How to Choose Electric Diaphragm Pump?

Author: Geoff

Aug. 11, 2025

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Tags: Agriculture

Everything You Need to Know About Electric Diaphragm Pumps

Electric diaphragm pumps, also known as electric operated double diaphragm pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that harnesses an electric motor to operate a flexible diaphragms. In contrast to pumps that depend on rotating blades, electric diaphragm pumps generate suction and pressure through the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm. This innovative design comes with multiple benefits, making electric diaphragm pumps an attractive option for various industries.

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How Do Electric Diaphragm Pumps Operate?

Typically, an electric diaphragm pump comprises of a casing, a diaphragm, a driving mechanism (motor), and some check valves. The electric motor powers either a camshaft or linkage mechanism, causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. When the diaphragm contracts inwardly (stroke), it increases the chamber volume, creating a vacuum that pulls fluid into the pump chamber through the inlet check valve. Conversely, when the diaphragm expands outwardly (stroke), it reduces the chamber volume, pushing fluid out through the discharge check valve.

There are two configurations of electric diaphragm pumps:

  • Single diaphragm pumps: These pumps employ one diaphragm for fluid transfer and are typically used in applications requiring lower flow rates and pressures.
  • Double-diaphragm pumps: Double-diaphragm pumps, also known as electric operated double diaphragm pumps (EODD Pump), utilise two diaphragms separated by a chamber filled with a fluid, like oil. The movement of one diaphragm transfers pressure to the other, creating a design that enables higher flow rates and pressures compared to single diaphragm pumps.

Advantages of Electric Diaphragm Pumps

Electric diaphragm pumps offer benefits over other pump types, making them a preferred option for different applications. Here are some key advantages:

  • Self-priming: Electric diaphragm pumps have the ability to self-prime, allowing them to remove air from the line and start pumping without requiring pre-filling with liquid. This feature is particularly useful when the pump is situated above the source. 
  • Dry-run capability: In contrast to pumps that can incur damage if operated without electric diaphragm, EODD pump can function safely even when the fluid source runs dry.
  • Handling solids and shear-sensitive fluids: Thanks to their positive displacement design, electric diaphragm pumps can effectively manage fluids with suspended solids or abrasive particles. Their pumping action minimises shear stress on fluids, making them suitable for shear liquids like paints and pigments, polymers, latex solutions, slurries, mayonnaise, ketchup and sauces, creams and shampoos, coatings, milk, and oil emulsion.
  • Accurate dosing: Electric diaphragm pumps offer dosing control, making them perfect for applications that require precise chemical or fluid dosing.
  • Energy efficient: Compared to air-operated diaphragm pumps, electric diaphragm pumps are more energy efficient, resulting in lower operating costs.
  • Quiet operation: Electric diaphragm pumps produce less noise than other pump types.
  • Easy maintenance: Their simple design allows EODD Pumps to offer lower maintenance costs with minimal downtime.

Applications of Electric Diaphragm Pumps

Electric diaphragm pumps are versatile. They find diverse applications across industries. Some common examples include:

  • Transferring chemicals in chemical processing
  • Pumping food-grade liquids in food and beverage processing
  • Dosing pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical industry

They are also used in industries such as:

  • Water treatment
  • Printing
  • Paint and coatings

The construction sector also used EODD pumps for applications like:

  • Grout pumping
  • Dewatering

Agriculture sector uses diaphragm pumps for:

  • Spraying pesticides and fertilizers

Selecting the Right Electric Diaphragm Pump

When choosing a diaphragm pump for your needs, there are a few key factors to take into account:

  • Flow rate and pressure requirements: First, you’ll need to determine the flow rate (amount per time unit) and pressure (force per area unit) for your use. This will help you in choosing the pump with exact specifications to satisfy your needs.
  • Fluid type: It’s important to think about whether the materials of the pump’s materials are compatible with the fluid it will be handling.Electric diaphragm pumps come with wetted parts (such as diaphragms and valves) made from materials like steel, PTFE (Teflon), or Santoprene to ensure they work well with various fluids.
  • Viscosity: The thickness of the fluid (its resistance to flow) can impact how well the pump performs. While electric diaphragm pumps can handle a range of viscosities, it’s essential to choose one that’s suitable for handling your specific viscosity level.
  • Particle size: If your fluid contains particles, consider the particle size that the pump can effectively handle.
  • Portability: Depending on where you plan to use it, portability might be a factor worth considering. Electric diaphragm pumps are generally compact and lightweight, making them convenient for applications.

Cognito: A Dynamic Electric Diaphragm Pump

In the world of electric diaphragm pumps, IDEX shines as a manufacturer recognized for its dedication to quality and innovative solutions.

Their commitment to excellence is evident in their Cognito line of electric diaphragm pumps, which are tailored to deliver top-notch performance and user satisfaction.

Cognito Electric Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps

The IDEX Cognito series showcases electric operated double diaphragm pumps, renowned for their robustness and capability to tackle demanding tasks. These pumps encompass the advantages of diaphragm pumps, like:

  • Self-priming
  • Dry run resistance, and
  • Handling of solid materials

They also provide added benefits apart from the ones listed above.

  • CognitoTM Advantage: This exclusive technology by IDEX utilizes an IoT-enabled system for monitoring and analysis of pump performance. It enables real-time data collection for maintenance and enhanced process optimization.
  • Cognito SmartInsights: Expanding on the CognitoTM Advantage Cognito SmartInsights offers data analysis to pinpoint issues and fine-tune pump operation for optimal efficiency.
  • Material Choices: The IDEX Cognito Electric Operated Double Diaphragm pumps present a range of options for pump components to meet chemical compatibility requirements.

Selecting a Cognito Electric Operated Double Diaphragm Pump

By opting for an IDEX Cognito Electric Operated Double Diaphragm pump, you leverage the expertise of IDEX’s engineering prowess along with features found in the Cognito series. When evaluating your options, remember to take into account these aspects in addition to the selection criteria mentioned earlier:

  • Different Cognito Models: IDEX Cognito provides a range of Electric Operated Double Diaphragm pump models with varying flow rates and pressure capabilities tailored to suit your specific application needs accurately.
  • Utilising Data: If remote monitoring and leveraging data for process optimisation are crucial for your operations, features like CognitoTM Advantage and CognitoSmartInsights from IDEX Cognito can offer significant benefits for you.

By teaming up with IDEX Cognito, you not only get access to top-notch electric diaphragm pumps but also a holistic solution that:

  • Boosts pump efficiency
  • Simplifies maintenance tasks, and
  • Enables data-informed decision-making for your industrial processes

Conclusion

Electric diaphragm pumps present a solution for an array of industrial applications that demand reliable, versatile, and efficient fluid transfer solutions. Their ability to carry self-prime runs, manage solids, and work with shear fluids makes them highly valuable across diverse industries. When selecting an electric diaphragm pump, factor in considerations such as flow rate, pressure requirements, fluid characteristics, and portability specific to your application.

For users looking to enhance performance and adopt data-driven management practices effectively, the range of IDEX Cognito Electric Operated Double Diaphragm pumps serves as an ideal choice.

The Cognito stands out for its design functionalities, such as CognitoTM Advantage and Cognito SmartInsights, and a range of material choices. It’s an option for individuals looking to enhance their operations.

Whether you need a dependable electric diaphragm pump or a sophisticated system with remote monitoring features, there’s an electric diaphragm pump that fits your requirements perfectly. Discover the options on offer. Harness the power of electric diaphragm pumps for your industrial needs.

Key Facters To Choose The Right Diaphragm Pumps | Wastecorp

Diaphragm pumps offer powerful, consistent performance, even with variations in liquid viscosity and pressure. However, for smooth operation and long service life, you’ll need to assess your application requirements to ensure the pump you’re using is up to the task. Multiple factors can influence the type of diaphragms, valves, pump casing materials, and power source you need to get the job done, including the liquid you plan to pump and where you’re working. In the following guide, we’ll discuss what you should know before purchasing a diaphragm pump or asking us to build a custom pump tailored to your needs.

5 Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Diaphragm Pump

1. Drive Type

The first thing to consider is the drive mechanism, how you will get the diaphragm to flex and thus the pump to run. The drive type (electric or air-operated, for example) you choose for your diaphragm pump depends on two things: Where you’ll be operating the pump and whether or not you’re working around flammable substances. If you plan to work off-site away from a power source, you’ll need to purchase an air-operated double diaphragm pump (AODD). AODD pumps are also the only safe option for use around flammable liquids or vapours because they don’t present a risk of ignition.

If you’re working near a power source and away from flammable materials, a diaphragm pump with an electric motor may be more suitable for your application. Consider an electric diaphragm pump if your application requires high  pressure (AODD pumps can’t exceed the pressure of the forced air supply), or if operating costs are a concern for you. Electric diaphragm pumps use up to 80% less energy than AODD pumps, making them cheaper to run for long periods.

Click here to read more on the different driving mechanisms/types of diaphragm pumps.

2. Valve Type and Size

As a general rule, if you want to achieve a high flow rate or pump liquids with large suspended solids, you should choose a pump with a large valve size (3-4 inches) and a robust check valve. Our 4″ Pro Series Hydraulic Diaphragm Pump, for example, combines a heavy ball valve design with a 4″ connection to effectively handle liquids containing solids up to 1¾” in size. Heavy/weighted ball valves are essential when pumping very viscous fluids as they’re capable of cutting through thick materials to seat quickly, preventing backflow.

Another consideration when choosing a valve type is the abrasiveness of the liquid being pumped. For highly abrasive liquids, such as ceramic slip or mineral slurry, choose an abrasion-resistant valve seat (e.g., look for valve seats made of stainless steel rather than rubber).

3. Diaphragms

As the part responsible for propelling liquid and keeping it separate from the pump body, diaphragms are incredibly important to the operation of any diaphragm pump. Failure to properly select and maintain diaphragms can result in liquid leaking into the pump’s casing or motor, causing significant damage and operational safety risks. Before choosing diaphragms for your pump, make sure you understand the qualities of the liquid you intend to pump (e.g., its viscosity, chemical content, abrasiveness or corrosiveness, maximum solids size, etc.) Then, review the following criteria to find the best diaphragms for your application:

Chemical & Abrasion Resistance

Before selecting a set of diaphragms, you should always refer to a detailed chemical resistance guide. Diaphragm materials vary widely in the type of chemicals they can withstand: just because a material offers good overall chemical resistance, that doesn’t guarantee it will be compatible with the specific chemical you’re handling. There are, however, some general material guidelines you can refer to when assessing chemical and abrasion resistance:

Santoprene (TPO)

Santoprene is a highly durable thermoplastic rubber designed for superior chemical and abrasion resistance. Santoprene is used in many of our Wastecorp diaphragm pumps due to its extremely long flex life and versatility; Santoprene can handle most alcohols, ketones, glycols, esters, acids, salts and bases without degrading. However, it should not be used with certain volatile chemical compounds, such as benzene/chlorobenzene, chloroform, cyclohexane, kerosene, trichloroethylene, naphtha, toluene, or xylene. For this reason, Santoprene is unsuitable for pumping gasoline and other fuels.

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of Pipeline Pump. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Neoprene

A rubber compound, neoprene offers mild to moderate chemical resistance, good abrasion resistance, and long flex life. It can safely withstand some oils, but not esters, ketones, acetone, or strong acids, and some hydrocarbons can damage Neoprene over time. Neoprene may also absorb water.

Nitrile (Buna N)

Nitrile offers moderate abrasion resistance and excellent resistance to a variety of hydrocarbons, including oil, petroleum-based fuels, grease, lubricants, hydraulic fluid, motor oil, turpentine, and other compounds often used in painting and automotive applications. However, Buna N has a reduced flex life compared to neoprene and Santoprene.

Like neoprene, nitrile is not suitable for use with harsh chemicals, ketones, acetone, or strong acids.

FKM (Viton)

FKM can resist very high temperatures and offers broad chemical compatibility, being able to withstand multiple solvents, ozone, mineral oil, fuels, hydraulic fluids, most acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. However, it isn’t recommended for use with ketones, amines, certain esters and ethers, nitro hydrocarbons, and very potent acids.

EPDM

EPDM is the diaphragm material of choice for use with many corrosive fluids such as solvents, brake fluids, and hydraulic fluids. It also offers enhanced temperature resistance, with a wide range of operating temperatures. However, it should not be used with oils, fats, grease, petroleum-based fluids, or highly concentrated acids.

TPEE (Hytrel)

TPEE is among the toughest diaphragm materials, offering excellent resistance to temperature extremes, impact, and flex fatigue. It’s a common choice for use with very abrasive liquids and many industrial chemicals, oils and solvents.

PTFE (Teflon)

PTFE offers the highest level of chemical resistance, being suitable for use with most aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons, acids, caustics, ketones and acetates.

Temperature Limits

Before selecting a diaphragm material, consider the temperatures of the environment where your pump will be operating and the fluid it will be pumping. The temperature ranges of various diaphragm materials are outlined below:

Neoprene: -18°C to 82°C

Buna N: -12°C to 82°C

FKM: -29°C to 120°C

EPD: -50°C to 100°C

Santoprene: -23°C to 120°C

TPEE: -18°C to 120°C

PTFE: 4°C to 100°C

Suction Capability

How much “suction lift” your application requires is another important factor to consider when choosing diaphragms. Some materials, like Teflon, are very rigid and may therefore become damaged by high vacuum pressure, while rubber compounds readily bounce back. If you need both suction lift and superior chemical resistance, you may need to purchase two-piece bonded diaphragms, which combine the durability of one material (such as Teflon or stainless steel) with the flexibility of rubber.

Hygiene Standards

If you plan to use your pump for applications related to food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics manufacturing, you’ll need to use diaphragms that comply with hygienic standards. Two-piece bonded PTFE diaphragms are often used for applications requiring enhanced hygiene.

4. Pump Body Material

Common diaphragm pump materials include cast iron, steel, aluminum alloy, and certain highly specialized hard plastics, such as fluorine plastic (PVDF). If you plan to pump non-corrosive liquids, choose a pump with a metal body (e.g., cast iron or aluminum alloy) as metal pumps offer excellent durability when not exposed to corrosive substances. Pumps with a metal body are also less prone to leakage than plastic pumps and can withstand high levels of abrasion from suspended solids.

For corrosive liquids, on the other hand, plastic and PVDF pumps are usually recommended as they will not rust or otherwise degrade, giving your pump a longer service life. Most plastic pumps can safely transfer acids, caustics, and bleach; however, you should always consult your pump’s manual to verify that it’s suitable for your application before pumping a corrosive liquid. To prevent leakage, inspect plastic pumps regularly for loose fasteners and tighten them as needed.

Operating temperature also plays a role in material selection: If you plan to pump liquids at very hot temperatures, you will need to use a stainless steel or PVDF pump, as both materials offer excellent thermal resistance. If pumping an abrasive liquid at high temperatures, choose a stainless steel pump; for highly corrosive liquids, PVDF may be a better choice in certain situations.

5. Flow Rate

The final step before buying a diaphragm pump is to calculate the flow rate needed for your application. Diaphragm pumps can transfer liquid at rates as low as one gallon per minute up to hundreds of gallons per minute, depending on the pump’s size and operational speeds. To reduce wear on your pump, we strongly recommend selecting a pump that has twice the flow rate you require. Running a pump at 50% of its maximum capacity during typical operation will greatly extend its service life.

Ask the Experts at Wastecorp For Advice on Choosing a Diaphragm Pump

Choosing the correct diaphragm pump will protect your pump from premature damage and ensure safe usage. If you would like to review your options or have a diaphragm pump designed to fit your specific application, Wastecorp can help. As a pump manufacturer, we offer custom diaphragm pumps and a wide range of diaphragm pump parts and accessories, giving our pumps unmatched versatility. Plus, all of our pumps are designed and manufactured in North America, guaranteeing superior product quality and reliability. Contact us today to get started or browse our extensive selection of diaphragm pumps:

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