Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps having an automatic priming function, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method of priming a diaphragm pump includes sensing, with a pressure sensor disposed at a fluid outlet of the diaphragm pump, a pressure of a fluid being pumped by the diaphragm pump, transmitting a pressure signal associated with the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor to a controller of the diaphragm pump, and identifying, on the controller, whether the diaphragm pump is primed by determining whether a characteristic of the pressure signal has reached a threshold.

Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps having an automatic priming function, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method of priming a diaphragm pump includes sensing, with a pressure sensor disposed at a fluid outlet of the diaphragm pump, a pressure of a fluid being pumped by the diaphragm pump, transmitting a pressure signal associated with the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor to a controller of the diaphragm pump, and identifying, on the controller, whether the diaphragm pump is primed by determining whether a characteristic of the pressure signal has reached a threshold.

A double-acting pneumatic pump is disclosed herein. It comprises a main body; three partitions including a first partition dividing the main body into two chambers, and a second partition and a third partition respectively disposed at the opposite ends of the two chambers divided by the first partition; a piston rod inserted into the first partition disposed between the two chambers and having a first piston and a second piston at two ends thereof arranged in the two chambers respectively; a switching valve and an air flow valve sequentially connected to inlets of the first partition by pipelines; and a plurality of working pipes respectively connected to each of inlets and outlets of the second partition and the third partition.

An apparatus employing pressure transients for transporting fluids from a first reservoir to a second reservoir, includes at least one partly enclosed space and a body. The body is movable relative to the interior of the space. The apparatus also includes at least one first conduit and at least one second conduit in fluid communication with the opening via a third conduit, and connected to the first and second reservoir, respectively. An opening in the enclosed space allows a fluid to flow alternately in the direction into and out of the space and which opening is connected to a third conduit. At least one solid object is arranged to fall onto and collide with the body so as to generate pressure transients in the space to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the space towards the second reservoir, and to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the first reservoir towards the space.

An apparatus employing pressure transients for transporting fluids from a first reservoir to a second reservoir, includes at least one partly enclosed space and a body. The body is movable relative to the interior of the space. The apparatus also includes at least one first conduit and at least one second conduit in fluid communication with the opening via a third conduit, and connected to the first and second reservoir, respectively. An opening in the enclosed space allows a fluid to flow alternately in the direction into and out of the space and which opening is connected to a third conduit. At least one solid object is arranged to fall onto and collide with the body so as to generate pressure transients in the space to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the space towards the second reservoir, and to produce a flow of fluid in the direction from the first reservoir towards the space.

Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps having an automatic priming function, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method of priming a diaphragm pump includes sensing, with a pressure sensor disposed at a fluid outlet of the diaphragm pump, a pressure of a fluid being pumped by the diaphragm pump, transmitting a pressure signal associated with the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor to a controller of the diaphragm pump, and identifying, on the controller, whether the diaphragm pump is primed by determining whether a characteristic of the pressure signal has reached a threshold.

Illustrative embodiments of diaphragm pumps having an automatic priming function, as well as related systems and methods, are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method of priming a diaphragm pump includes sensing, with a pressure sensor disposed at a fluid outlet of the diaphragm pump, a pressure of a fluid being pumped by the diaphragm pump, transmitting a pressure signal associated with the sensed pressure from the pressure sensor to a controller of the diaphragm pump, and identifying, on the controller, whether the diaphragm pump is primed by determining whether a characteristic of the pressure signal has reached a threshold.

An elongate air operated pump includes a pump chamber, a bladder inside the pump chamber, inlet and outlet valves to and from the chamber and an air control system. The air control system includes a control valve alternately communicating compressed air and exhaust to atmosphere to a venturi with a first end, a second end and a throat port. The first end of the venturi receives continuous compressed air. The second end receives the alternately communication of compressed air and exhaust to atmosphere from the control valve. The throat port of the venturi is in continuous communication with the bladder to pressurize and draw a vacuum on the bladder. The valves may be pneumatic pinch valves controlled by the control valve to cycle with the bladder or passive one-way pump valves.

A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. Positioned against a surface of the valve plate is a valve closure component which is configured to slide across the surface selectively obstructing the multiple ports. The valve closure component is held in place by a metal peg hingedly mounted in slots provided in parallel extension of the U shaped frame. Linear tension springs connect the hinged wire pusher with U shaped frame adjacent the pivot point. The springs bias the position of the valve closure component against the valve plate in an off center position.

A novel changeover mechanism for a compressed air driven double diaphragm pump comprises a shaft slidably mounted through aligned apertures in opposing surfaces of the twin diaphragm chambers. At the center of the shaft between the two diaphragm chambers is provided an annular notch in to which is located an arm extending from a U shaped frame. The U shaped frame is pivotally mounted atop a valve plate which includes multiple ports. Positioned against a surface of the valve plate is a valve closure component which is configured to slide across the surface selectively obstructing the multiple ports. The valve closure component is held in place by a metal peg hingedly mounted in slots provided in parallel extension of the U shaped frame. Linear tension springs connect the hinged wire pusher with U shaped frame adjacent the pivot point. The springs bias the position of the valve closure component against the valve plate in an off center position.