| A diaphragm pump, also known as a membrane | | | | There are several companies that make diaphragm |
| pump, is simply a pump that moves fluid. They're | | | | pumps. Among the leading companies are U.S. Plastic |
| highly versatile creations: they can be used in | | | | Corporation headquartered in Lima, Ohio; the |
| anything from wastewater treatments to the | | | | Bosworth Company out of Providence, Rhode Island; |
| production of artificial hearts. And you know the filter | | | | and Ryan Herco Flow Solutions, which has offices in |
| on your little aquarium at home? Diaphragm pumps | | | | various cities throughout the United States. When |
| help make those things as well-specifically, the part of | | | | you're in the market to buy a diaphragm pump, be |
| the filter that pumps air). In a diaphragm pump, the | | | | sure you know exactly how big it will have to be |
| diaphragm is often made out of Teflon. When it's | | | | (tiny pumps, by the way, are known as |
| squeezed, it pushes fluids either out one side or out | | | | micro-diaphragm pumps), how much suction lift you'll |
| both sides. | | | | want, and what materials you'll want it to be made |
| (This squeezing can be powered by electricity, or | | | | out of, if you have a preference. |
| through a series of cranks and gears.) As the | | | | You'll also have to decide what the flow rate should |
| diaphragm moves upward the pressure inside the | | | | be. The flow rate of a diaphragm pump depends on |
| device goes down, and so fluid is allowed to enter | | | | the length of the apparatus's stroke and the |
| into the storage chamber. The fluid will stay there | | | | diameter of the diaphragm itself. You'll also want |
| until the diaphragm begins to move down, at which | | | | something that's sturdy and long-lasting. A good |
| point the pressure inside the fluid chamber goes up | | | | pump should be able to process thick liquids, and |
| and works to expel the fluid. Then the diaphragm will | | | | liquids like slurry that contain high concentrations of |
| move upward again, the pressure will drop once | | | | solid waste matter. They should also be able to prime |
| more, and so more fluid enters. This creates a cycle | | | | themselves. Take all of these elements into |
| of fluid moving in and out, and the moving parts of | | | | consideration and you'll find yourself with diaphragm |
| this cycle create force. (This is kind of how an | | | | pumps that will service you and your needs for a |
| internal combustion engine works as well; the physics | | | | long time. |
| are very similar.) | | | | |