Diaphragm pumps, also known as membrane pumps, are positive displacement pumps. They use a combination of the reciprocating action of a diaphragm and check valves to pump your fluid.

Diaphragm pumps give you good suction lift characteristics. Some diaphragm pumps are low pressure pumps with low flow rates while others give you higher flows rates. Your flow rate is dependent on the effective working diameter of the diaphragm as well as its stroke length. Diaphragm pumps can also handle sludges and slurries even if they have grit or solid content.

Whether you are looking for air diaphragm pumps, reciprocating diaphragm pumps or diaphragm vacuum pumps, to find the right diaphragm pumps for you:

1. Determine your exact need for the pump. Different needs will determine difference variances of your diaphragm pump choice.

2. Determine your budget.

3. Ask about return policies in case you have any issues with your new diaphragm pumps.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek out key names in the business of diaphragm pumps

Easily find diaphragm pump manufacturers from all parts of the U.S

I recommend: Wilden Pump & Engineering Company has been an industry leader in air-operated double-diaphragm pumps since 1955. They strive for excellence and customer satisfaction. They also look to improve themselves through research & development and increasing their market knowledge. Ingersoll-Rand Company manufactures diaphragm pumps that are stall-free and ice-free. Their patented design also avoids stalling issues associated with other pumps. Air Dimensions Inc. has been in the business for over 60 years and is 100% U.S.A. owned and operated. They engineer and manufacture high precision diaphragm pumps and compressors. Hargraves manufactures miniature diaphragm pumps.

Look for diaphragm pump distributors

Choose a distributor because they have a large variety of diaphragm pumps to choose from. You can also choose a distributor based on the particular brands that it sells. You can often go to their website for a list of their distributors.

I recommend: Pumps and Systems for Industry, Inc. sells industrial diaphragm pumps by the following manufacturers: American Wheatley HVAC, Canariis Corporation, Daman Industrial Services, Diversified Heat Transfer, Better Engineering, GPM Pumps Inc., Finish Thompson, Gorman-Rupp Pumps, Berkeley, Haight Pumps, Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technologies, Kriebel Engineered Equipment, Nederman USA, Goulds Water Systems, Peerless Pumps, EagleBurgmann, Shanley Pumps, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, MTH and Weinman. Air Pumping Ltd. also sells a large number of brands from Aro, Graco and Vanton.

Choose specific search engines for diaphragm pumps

Forget sites like Google or Yahoo, instead use a specific search engine for diaphragm pumps.

I recommend: DirectIndustry is a virtual exhibition that connects manufacturers and buyers in five languages around the world. GlobalSpec has thousands of diaphragm pump directory listings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask about onsite training, instructional videos or webinars from your supplier of industrial diaphragm pumps.