In many facilities, the root cause of downtime isn’t the pump – it’s recurring diaphragm failure from low-end PTFE designs that can’t handle aggressive media, abrasion, pressure cycling, or high-duty service.
Inexpensive diaphragms may look like savings upfront, but they often lead to:
- Frequent failures and unplanned shutdowns
- Repeated pump removals and workshop repairs
- Lost production time and reduced output
- Increased labour, freight, and maintenance costs
- Maintenance teams stuck reacting instead of planning
Each failure compounds cost – parts, labour and lost throughput – because the diaphragm becomes the weak link.
The diaphragm is the heart of an air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump. When it fails, the system stops, often due to fatigue, cracking, or rupture under abrasive slurries, solids, viscous fluids, chemical exposure, and cycling pressures.
The Garlock ONE‑UP diaphragm difference
Garlock ONE‑UP diaphragms are engineered for demanding duty using a high‑performance GORE ePTFE sheet on the wetted side, physically bonded in a one‑piece composite to a premium fabric‑reinforced elastomer backer.
Patented rib/surface features help disperse stress for longer flex life. Field case histories report ~3.5× longer average service life than conventional PTFE; one paint/coatings site increased life from 1–3 months to ~18 months across more than 200 pumps.
Where ONE‑UP fits best
- Abrasive slurries and high solids
- Chemically aggressive media (acids and caustics)
- Highly viscous fluids (paints, coatings, resins)
- High pressure cycling and harsh AODD service
Contact Garlock to learn more.
