12.03.2025

Why It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Pump – Advancements in Diaphragm Pump Technology

As technology continues to improve, pump upgrades could be a realistic option to improve performance.

An internal view of a KNF BLDC motor.

Pump technology has come a long way in the last ten years, with new features allowing for stronger performance than ever before. With such big strides in functionality, it may be time to consider upgrading your pump. Even if your current pump solution is still working, a new pump might provide substantial performance improvements. While it may seem intimidating, the process of upgrading can be simplified with help from your pump partner. KNF’s engineers work directly with customers to make the upgrading process easy and efficient.

New Line of KNF BLDC Motors Provide Unprecedented Parameterization and Control 

New motor technology allows for greater pump parameterization and flow control. New lines of KNF BLDC motor technology make full digital pump customization possible and allow for closed loop communication. Digital parameterization including custom motor acceleration profiles, precisely controllable rotational speed and various signal types and communication protocols to control the pump are a few of the potential options made available by KNF BLDC motors. Their integration with the pump housing and unique bearing configuration allows for maximum service lifetime and leak tightness. They also allow pumps to be smaller and more compact without sacrificing performance.

 

BLDC motors provide advantages in a variety of applications. They are ideal for medical applications, where additional control makes it possible to adjust the motor speed during high and low periods of operation. This parameterization is also critical in roughing pump applications. These pumps need to start quickly reaching a certain level and then being slowed to their operational speed, a process that is simplified with BLDC motors.

KNF BLDC Motors Are Available on a Wide Range of Gas and Liquid Pumps 

Both gas and liquid diaphragm pumps can be fitted with BLDC motors for additional parameterization and control. The N 938.1.2 is among those available with a BLDC motor. It provides a maximum flow rate of 53 l/min with maximum pressure of 1 bar (rel.) and a maximum vacuum of 140 mbar (abs.).

The N 938.1.2 is one of several pumps available with a BLDC motor. These specialized motors allow for precise control and digital parameterization.
The N 938.1.2 is one of several pumps available with a BLDC motor. These specialized motors allow for precise control and digital parameterization.

Many liquid diaphragm pumps are also available with BLDC motors. NF series pumps, including the NF 60, offer strong performance along with the control and precision provided by this new motor technology. The NF 60 offers a maximum flow rate of 0.6 l/min with maximum pressure of 1 bar (rel.) and a maximum suction height of 3 mH2O. It has a compact design while offering excellent performance and is a strong choice for those looking to upgrade their liquid diaphragm pumps. 

Smooth Flow a Game Changer in Limiting Pulsation

New pump technologies have made a major difference in liquid applications where minimizing pulsation is essential. In some applications, revolutionary multi-diaphragm configurations with wobble plate eccentrics allow for reduced pulsation and gentler flow, leading to increased efficiency. In others, integrated dampeners can be used to reduce pulsation. Smooth Flow technology allows diaphragm pumps to be used in systems where they were previously not viable. This introduces the benefits diaphragm pumps typically provide to those applications, including chemical compatibility, oil-free operation, leak tightness, reliability and long service life.

 

Smooth Flow technology is beneficial in a variety of industries and applications. It is desirable in medical applications because low pulsation minimizes excess stress on tubing and all other components of the fluidic system. This is especially important in medical devices that are in close contact with patients. Limiting pulsation in these devices can improve comfort and patient experience.

 

Inkjet printing is another area where upgrading to a Smooth Flow pump should be considered. Smooth Flow technology can increase efficiency in inkjet systems and also reduce pressure peaks, preventing disruptions in print quality. It minimizes cavitation, maintaining the integrity of the ink. It can also reduce resistance in tubing and move liquids such as inks and varnishes smoothly. Smooth flow pumps eliminate the need for external dampeners in inkjet systems, substantially reducing complexity, cost, and size. These are just a few of the applications where smooth flow pumps provide performance advantages.

KNF Offers a Variety of Smooth Flow Options

KNF offers several options for those looking to upgrade to a Smooth Flow pump. The FP series of liquid diaphragm pumps offer Smooth Flow technology along with the traditional advantages of diaphragm pumps. They offer excellent reliability, contamination free transfer, are oil- and maintenance-free, self-priming, and can run dry. Pumps like the FP 70, with a maximum flow rate of 0.7 l/min, maximum pressure of 2 bar (rel.) and a maximum suction height of 3 mH2O, are strong choices for a variety of applications where Smooth Flow technology is desirable. 

KNF’s FP 70 liquid diaphragm pump is one of several options for those looking to upgrade to a pump with Smooth Flow technology.
KNF’s FP 70 liquid diaphragm pump is one of several options for those looking to upgrade to a pump with Smooth Flow technology.

KNF Engineers Can Help With the Upgrade Process

Upgrading a pump can seem like a difficult task. However, KNF’s experienced engineers can help streamline the process. They work directly with customers to create custom designed pump solutions tailored to their needs. They can help customers determine how a pump upgrade can improve their current operations. 

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