We have heard many development engineers say that they cannot distinguish between miniature diaphragm pumps and small piston pumps by their appearance, and can only judge by the level of flow rate and air pressure, but is that really true?
The answer is: partially correct. There is a difference between the core technology of miniature diaphragm pumps and small piston pumps. BODENFLO designs miniature pumps, all based on the reciprocating concept design, through theoretical calculations and compact design, to achieve the appearance may not be very different but has a more efficient design of the product.
This article will explain and compare the 2 core technologies of miniature pumps produced by BODENFLO.
Small Piston Pumps and Miniature Diaphragm Pumps Comparison
| Small Piston Pump | Miniature Diaphragm Pump |
| The miniature DC motor (generally 12 V, 24 V electric motor) is the power driving device, which drives the internal mechanical eccentric device to do eccentric movement, and the eccentric movement drives the fixed linkage device in the cylinder to drive the piston to do reciprocating movement, so as to realize the volume change and generate positive and negative pressure. | Micro DC motor (generally 6V, 12V, 24V electric motor) to do the power drive device, drive the internal mechanical eccentric device to do eccentric movement, the eccentric movement drives the internal diaphragm to do reciprocating movement, so as to compress the air in the fixed volume of the pump cavity to generate positive and negative pressure. |
| Compact, reciprocating design, suitable for vacuum or pressure pumps | Compact, reciprocating design for vacuum or pressure pumps or liquid pumps |
| Dry, oil-free, non-lubricated pistons and cylinders | Dry, oil-free, non-lubricated pistons |
| No contamination of the working medium | No contamination of the working medium |
| Lightweight die-cast aluminum components or highly wear-resistant plastic parts | Highly wear-resistant plastic parts |
| 1 air inlet and 1 air outlet | 1 air inlet and 1 air outlet |
| Single and double-headed models | Single head design |
| Brushed and brushless motors | Brushed and brushless motors |
| Stable, for low-vibration operation | Stable, for low vibration operation |
| Long-life, high-performance piston seals | Long life, high performance piston seal |
| Long-life lubricated bearings | Long-life lubricated bearings |
| Working medium is air or gas | Working medium is air or gas or liquid |
| Allow medium rich in water vapor | As a vacuum pump the medium is allowed to be rich in water vapor |
| Super flow rate of 80 l/min (2.8 cfm), pressure up to 7 bar (100 psi/700 kpa), vacuum down to -800 mbar (236 in.Hg/600 mmHg), corresponding series are BD-08 series. | Super flow rate of 22 l/min (0.78 cfm), pressure up to 3.5 bar (51 psi/350 kpa), vacuum down to -300 mbar (88.6 in.Hg/225 mmHg), corresponding series are BD-04 series. |
| Small piston pumps application: gas sampling, gas analysis, gas circulation, vacuum adsorption, gas transfer, pressurization, indirect aspiration, etc. | Micro diaphragm pumps for gas and vacuum application: gas sampling of small amounts of gas, gas analysis, gas circulation, vacuum adsorption, gas transfertransfer, pressurization, indirect water suction, Miniature diaphragm pump for liquid use: liquid transfer, suction, drainage, etc. |
