Diaphragm Compressor is a valuable tool for various industries, offering benefits such as gas purity and versatility. Proper maintenance and adherence to safety protocols are essential for diaphragm compressors.

Typical diaphragm compressors use one or more flexible diaphragm membranes to compress the gas. The membrane is surrounded by a cylinder, with inlet and outlet valves to control the direction of gas flow. The hydraulic framework of the compressor consists of a piston assembly, connecting rods and injection pump.

The operation process of a diaphragm compressor begins when the oil piston is at top dead center (TDC). At this point, the gas plate is in contact with the diaphragm, and there is a certain clearance volume between the oil chamber and the gas cavity.

Diaphragm Compressor: How It Works and Its Applications

On the down-stroke, the hydraulic piston moves downward, and the gas plates move inward, reducing the gas cavity volume and pushing the gas into the cylinder. As the gas is compressed, it undergoes a heat exchange with the air in the cylinder and the gas pressure rises.

The gas is then discharged through the outlet valve. A cam-driven injection pump provides make-up hydraulic fluid to the system and ensures that the hydraulic piston is fully deflected during each compression stroke. The injection pump also supplies the hydraulic system with hydraulic fluid to prevent the occurrence of a collision between the piston ring and the oil plate. This study proposes a diagnostic method that can identify the state of the diaphragm by monitoring dynamic oil pressure and overflowed oil flow. This method can warn of the possibility of a collision and analyze the fault reasons, and significantly extend diaphragm life.