versatile pump that can handle a range of small to medium-sized material applications with ease. It is particularly useful for woodworking projects, where it can spray primers, varnishes, and paints on wood and metal surfaces with great precision.
This pump is also perfect for interior and exterior wall and ceiling painting, making it a go-to choice for many professionals in the industry. While it can handle materials with low to medium viscosity, it is not suitable for coarse or highly viscous substances like filler or plaster. For those materials, HeavyCoat or PlastCoat pumps with different capabilities are recommended. It is crucial to steer clear of using substances that are too highly viscous, as this can not only damage the device but also reduce its lifespan. Below are the Diaphragm pumps that we currently offer.
Double Diaphragm
The self-priming double diaphragm pump has not one but two diaphragms. These are connected to a piston rod and move together. Since it is a compressed air diaphragm pump, it is driven by compressed air (as the name suggests). Therefore, with each stroke of the piston, the pumped medium is simultaneously sucked in and delivered through the diaphragms, and this takes place with even less pulsation.
Piston
The piston pump builds up pressure through the lifting motion of the piston, as the name suggests. In contrast to the diaphragm pump, the piston pump does not run continuously, but rather switches off when the desired pressure is reached. With the piston pump you can also spray highly viscous materials such as filling compound. In contrast to this, the diaphragm pump also has no switchover point.
Screw
With the screw pump, the material is delivered not by pressure but rather by displacement. Even the thickest, most highly viscous materials can be conveyed and sprayed.
Turbine
XVLP and HVLP technologies are not pumps. Here, air pressure is used to atomise the material in a low-pressure process, so these are turbines. Low viscos materials can be sprayed with them.