Types of Diaphragm Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are one of the most versatile types of positive displacement pumps, capable of handling everything from clean water to abrasive slurries and corrosive chemicals. They’re used across industries because of their durability, self-priming ability, and ability to run dry without damage.

But not all diaphragm pumps are the same. Different designs suit different applications. Below is a breakdown of the main types, how they work, and where they’re best used.

Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps

• Operation: Powered by compressed air, with two diaphragms moving back and forth to push fluid through the chambers.

• Best for: Abrasive, viscous, or corrosive fluids; hazardous environments where electricity could spark.

• Common uses: Chemical transfer, paint & coatings, mining, wastewater treatment, food and beverage.

• Key advantage: No electricity required, intrinsically safe, portable, and can handle solids without clogging.

Electric Diaphragm Pumps

• Operation: Driven by an electric motor that moves the diaphragm via a mechanical linkage.

• Best for: Continuous-duty applications where compressed air is not practical.

• Common uses: Metering chemicals, water treatment, low-noise applications. Also widely used in data center infrastructure, such as cooling, water treatment, and chemical dosing systems.

• Key advantage: Energy-efficient and lower operational cost compared to air-driven pumps.

Hydraulically Actuated Diaphragm Pumps

• Operation: Use hydraulic fluid behind a piston to flex the diaphragm precisely.

• Best for: High-pressure applications or when accurate dosing is required.

• Common uses: Oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, chemical dosing. Heavily used in industrial construction, dewatering, and other large industrial setups.

• Key advantage: Handles very high pressures with excellent accuracy and long diaphragm life.

Mechanically Actuated Diaphragm Pumps

• Operation: A crank or cam system mechanically pushes the diaphragm to move fluid.

• Best for: Precise low-pressure dosing and metering applications.

• Common uses: Agriculture (fertilizer dosing), laboratory systems, small-scale industrial processes.

• Key advantage: Simple, reliable design for accurate metering at lower pressures.

Single Diaphragm Pumps

• Operation: One diaphragm powered by air, hydraulics, or mechanics flexes to draw and discharge fluid.

• Best for: Systems that don’t require continuous flow or high redundancy.

• Common uses: Small transfer applications, clean fluid movement, light industrial processes.

• Key advantage: Cost-effective and simple to maintain.

Double Diaphragm Pumps

• Operation: Two diaphragms operate alternately, creating a smooth, continuous flow with balanced suction and discharge.

• Best for: Applications needing self-priming, solid handling, or consistent output.

• Common uses: Slurry transfer, abrasive chemical handling, wastewater, and corrosive liquids.

• Key advantage: Superior suction lift, ability to run dry, and high reliability in tough environments.

Comparison Chart: Diaphragm Pump Types

Looking for a comparison with other pump types? Read our blog below!

Choosing the Right Diaphragm Pump

Selecting the right diaphragm pump for your fluid handling system depends on several factors:

• Fluid properties (viscosity, abrasiveness, corrosiveness)

• Pressure and flow requirements

• Available power source (air, electric, hydraulic)

• Application environment (hazardous, remote, or industrial)

For example:

• In chemical processing, AODD or magnetic drive pumps are preferred for safety.

• In agriculture, mechanically actuated pumps provide simple, reliable dosing.

• In oil & gas, hydraulically actuated diaphragm pumps offer the precision and pressure needed for metering.

✅ Pro tip: Always consult pump curves and material compatibility charts before making a selection. The right diaphragm pump can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and lower total cost of ownership.

Talk to an Expert

No single pump is right for every application and that’s why we always recommend evaluating the complete system and its fluid characteristics before making a final selection.

Not sure what you need? We can help! Click below to get started with a site survey, or call 337-252-6487 to speak to Clark!