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Diaphragm Pump Common Applications and Industries

Diaphragm pumps can handle difficult fluids across many sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, paint, mining, wastewater, petrochemicals and chemical processing. It recommends specific Tapflo models for each, from hygienic sanitary pumps to ATEX-certified pumps for hazardous environments.

Common Hygienic & Sanitary Applications for Diaphragm Pumps

Food and Beverage

The versatility of a Diaphragm Pump means our Sanitary range (Sanitary Diaphragm Pump and Sanitary Low Energy Diaphragm Pump) is perfectly suited to the food and beverage industry. This range is designed for applications intended for human consumption and can be used to produce many products, such as dairy and beer. It is crucial for pumps being used in this industry to offer a sterile and hygienic environment for the product, which is why Tapflo’s Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps offer full FDA Approval and are manufactured to a high-quality sanitary finish of Stainless Steel AISI 316L.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics

For higher hygiene standards, we can offer our EHEDG Aseptic Pump or our USP VI Approved Pump, which are more commonly used in the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics industries to meet the most demanding cleanliness standards.

three sanitary diaphragm pumps in different sizes

Common Industrial Applications for Diaphragm Pumps

Pulp, Paper & Adhesives

Diaphragm Pumps can transport glue, adhesives, sodium silicate, resin solutions, and many other media in the Pulp & Paper Industry. For example, in cigarette paper production, a pump applies resin to the paper.

Our HDPE & PTFE Diaphragm Pumps are best suited to this application as they are robust, reliable and versatile. Or if you don’t want to use compressed air, the Electric Diaphragm is a good option.

Paint, Printing & Varnish

Tapflo Diaphragm Pumps can also be used for the transfer, recirculation, and blending of ink, solvent-based liquids, resins, and pigments. Advantages of using an AOD pump in this industry include competitive pricing, the ability to handle high viscosities, and variable speeds. We offer many options for this industry, including Mobile Decanting Trolleys for large drums.

Tapflo’s HDPE & PTFE Diaphragm Pump and Metal Diaphragm Pump are best suited for this application, as they can handle all viscosities. Alternatively, if you don’t want to use compressed air, the Electric Diaphragm is a good option.

Construction, Mining & Sludge

Diaphragm Pumps can be used in construction, mining, and sludge handling. Often, companies in these industries look for equipment that improves process control, reduces energy use, or integrates smart system automation whilst fitting their budget. Diaphragm Pumps can meet all these requirements.

Our Metal Diaphragm Pump is an ideal solution for these applications, as it can handle viscous, abrasive media and is available in an ATEX-certified model. A Filter Press Diaphragm Pump is a good option for straightforward slurry pressing. If you don’t want to use compressed air, the Electric Diaphragm Pump is a good option.

Surface Coating

Diaphragm Pumps are also excellent at transporting chemicals, including those used for Surface Coating, from storage tanks, containers, and baths. Diaphragm Pumps such as the HDPE & PTFE model can handle aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and viscous, chemically aggressive liquids; self-prime up to 9m; deliver discharge pressures up to 16 Bar; and handle temperatures up to 100°C.

Water Treatment

HDPE & PTFE and the Barrier Diaphragm Pumps are ideal for a range of Wastewater Treatment applications, including transferring flocculent fluids, sludges, and water, as well as dosing acidic and alkaline chemicals for pH control and water treatment.

Petrochemical

The ATEX Metal Diaphragm Pumps can be used for offshore oil drilling to carry oil to the surface and lubricate the drill. Other petrochemical applications include offshore mud drilling, where rocks are brought to the surface for testing.

Common Chemical Applications for Diaphragm Pumps

Tapflo diaphragm pumps are widely used across chemical applications, handling everything from acids and alkalis to alcohols, solvents, and shear-sensitive products such as latex and emulsions, as well as chemical waste. Their sealless, self-priming design lets them gently transfer aggressive or abrasive media without degrading the product, making them suitable for demanding processes across the chemical sector. The ATEX models (ATEX HDPE/PTFE and ATEX Metal) are best suited for hazardous media or environments.

Don’t see your specific application? Contact one of our pump experts today, and we will be happy to assist you however we can.

ATEX metal diaphragm pump sizes in a row on a palette
HDPE PTFE diaphragm pump sizes on a palette

Written by

Edward Shaw

| Technical Manager

Edward Shaw is Technical Manager at Tapflo Pumps UK, with 19 years of experience delivering technical pump solutions across the Oil & Gas, Industrial, Marine and Food & Beverage sectors. He specialises in customised pump engineering, applying in-depth process knowledge to improve efficiency, reliability, and lifecycle performance for demanding industrial applications.

FAQs

Deciding between a Diaphragm and a Peristaltic Pump?

How do I choose between a hygienic and industrial diaphragm pump?

Deciding between a Diaphragm and a Peristaltic Pump?

If you’re unsure whether your application suits a Diaphragm or Peristaltic Pump best, take a look at the key information and differences between the two and what each is best suited for.

How do I choose between a hygienic and industrial diaphragm pump?

Hygienic (sanitary/aseptic) pumps are built for food, beverage, cosmetic and pharmaceutical processes requiring wash-down or CIP compatibility; industrial pumps are suited to harsher, non-hygienic environments.

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