Case

3″ DN80 Aluminum Air Diaphragm Pump for Tunnel & Bilge Wastewater Transfer Application

The on-site picture shows the underground shield construction tunnel, equipped with 3-inch large-caliber aluminum air-operated diaphragm pump for continuous drainage of high-sediment shield mud and underground sewage, also widely used for ship bilge wastewater and port sludge transfer.

The DN80 large-flow hard anodized aluminum pump body is wear and corrosion resistant, with a maximum flow rate of 420L/min. Its oversized flow channel allows passage of large sediment and gravel to avoid blockage. Fully air-driven without electric sparks, it meets explosion-proof standards for humid tunnel and marine ship environments.

It features 8m strong self-priming, dry-running and pressure-resistant performance, no priming required for low-lying sewage. Air pressure regulator enables adjustable flow to rapidly clear heavy mud or deliver thin wastewater stably.

Compared with traditional centrifugal mud pumps that suffer frequent impeller abrasion (maintenance every 7 days), this diaphragm pump only needs diaphragm replacement every 3 months, cutting maintenance frequency by 90%. Modular design allows single-person maintenance in narrow confined spaces. Lightweight aluminum housing supports mounting on shield machines, making it ideal for sewage & sludge drainage in tunnels and ship bilges.

************ 3-inch Aluminum Alloy Diaphragm Pump: Core Advantages ************

Large Flow Path & Wear Resistance:

Features a ​ (DN80 large-diameter) inlet/outlet. Constructed with a hard-anodized aluminum body, ceramic valve balls, and heavy-duty PTFE diaphragms. It handles large particles, gravel, and slurry without clogging, and withstands long-term erosion from high-sediment media.

Explosion-Proof & Waterproof (Submersible Capability):

Purely pneumatic with zero electrical parts. It operates reliably when submerged in underground water or in high-humidity ship bilges. Eliminates risks of electric leakage or sparks, fully complying with tunneling​ and maritime EX-proof safety regulations.

Superior Self-Priming & Robustness:

Maximum self-priming height of 8 meters, eliminating the need for manual priming in deep pits or low-lying bilges. It is safe for dry running, deadheading (blocked discharge), or fluctuating water levels without damaging the pump.

High-Flow Efficient Dewatering:

Peak flow rate reaches 420 L/min​ at 0.6 MPa air pressure. Rapidly removes massive amounts of muddy water, preventing equipment submersion and ensuring continuous TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) operation.

Easy Maintenance in Confined Spaces:

Lightweight aluminum construction allows direct mounting onto the TBM frame. Modular design enables a single worker to replace diaphragms and valve balls within 10 minutes​ in narrow spaces, drastically cutting downtime.

*************************** Operational Improvements & Results ***************************

• Dewatering Efficiency Increased by 180%:​ Elimination of water accumulation ensures uninterrupted, continuous tunneling operations.
• Drastic Reduction in Failure Rate:​ Maintenance frequency dropped from 1–2 times per week to just once every 3 months. Labor costs and spare parts expenses decreased by 90%.
• Enhanced Safety Compliance:​ Eliminated risks of electric shock and explosion, meeting strict on-site safety inspection standards.
• Reduced Labor Exposure:​ No manual priming or constant monitoring required, minimizing high-risk manual labor in hazardous underground environments.