How a Custom Rubber Diaphragm Improved Pump Efficiency
Client’s Issue
An OEM specializing in industrial dosing and transfer pumps supplies equipment to the chemical and water treatment sectors. The pumps operate under continuous pressure, variable temperatures, and exposure to aggressive process media, making diaphragm reliability critical to overall system performance.
The Challenge
The OEM was facing frequent diaphragm failures in one of their high volume pump models. The existing diaphragm showed:
- Premature wear and cracking
- Reduced pump efficiency over time
- Increased maintenance and downtime for end users
Additionally, the client required a cost effective export ready solution without compromising on performance or dimensional precision.
Application & Operating Conditions
- Application: Industrial Diaphragm Pump
- Operating Pressure: Medium to High Cyclic Pressure
- Temperature Range: Moderate to Elevated
- Media: Chemical and Water based fluids
- Requirement: Long service life, consistent sealing, and repeatable performance
Arvico’s Solution
We worked closely with the client’s engineering team to develop a custom designed rubber diaphragm optimized for the specific pump specs and operating conditions.
Key aspects of the solution included:
- Application specific elastomer compound selection to balance flexibility, strength, and chemical resistance
- Precision tooling to achieve tight dimensional tolerances
- Optimized diaphragm thickness to improve pressure response and reduce stress concentration
- Controlled manufacturing and in-house quality checks to ensure batch consistency
Prototype samples were tested and refined based on performance feedback before full scale production.
Manufacturing & Quality Approach
We managed the entire production cycle:
- Raw material selection and compound formulation
- Compression moulding under controlled parameters
- Post mould curing and dimensional inspection
- Functional quality checks before export
This end to end control ensured traceability, repeatability, and reliability across all supplied diaphragms.
Results & Performance Improvements
After implementation, the OEM observed measurable improvements:
- Improved pump efficiency due to better pressure responsiveness
- Extended diaphragm service life, reducing replacement frequency
- Lower maintenance costs for end users
- Improved customer satisfaction and reduced warranty claims
The custom diaphragm successfully met export quality expectations and was approved for long term supply.
Outcome
Arvico became a trusted diaphragm supplier for this OEM’s pump range, supporting ongoing production and future design requirements. This showed how custom engineered rubber diaphragms can significantly enhance pump performance in demanding industrial applications.
Products Used
- Custom Rubber Diaphragms for Pumps
- Application-Specific Elastomer Compounds
