ARO has been manufacturing air powered pumps and tools since the 1930’s. They know that clean air is key to maintaining the performance and longevity of your equipment. This page covers several key ARO accessories: the air filter, regulator, lubricator and pulsation dampener. These improve pump performance, extend lifespan and ensure smooth operation.
Compressed air supplies can easily become contaminated by moisture and debris. Having a clean, dry air supply is critical to reducing internal friction and improving the reliability of air-operated diaphragm pumps. If moisture or solid matter (for instance, rust particles), enter the pump, this can cause blockages, stalling and potential damage.
Flux offers ARO FLO series air filter-regulator-lubricator units that remove solid particles from compressed air supply lines, therefore ensuring the pump receives clean, dry air. The units contain a standard 5 micron filter element. Although most ARO pumps do not require a constant supply of lubricating oil, oil does reduce internal friction. Furthermore, it potentially reduces wear in the air valve, airside components and reduces the chance of stalling.
The F-R-L unit comprises a small re-fillable oil container (sometimes referred to as a bowl or cup), through which the compressed air passes. The air picks up a small amount of oil as it flows through the container. You can adjust the lubricator to deliver the correct quantity of oil to the pump, as an oil-air mist. The oil mist lubricates the pump air valve.
In addition, an F-R-L unit lets you vary the flow and volume of compressed air sent to the pump, thereby varying pump speed and in turn, liquid discharge rate. Furthermore, it also helps ensure that the pump’s maximum air inlet pressure is regulated to within safe limits.
Therefore, a combined filter-regulator-lubricator unit is a sensible way of protecting your pump, reducing maintenance and lowering operating costs. Although users can easily overlook the benefits of installing a maintenance unit, they truly prove their worth in heavy-duty applications. We recommend installing the F-R-L unit within 5 metres of the pump. This ensures that oil reaches the pump efficiently and does not drop out in the air supply line.
Please call us on 01202 823304 or email sales@flux-pumps.co.uk for assistance
For optimal performance, equip your ARO diaphragm pump with a high-quality air filter-regulator. Contact us today to find the right solution for your pumping system.
By adding an ARO pulsation dampener to your ARO diaphragm pump, you can protect your system and achieve smooth, consistent performance. Contact us to learn more about this essential accessory.
The flow rate of an ARO diaphragm pump varies depending on the model, diaphragm material and the size of the pump. Typically, ARO diaphragm pumps offer flow rates ranging from 5.7 litres per minute (LPM) up to 322 LPM. Furthermore, models with larger inlet / outlet ports and diaphragms, or multiple diaphragms, will have a higher flow rate. Pump system hydraulics, discharge pipe size, compressed air supply pressure and volume, as well as the viscosity and density of the pumped liquid, also influence the flow rate.
ARO diaphragm pumps can be suction fed, gravity fed or completely immersed in the fluid. The installation method has an impact on discharge flow rate and delivery pressure. Furthermore, if the pump is located above the liquid level (suction fed)—it can draw up liquid under dry lift or wet-primed conditions.
Dry lifting means the pump has to suck the fluid vertically upwards in a pipe (or lance), before the fluid enters the pump inlet. If the application requires dry lift, the pump discharge flow rate drops compared to running a pump under wet-primed, or gravity-fed conditions. Wet-primed conditions means the inlet pipework remains filled with liquid once initially primed. This is often achieved through installation of a non-return valve at the pipework inlet. Consequently a wet-primed pump can deliver higher performance.
The effect of pressure loss
If the pump is required to deliver liquid over a long horizontal distance, or vertically upwards, increased pressure losses mean the pump has to work harder compared to pumping over a short distance. As discharge pressure requirements increase, flow rate will decrease. Likewise, the pump has a harder job pumping sticky, viscous and high density media. Achievable flow rate will be lower than when pumping a low viscosity, low density product, such as ethanol.
Ensure you have high enough air volume and pressure
Finally, the compressed air supply must be at the correct volume and pressure for the pump to meet it’s stated performance. Undersized compressors, restricted, or overly long air supply lines and inefficient compressed air networks are all reasons why the pump may underperform.
For optimal performance, it's essential to select the right sized pump for your application. Consult the pump performance chart or contact us for diaphragm pump help and advice.
The maximum pressure an ARO diaphragm pump can deliver depends on the specific model. Standard ARO diaphragm pumps can provide discharge pressures up to 83 m vertical water column (m.w.c.) or 8.3 bar. However, special models are available for less common applications where higher delivery pressures up to 20 bar are required. This pressure range allows ARO diaphragm pumps to handle a wide variety of applications that require consistent fluid transfer at higher pressures.
Furthermore, the pressure capability of the pump is influenced by several factors, including the pump size, diaphragm material and the quality of the air supply. It’s crucial that the air system is properly maintained and the compressor provides clean, dry air at the correct pressure and volume. Additional considerations include:
Consult pump performance curves when selecting an ARO diaphragm pump, to ensure it meets the requirements of your specific application.
Enhance your ARO diaphragm pump performance with essential accessories
Using ARO accessories, such as air filter-regulator-lubricator units and pulsation dampeners, helps optimise the performance and reliability of your pump system, while reducing down-time and maintenance costs. ARO accessories are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing setup.
Ready to improve your pump performance? Get in touch with us today to purchase the right ARO diaphragm pump accessories for your system. Our experts are here to assist you in choosing the best solutions for your needs.