Air powered diaphragm pumps

[maple flats]

For those who have gone to a diaphragm pump on their filter press, what pump are you using? I am a smaller operation and at my age, not likely to get bigger again. Likely max is 1500 taps, plus I also buy sap from up to 2000 more taps in a good season.

[wiam]

https://www.zoro.com/warren-rupp-double-diaphragm-pump-air-operated-220f-wr10kp5bkk9/i/G2116721/

Used this one for 2 seasons. Works well for me. My small pancake works good with it. Last season I switched it to a 10" press. I figured if they use the same gear pump on both sizes this would be fine.

[wiam]

Tuckermtn uses the same pump. He seemed happy with his so I ordered one.

[Spanielslovesappin]

Maker is really up to you, Wilden is the industry standard and parts are readily available. Regardless or MFG. I would not go with less than 1/2" ports, the smaller pumps have such a small volume that it can be hard to get them to prime with cold viscous fluids. Sure they will pump hot syrup but you will struggle to transfer colder syrup. As long as you have PTFE trim, i.e. Teflon diaphragm and perhaps balls you will have no problem with hot or cold syrup and it will last a long time. BUNA N diaphragms will not take the heat of hot syrup. No real concern about it being too big as you have near infinite flow control on by throttling your air supply to control the speed of the pump. They work very well for a filter press due to this control.

[maple flats]

In addition to pumping hot syrup with that pump, do you also pull from drums to move cold syrup, before heating to packing into retail containers?

[wiam]

In addition to pumping hot syrup with that pump, do you also pull from drums to move cold syrup, before heating to packing into retail containers?

I have not tried to pump cold syrup with mine. I built a pvc version of Leader's air-drum pump. Then I got a good deal on a Leader one. Seems to be the best for me.

[steam maker]

Pump cold syrup with mine all the time , worst part is im cheap and dont have a air dryer so the **** thing freezes up when its super cold but thats my fault

[mountainvan]

https://www.zoro.com/aro-double-diaphragm-pump-air-operated-200f-pd03p-als-kaa/i/G2537026/

Bought this last year. 1,200 gals run through it with no worries.

[maple flats]

Thanks mountainvan. I just ordered that one.

[mountainvan]

You are welcome.

[maple flats]

Did you need to replace the diaphragms yet? I see Zoro gets $135.16 https://www.zoro.com/aro-pump-repair-kit-fluid-637429-aa/i/G1876043/?q=G1876043 for the kit, and QP & C gets $72.53 for the same kit http://www.qpandc.com/Pump_Parts-Pump_Repair_Kit_Fluid_4.html
I like to have rebuild kits for my critical pumps when possible.

[mountainvan]

No I did not. Didn't need to.

[Amber Gold]

I have the same as Tuckermtn and like it for the most part. Simple and easy to take apart. I've had some issues with the check flappers sticking shut because of being sugared up, but since it's easy to take apart, it's only a 5 min fix. I have torn a diaphragm before and had to order a repair kit...think it was $200+, but could be wrong. I do have issues with pumping cold syrup in the middle of the winter...takes forever. I have ordered leader's air operated drum pump to resolve this issue, and it pumps so much faster anyways. I would've ordered another one if needed, but the ARO pump is appealing...pumps more too.

[BlueberryHill]

I have a 7" Wes Fab Short Bank and my gear pump is spewing syrup. Figure I will upgrade to one of these air pumps. Are these 2 units discussed here a good match with the 7"?? Not sure if you guys have larger presses or if that even makes a difference. Do I need to buy anything else to convert over (I have a compressor) to this pump? A control valve of some sort?

[sapman]

I just got a Yamada pump from PumpCatalog online. Lapierre advertises Yamada, so figured it must be a decent choice. Think it's the NDP15-BAH, 435+ shipping. Repair kit is like 75.

[wiam]

I have a 7" Wes Fab Short Bank and my gear pump is spewing syrup. Figure I will upgrade to one of these air pumps. Are these 2 units discussed here a good match with the 7"?? Not sure if you guys have larger presses or if that even makes a difference. Do I need to buy anything else to convert over (I have a compressor) to this pump? A control valve of some sort?

I have the the plastic Warren. Started with it on a 7" cast iron. Same pump is now on a 10". I would seriously look at some of the aluminum pumps others are pointing out as the price looks way better than when I got my plastic.

[sapman]

I have a 7" Wes Fab Short Bank and my gear pump is spewing syrup. Figure I will upgrade to one of these air pumps. Are these 2 units discussed here a good match with the 7"?? Not sure if you guys have larger presses or if that even makes a difference. Do I need to buy anything else to convert over (I have a compressor) to this pump? A control valve of some sort?

I think an air filter is a good idea, and certainly an adjustable regulator. Very nice to be able to adjust the ingoing pressure.

[wiam]

I just run an air drier/filter and a ball valve. Have not seen a need for a regulator.

[sapman]

I like to slowly run the pressure up, so I'm not putting too much pressure on the papers till it's good and hot. I'll get several boils off a full bank, and starting slow helps heat it up without all the pressure, I feel.

[GeneralStark]

Any other thoughts on this subject? I am seriously considering replacing my filter press pump as a new motor is half the price of these pumps you guys are sharing experiences about.

This seems like a good option: https://www.pumpcatalog.com/yamada/dp-10-dp-15-series/dp-10bat/

Rated to 212 F, PTFE Diaphragms, and a decent price.

Or this one: https://www.pumpcatalog.com/yamada/ndp-15-series/ndp-15fpt/

Not aluminum but this one has 1/2" fluid ports which seem advantageous and a better price.

[johnallin]

I have a Wilten(sp) pump that came with the Leader Clear press. It's amazing how much control you have with pneumatic over the old Oberdorfer. Filtered 3½ gallons of some not so warm syrup - about 110° - last Saturday. Although a little slow, it chugged right on through it without issue.

[cjf12]

Dont want to hijack the thread but my pump died tonight. Whats the advantage of aluminum vs the kylar? With a diaphram pump the liquid doesnt even come in contact with the housing. Correct? Assuming they work similar to a sprayer pump. Got to order one asap. Been an expensive year for a hobby.

[wiam]

Dont want to hijack the thread but my pump died tonight. Whats the advantage of aluminum vs the kylar? With a diaphram pump the liquid doesnt even come in contact with the housing. Correct? Assuming they work similar to a sprayer pump. Got to order one asap. Been an expensive year for a hobby.
Yes the syrup contacts the housing.

[wiam]

I don’t see why either wouldn’t work. IMO air pumps are like an RO. You will never go back.

[cjf12]

Whats preferable. Aluminum or kylar?

[Snowmad]

I have a Wilten(sp) pump that came with the Leader Clear press. It's amazing how much control you have with pneumatic over the old Oberdorfer. Filtered 3½ gallons of some not so warm syrup - about 110° - last Saturday. Although a little slow, it chugged right on through it without issue.

How do you like the plastic plate filter press? What size air compressor do you run your pump with? I'm so sick of cone filters, I'm usually doing 8-9 gallons a day and it's just so hard to keep up with them. Very interested in the Leader plastic press but $$ of course!

[johnallin]

For me anyway; the best part of it is the ability to see how much cake you have built up and how much syrup is left when you've emptied the drawoff tank.
It's got a Wilden pneumatic diaphragm pump.
I use a Rolair VT25BIG 2.5-HP 5.3-Gallon compressor that's rated at 6.5 CFM at 90 psi. Link here... https://www.rolair.com/products/air-compressors/hand-carry/vt25big
Nice wheeled unit with lots of cfm but is noisy. All in all, I'm very happy with both the compressor and the Clear Plate set-up from Leader.

[GeneralStark]

Still trying to sort this all out. Unfortunately the pump catalog online distributor has some inaccuracies regarding max temp. some of their advertised Yamada pumps can handle. Poly pro body pumps can only handle up to 180F and not 212F. The diaphragms may be ok, but not the pump body.

[sapman]

Still trying to sort this all out. Unfortunately the pump catalog online distributor has some inaccuracies regarding max temp. some of their advertised Yamada pumps can handle. Poly pro body pumps can only handle up to 180F and not 212F. The diaphragms may be ok, but not the pump body.

I noticed the same thing with the pump I got from them. Tag on pump says 212 I think, but was supposed to handle 248, not that I need it. But I called and they assured me I have the hytrex parts, so am good to 248. I have the 15BAH.

[GeneralStark]

I noticed the same thing with the pump I got from them. Tag on pump says 212 I think, but was supposed to handle 248, not that I need it. But I called and they assured me I have the hytrex parts, so am good to 248. I have the 15BAH.

How do you like it? I've narrowed it down to the BAH or BAT. The BAT is a little more $$$ but it has PTFE diaphragms, o-rings and seals. The BAH has Hytrel diaphragms but Buna-N o-rings....

Their stated max. temp. ratings are related to the line of pumps, and not the specific pump however. At least that is what they told me today.

[GeneralStark]

I don’t see why either wouldn’t work. IMO air pumps are like an RO. You will never go back.

Yes yes and yes.... We tired our new Yamada NDP-15 BAT for the first time today and it is awesome. I am using a regulator with it which appears to be very handy.

[cjf12]

Just got an NDP-15BST. Hooked it up yesterday and pumped some water through it. Seemed amazing. Ran my sweet through and was even more impressed with it after cleaning the filter press. I have about 35 gallon of syrup to reheat and run through hopefully tomorrow or Monday. I have a 25gal air compressor that works but could use a bit more. I am gonna plumb up an old hot water tank to keep a little more air on hand and think it will work just fine for me. You guys sold me on air diaphram.

[Shaun]

Zoro has a 20% off spring sale until the end of April.

[maple flats]

25 gal is more than enough, unless you need to fill the tank and then use it with no new air being added. I use a 3 gal pancake compressor.

[ToadHill]

Cjf12, Do not use the hot water tank. They are not designed to be an air pressure tank. You will be building a bomb. Extremely dangerous.

[Russell Lampron]

Just got an NDP-15BST. Hooked it up yesterday and pumped some water through it. Seemed amazing. Ran my sweet through and was even more impressed with it after cleaning the filter press. I have about 35 gallon of syrup to reheat and run through hopefully tomorrow or Monday. I have a 25gal air compressor that works but could use a bit more. I am gonna plumb up an old hot water tank to keep a little more air on hand and think it will work just fine for me. You guys sold me on air diaphram.

I use a contractors type compressor that has 2 small tanks on it and it is more than enough to run my diaphragm pump. A hot water heater tank isn't designed to handle the pressure and I say don't do it. When I use my diaphragm pump I never run it over half throttle. Just letting it chug the syrup slowly through press helps keep the syrup inside the press and not squirting out between the papers.

[Amber Gold]

I have an air pump now, and like it, but I got a new filter press and need to put a pump on it. I'm interested in the Yamada pumps with their aluminum bodies. Looking for an update on how the pump is working out after a season or two of use.

Does it work well?
Do you have a problem with the ball checks getting sugared up and either not sealing properly or getting stuck? It's a problem I have now with my air pump..easily fixed, so just a nuisance.
Is the pump easy to take apart and put back together? See comment above. My current pump comes apart, fixed, and back together in like 10 min.
Any issues with it?
Etc.

[maple flats]

I agree, do not hook into the hot water tank, if it is new it should handle 100 psi, but if used you risk having a bomb.
Why do you want more air in reserve, I use a small pancake compressor and it more than keep up with demand, if cycles on and off as needed. There should be no need for more air reserve unless you need to build up air in one location then move the tank to another to use it. If that's the case, nonly pressurize a tank made for that purpose.

[Russell Lampron]

I have an air pump now, and like it, but I got a new filter press and need to put a pump on it. I'm interested in the Yamada pumps with their aluminum bodies. Looking for an update on how the pump is working out after a season or two of use.

Does it work well?
Do you have a problem with the ball checks getting sugared up and either not sealing properly or getting stuck? It's a problem I have now with my air pump..easily fixed, so just a nuisance.
Is the pump easy to take apart and put back together? See comment above. My current pump comes apart, fixed, and back together in like 10 min.
Any issues with it?
Etc.

Hi Josh, The air pump that I used on my press was a Yamada aluminum body pump with buna/nitrile diaphragms and check balls. I don't remember how many years I used it, I'm thinking that it was close to ten years and I never had a problem with it. I rinsed it with hot water after every use and the check balls never sugared up and the diaphragms never failed. It was rated for less than 200* for an operating temperature and I always heated my syrup to over 200* when I filtered it. I always stored it in my RO room so that it wouldn't freeze too.

As far as taking it apart goes, I never had to so I never did. It looked like it was pretty easy to do if I had to though.

[maple flats]

My pump is a synthetic body, also rated for 200F and I heat my syrup to 205-210 F. I never had an issue. I did take mine apart in the fall just to learn "how it works" in case I ever had an issue. It came apart and went back together easily. Mine is a Ingersol Rand ARO pump. I bought it because I figured it would take sudden temperature changes better than aluminum, maybe I was just over thinking it. Any ways, I've had no issues.

[sapman]

I have an air pump now, and like it, but I got a new filter press and need to put a pump on it. I'm interested in the Yamada pumps with their aluminum bodies. Looking for an update on how the pump is working out after a season or two of use.

Does it work well?
Do you have a problem with the ball checks getting sugared up and either not sealing properly or getting stuck? It's a problem I have now with my air pump..easily fixed, so just a nuisance.
Is the pump easy to take apart and put back together? See comment above. My current pump comes apart, fixed, and back together in like 10 min.
Any issues with it?
Etc.

I'm pretty happy with my yamada. Used it two seasons now, I think. I do think the check balls don't seal sometimes, as it will get to chattering occasionally. Early this season it just wouldn't pump decently. I took it apart to put the replacement kit in, then called the company as well. He told me the bolts just might have needed retorqueing, instead of anything replaced. I replaced anyway. The balls were rather crystalized up,but don't know if that was a problem.

For what I paid, I'd probably buy it again. Just not sure if the little issues I've had are typical among other brands or not.

[Kevin Plew]

Glad I ran in to this thread. I have an older 7" full bank press. We have about 1400 on vacuum working towards 600-700 gallons of syrup a year. I need to rebuild or replace the old oberdorfer 1/2" and was leaning on one of the Yamada pumps, the bah or the bat. The BST seems a little pricey. Can some one post a picture or two on you have this plumbed? Do I need a by-pass? I want to also pump syrup with this, emptying drums into my canner etc.

Thanks

[bill m]

I have two of the Yamada BST pumps but have not used them yet. I am putting one on my filter press and will also be using it to empty barrels. The other one will go on my drawoff tank. I can post pictures when they are all assembled.

[Kevin Plew]

I'm thinking about this one:

https://www.pumpcatalog.com/yamada/ndp-15-series/ndp-15fpt/

Anyone have it?

I was at Leader today and they have the wilton for almost $1100, but it comes with a stand, regulator and muffler.

[JoeJ]

I don't have one, but it is only rated for 180 degrees.

[Kevin Plew]

I saw that. I was worried about the 3/8 ports but talked to a few others and will g with the bat. It is 1/2" and can handle the heat.

https://www.pumpcatalog.com/yamada/ndp-15-series/ndp-15bat/

[maple flats]

This is the pump I use https://www.zoro.com/aro-double-diap...aa/i/G2537026/

I would be afraid of one rated for 180 max, even on mine I push it. I heat in the finisher to 205-210, draw into the mixing tank, add the DE and stir. Then I pull it thru about 8' of 1" silicone hose before it gets to the pump, (by then maybe it has cooled to 200F?). I am in my third year with this pump. I also use it to move syrup. I move syrup from the evaporator draw tank, thru the pump, the bypass and to the finisher, I also move syrup from barrels to the finisher( in winter I need to use a band heater on the barrel for 2-3 hrs or it pumps very slow.

[sapman]

I saw that. I was worried about the 3/8 ports but talked to a few others and will g with the bat. It is 1/2" and can handle the heat.

https://www.pumpcatalog.com/yamada/ndp-15-series/ndp-15bat/

I think that's the one I have. It's either that one or one rated for 248. Works good. Sometimes the check valves seem to act up or something, as it will just chatter at times. But overall has been a good pump. If I wanted to use it to transfer syrup, I think I would just disconnect the hose from the press.

[Kevin Plew]

What are you using for the output line to the filter press?

Thanks

[sapman]

I use the line that came with the press originally with the Oberdorfer, which is a high pressure line. But it's pretty easy to remove from pump, then I'd just use the milk hose for both inlet and outlet to transfer.

Filtered today, and it didn't want to pump very fast. Barely kept up with the evaporator for awhile. Not sure if there is an obstruction inside or what. I'll have to try pumping hot water when I break the press down again.

[wiam]

I use the line that came with the press originally with the Oberdorfer, which is a high pressure line. But it's pretty easy to remove from pump, then I'd just use the milk hose for both inlet and outlet to transfer.

Filtered today, and it didn't want to pump very fast. Barely kept up with the evaporator for awhile. Not sure if there is an obstruction inside or what. I'll have to try pumping hot water when I break the press down again.

I have had to tear mine down and use hot water to get the sugar build up out of the check valves.