Choosing the right pump: electric diaphragm pumps vs other pump technologies

Graco’s QUANTM electric operated double diaphragm (EODD) pumps offer innovative and unique solutions to age-old issues encountered by businesses using other pump technologies. Through its flexibility and customizable design, it is perfectly suited to an exceptional variety of applications and conditions.

Main drawbacks of traditional pump technologies

Here are some of the most common obstacles users face when working with traditional pump technologies.

• Centrifugal pumps
  Centrifugal pumps are reasonably priced but often times limited in compatibility with many fluids. Their intricate and sensitive design is not suited for fluids containing abrasives and solids, quickly damaging the impellers during operation. Because they work at high rotational speeds, centrifugal pumps tend to shear and degrade liquids, which is important to consider with process and sanitary type ingredient transfer within a recipe/product stream. Additionally, the design of centrifugal pumps does not allow for much variation in the flow rate dynamically in the system. The application, pressure, and flow rate need to be very stable for the pump to maintain the motor and efficiency performance.
  
  Are centrifugal pumps getting you frustrated? Have a look at The benefits of EODD pumps compared to centrifugal pumps to explore an alternative solution.

• Magnetic drive pumps
  Although magnetic drive pumps have largely done away with issues caused by leaking mechanical seals, they can only be used with clean and homogenous fluids, making them unsuitable for applications that involve solids. Furthermore, the very nature of the magnetic drive system can lead to overheating or transferring the drive’s heat signature into the fluid, leaving the material in an altered composition. In some cases of continuous operation at higher flow rates, heat generated by the magnets can be so high that it will actually cook or bake constituents of the process liquid onto the impeller magnet hub, resulting in build-up of a deposit that lowers performance and will eventually cause mechanical failures.
  
  Is the excess heat produced by your magnetic drive pump causing issues? Take a look at Choosing the right pump: magnetic drive pumps vs EODD pumps to find out more about this alternative.

• Rotary lobe pumps
  Rotary lobe pumps require complicated timing gears, which are located in the gearbox. These gears prevent the lobes from making contact in the pump head, which is a great feature of the design. However, these gears are an additional moving piece that requires regular maintenance and needs to be replaced on occasion. In the pump head itself, the lobes have tolerances large enough to allow abrasive materials to pass, gradually wearing down the lobes and the performance of the pump. Furthermore, the large tolerance makes it difficult for the pump to efficiently transfer thin and low viscosity materials. Low viscosity fluid makes its way between the lobes, reducing lift and efficiency of rotary lobe pumps.
  
  Would you like to find out more about rotary lobe pumps and how they compare to EODD pumps? Have a look at Rotary lobe pumps vs EODD pumps: pros and cons.

• Gear pumps
  Gear pumps are unique in that they have the ability to pump high viscosity fluids within a fairly large temperature range, but because of the complexity of their design, they are plagued by high maintenance costs especially looking at the need for expensive spare parts. Additionally because of their size and flow rates, gear pumps are unsuitable for operations with large bulk flow rates. As with many other pumps with large metallic surfaces contacting internally, abrasives are a concern.
  
  Are you tired of your gear pumps losing efficiency too soon? Have a look at Choosing the right pump: gear pumps vs EODD pumps  and find your perfect fit.

• Progressive cavity pumps
  Running dry is by far the main reason these pumps fail. Fluid always has to be pumped to lubricate the contacting surfaces between rotor and stator. The progressive cavity pump drive transmits its power to the internal screw through the pump casing using a rotary shaft seal. A mechanical seal is an expensive wear part and sensitive to increased heat, abrasives and non-lubricating liquids, increasing the risk for leakages over time. Furthermore, the mechanical seal raises sanitation concerns with food/personal care applications and is costly to repair. Finally, the material being pumped can be altered by both the rotation churning the fluid and the friction of the shaft and seal, transferring heat into the liquid/fluid being pumped.
  
  Are progressive cavity pumps squeezing your maintenance budget? Have a look at Progressive cavity pumps vs EODD pumps: pros and cons to discover a solution.

• Peristaltic pumps
  While peristaltic pumps are widely used and trusted for a variety of applications, especially for smaller flow rates, users tend to be frustrated at the pumps’ significant footprint and high maintenance costs. The flexible hose used in peristaltic pumps tends to degrade with time, particularly when used with abrasives. Unless the unit is equipped with leak protection feature, a rupture of the hose can cause leaks into the process stream and lead to hazardous or undesirable situations. Because of this, hoses need to be replaced frequently.
  
  Frustrated by the high maintenance costs of your peristaltic pumps? Have a look at The benefits of EODD pumps compared to peristaltic pumps and find the perfect pump for your situation.