Amplified pressure air driven diaphragm pump and pressure relief valve therefor

摘要

An air driven diaphragm pump having two, opposed pumping cavities. A center section assembly between the pumping cavities includes a cylinder and a power amplifier piston. The power amplifier piston as well as the diaphragms are coupled with a common control shaft. A valve assembly is arranged with a manifold to receive pressurized air and distribute that air in alternating fashion to the sides of the power amplifier piston as well as to each of the diaphragms. By directing pressure to a side of the power amplifier piston facing the same direction as the diaphragm receiving pressure, an amplified pressure on a pump chamber is experienced. With the power amplifier piston being approximately twice as large as the diaphragm assembly, an amplification of three times the pressure on the pump chamber is experienced. Both pump chambers are able to operate to pump material. A relief valve includes an actuator and a valve element which cooperate through a compression spring and stops to provide a force profile for valve actuation and energy for positive actuation. Both the compression spring and a return spring are configured for longevity through a great number of cycles. Blocks of elastomeric material are disclosed.