Diaphragm pumps are the core of any spray boom or sprayer system. Their correct maintenance ensures, therefore, the correct operation of these machines and optimizes their performance.
Routine maintenance should be carried out at the end of each season or after 300 hours of operation. Even before that schedule, however, it is good practice to carry out preparatory steps for a correct operation - before, during and after each use - in order to avoid breakdowns or low performance.
First of all, before starting, inspect your pump and make sure that the hydraulic system shows no signs of wear or clogging. Also check that connections are tight and the pump is properly secured to its chassis.
One element to keep under constant control is the oil level, since perfect lubrication helps the operation of the individual components of the pump and increases its overall performance.
For this reason, Comet has created the NEW COMET ADDITIVATED MINERAL OIL C1 - available in 1 liter and 5 liter versions - which optimally preserves the components ensuring maximum performance and great reliability in all working conditions.
If the oil color (light yellow and clear when new) turns dark after a short time, it means that pistons or other components are rubbing in the cylinders.
If it turns gray or milky, one or more diaphragms are torn or perforated. In both cases, you should contact a service center for a more thorough maintenance. The same is true if drops in level are not fixed by topping up.
After each use, it is good practice to run clean water inside the pump to flush it of any residue of chemical products, taking care to rinse the suction filter.
In case of particularly cold weather, a special operation should be carried out before storing the pump for the winter season, i.e. making a mixture of water and anti-freeze liquid run inside the pump and emptying the manifolds.
As we have already mentioned, routine maintenance should be carried out, depending on the event that occurs first, after 300 hours or at the end of the working season. There are 3 main phases:
- drain and flush the pump with clean water before disassembling and servicing it
- fit a new set of diaphragms
- inspect valves and change oil.
To carry out a correct maintenance, it is essential to rely on genuine spare parts: Comet has created a complete maintenance kit, including:
In addition to spare parts, it is important to use appropriate tools such as a screwdriver, T-hex wrench, wrench and torque wrench, a brush to grease some components and some containers to collect oil, as well as personal safety equipment.
Let's see, now, what are all the steps to properly maintain your diaphragm pump:
To help you with these operations, here are some video-tutorials for the main Comet pumps, with step by step details of each job to be made.
In addition to routine maintenance, it can happen that a pump suffers from failures or is subject to sudden breakdowns.
Knowing how to recognize early warning signs, such as uneven pressure, deformation of certain parts, excessive pulsation or sudden drops in the oil level, can prevent greater damage.
Similarly, operating promptly in case of odd malfunctions allows extending the life of the pump.
Comet provides you with a very useful guide on routine maintenance and for all those operations that you can carry out on your own to keep your agricultural diaphragm pump at its best.