1. Regular Cleaning

• External Cleaning
  • Wipe the pump casing with a damp cloth to remove dust, debris, or spilled fluids. Avoid using high-pressure water or corrosive solvents, which may damage seals or electrical components.
  • For stubborn stains, use a mild detergent (e.g., soapy water) and dry thoroughly.
• Internal Cleaning
  • After Each Use (for corrosive or sticky fluids):
    Flush the pump with a compatible solvent (e.g., water for water-based fluids, alcohol for organic solvents) to remove residual materials. Run the pump for 1–2 minutes to circulate the cleaner through the valves, diaphragms, and pipelines.
  • Deep Cleaning (定期，e.g., weekly or monthly):
    Disassemble the pump head (follow the manufacturer’s manual), clean components (diaphragms, valves, chambers) with a soft brush, and inspect for wear or cracks. Reassemble carefully to avoid misalignment.

2. Lubrication

• Check Lubricant Levels
  • For oil-lubricated pumps (e.g., air-driven diaphragms), inspect the oil reservoir regularly. Top up with the recommended lubricant (e.g., synthetic oil) if levels are low.
  • Avoid overfilling, as this can cause leaks or overheating.
• Grease Points
  • If the pump has grease fittings (e.g., in mechanical drive systems), apply grease according to the manufacturer’s schedule (e.g., every 500 hours of operation). Use a grease gun and wipe off excess to prevent dust accumulation.

3. Inspection of Key Components

• Diaphragms
  • Inspect for cracks, tears, or swelling (caused by chemical incompatibility). Replace immediately if damaged, as a broken diaphragm can lead to fluid leakage or cross-contamination.
  • For rubber or PTFE diaphragms, check for signs of 硬化 (hardening) or degradation due to heat or chemical exposure.
• Valves
  • Clean or replace stuck or worn valves (balls, seats, or flappers). Clogged valves reduce flow efficiency and may cause pressure surges.
  • Ensure valves move freely; test by blowing air through the inlet/outlet to check for obstruction.
• Seals and Gaskets
  • Look for leaks around seals (e.g., between the pump head and housing). Tighten loose connections or replace damaged seals/gaskets to prevent fluid or air leakage.
• Air Chambers (for Air-Driven Pumps)
  • Drain condensate from air chambers regularly to prevent moisture buildup, which can corrode internal components. Use a drain valve or plug for this purpose.

4. Pressure and Flow Monitoring

• Check Pressure Gauges
  • Compare actual pressure readings with the pump’s rated specifications. A sudden drop in pressure may signal a diaphragm leak or valve failure; a spike could indicate a clogged outlet.
• Flow Rate Testing
  • Measure flow rate periodically (e.g., by collecting fluid over time). Reduced flow may result from worn diaphragms, sticky valves, or suction line restrictions (e.g., clogged filters).
• Avoid Dry Running
  • Never run the pump without fluid (dry running), as this can overheat and damage diaphragms, valves, or seals. Install a low-level sensor or flow switch if necessary.

5. Electrical and Air System Maintenance (for Powered Pumps)

• Electrically Driven Pumps
  • Inspect power cords for fraying or damage. Ensure connections are secure to prevent short circuits or voltage drops.
  • Clean cooling vents to prevent overheating. Dust or debris in vents can cause the motor to overheat and fail.
• Air-Driven Diaphragm Pumps (AODD)
  • Air Supply Quality: Use clean, dry compressed air (filtered to remove oil, water, and particulates). Install a filter-regulator-lubricator (FRL) unit at the air inlet.
  • Air Pressure: Adjust inlet pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended range (typically 40–120 PSI). Excessive pressure increases wear on diaphragms and reduces efficiency.
  • Exhaust System: Ensure exhaust ports are unobstructed to allow smooth air flow. Trap or vent exhaust safely if it contains harmful vapors.

6. Operational Best Practices

• Start-Up and Shutdown
  • Prime the pump with fluid before starting to avoid dry running.
  • Close outlet valves slowly during shutdown to prevent pressure surges (water hammer).
• Load and Viscosity Limits
  • Do not exceed the pump’s rated maximum pressure or fluid viscosity. Thick fluids (e.g., pastes) may require higher pressure and more frequent diaphragm checks.
• Vibration and Noise Control
  • Mount the pump on a stable, shock-absorbing base to reduce vibration. Excessive vibration can loosen fittings or damage internal components.
  • If noise increases suddenly, inspect for loose parts, worn diaphragms, or air leaks in the system.

7. Scheduled Replacement of Wear Parts

• Diaphragms: Replace every 6–12 months or after 1,000–2,000 hours of operation (sooner for aggressive fluids).
• Valves and Seals: Replace every 1–2 years or as needed based on inspection results.
• Lubricants: Change oil or grease according to the manual (e.g., every 2,000 hours for oil-lubricated pumps).

8. Record-Keeping

• Dates of cleaning, lubrication, and component replacements.
• Operational issues (e.g., leaks, unusual noises) and corrective actions taken.
• Part numbers and serial numbers for replaced components (helps with warranty claims or future ordering).

9. Safety Precautions

• Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles) when handling chemicals or during maintenance.
• Disconnect power or air supply before disassembling the pump.
• For hazardous environments (e.g., explosive atmospheres), ensure the pump is certified for safe use and avoid sparks during maintenance.