Method for operation of a multiple-membrane pump

Abstract

A multiple-membrane pump deviates from synchronized operation. By completely uncoupled operation of the pump parts, it is possible to implement a metering pump using a single pump, in which all the parts pass through unequal conveying amounts, so that a predeterminable mixture can be produced.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for operation of a multiple-membrane pump comprising:
 (a) providing the multiple-membrane pump, the multiple-membrane pump comprising a pump housing having a plurality of membrane chambers accommodated in parallel line sections, wherein each chamber is enclosed between a plurality of ball valves that close in an identical flow direction and is divided, in fluid-tight manner, into a liquid chamber and an air chamber by a respective membrane, and wherein at least one drive is assigned to the pump housing in a drive chamber disposed between the air chambers, wherein the at least one drive has drive elements mechanically connected with the membranes for moving the membrane between first and second movement end points independently of one another, and the drive elements are asynchronously moved by the at least one drive; and   (b) operating the multiple-membrane pump to move the drive elements using the drive by way of adjustable gear mechanisms so as to achieve an adjustable conveying ratio.   
     
     
         2 . The method for operation according to  claim 1 , wherein the multiple-membrane pump is a dual-membrane pump having two membranes. 
     
     
         3 . The method for operation according to  claim 1 , wherein the multiple-membrane pump is a membrane pump having three or more membranes. 
     
     
         4 . The method for operation according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive elements are moved at a different stroke frequency. 
     
     
         5 . The method for operation according to  claim 1 , wherein the drive elements are moved by different drives. 
     
     
         6 . The method for operation according to  claim 1 , wherein the drives are electric motors, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or compressed-air valves.