CH&E and Magnum Replacement Diaphragms for Diaphragm Pumps

Replacement Diaphragms for CH&E and Magnum Pumps

Diaphragm pumps are positive-displacement pumps designed to handle water containing mud, sediment, slurry, and suspended solids that can create problems for conventional impeller-style pumps.

The diaphragm repeatedly flexes during operation to create suction and discharge pressure. Because it is a primary wear component, diaphragm condition has a direct effect on pump performance, priming, flow, and overall reliability.

The correct replacement should be identified using the specific pump manufacturer and model. Do not select a diaphragm for one manufacturer based only on its apparent size, shape, or similarity to a diaphragm used in another pump.

CH&E Diaphragm Pump Parts

Ken’s Distributing supplies replacement diaphragms and repair parts for CH&E diaphragm pumps used in construction, industrial, municipal, and dewatering applications.

For detailed CH&E model information, diaphragm material guidance, and replacement-part assistance, visit the dedicated CH&E Replacement Diaphragms page.

2 Inch CH&E Pump Models

Common 2 inch CH&E diaphragm pump models include:

• CH&E 5401
• CH&E 5402
• CH&E 5403
• CH&E 5405
• CH&E 6401
• CH&E 6402
• CH&E 6403
• CH&E 6405

Confirm the complete CH&E model number and replacement-part requirements before ordering a diaphragm.

3 Inch CH&E Pump Models

CH&E 3 inch diaphragm pumps include models within the 5500 through 6535 series. Because specifications can vary by model and production configuration, provide the complete model number when requesting a replacement diaphragm or repair part.

4 Inch CH&E Diaphragm Pumps

Ken’s Distributing also supplies replacement diaphragms and repair components for selected 4 inch CH&E diaphragm pumps used in large-volume dewatering, flood control, municipal work, and industrial pumping applications.

Contact Ken’s Distributing with the CH&E model number and existing diaphragm information to identify the correct replacement.

Magnum Diaphragm Pump Parts

Ken’s Distributing supplies replacement diaphragm options for Magnum diaphragm pumps used in construction, dewatering, municipal, agricultural, and industrial applications.

Magnum diaphragm selection should be based on the specific Magnum model number, pump size, existing part information, diaphragm material, and application. Contact Ken’s Distributing with the information from the pump identification plate before ordering.

If the model plate is missing or unreadable, photographs of the pump, existing diaphragm, engine or drive arrangement, and any visible casting or part numbers may help the parts team identify the correct replacement.

Available Diaphragm Materials

Replacement diaphragm materials vary according to pump manufacturer, model, size, and operating requirements. Ken’s Distributing supplies several diaphragm compounds for different fluid and service conditions.

Neoprene Replacement Diaphragms

Neoprene is commonly used for construction dewatering, groundwater control, slurry, concrete cutting wastewater, and other outdoor pumping applications where physical durability and weather resistance are important.

Common applications include:

• Construction dewatering
• Groundwater removal
• Concrete cutting and grinding wastewater
• Sediment-laden water
• Outdoor pump operation
• General slurry handling without significant petroleum contamination

Learn More About Neoprene Replacement Diaphragms

Rubber Replacement Diaphragms

Rubber is a cost-effective diaphragm material for clean water, groundwater, lightly sediment-laden water, and standard dewatering applications where oil, fuel, and aggressive chemical exposure are minimal.

Common applications include:

• Clean-water dewatering
• Groundwater removal
• Surface water pumping
• Agricultural water transfer
• General water-handling applications

Learn More About Rubber Replacement Diaphragms

Buna/Nitrile Replacement Diaphragms

Buna-N, also known as nitrile or NBR, is commonly selected for applications involving petroleum oils, fuel-contaminated water, lubricants, and other hydrocarbon-containing fluids.

Common applications include:

• Oily wastewater
• Fuel-contaminated groundwater
• Petroleum-containing process water
• Industrial fluid-transfer applications
• Environmental remediation involving hydrocarbon contamination

Learn More About Buna/Nitrile Replacement Diaphragms

TPE Replacement Diaphragms

TPE diaphragms may be appropriate for selected continuous-duty, high-cycle, outdoor, and demanding industrial applications where flex life and durability are priorities.

Common applications include:

• Continuous-duty pumping
• High-cycle dewatering
• Selected slurry applications
• Selected industrial fluids
• Outdoor operating environments
• Applications where reducing maintenance frequency is important

Learn More About TPE Santoprene Replacement Diaphragms

Specialty Diaphragm Materials

Selected pump applications may require specialty diaphragm compounds based on chemical exposure, temperature, physical stress, or other operating requirements.

These materials should be specified according to the exact pump model and fluid application. Contact Ken’s Distributing before ordering a specialty compound so the pump requirements and operating conditions can be reviewed.

How to Choose the Right Diaphragm Material

The correct diaphragm material depends primarily on the fluid being pumped and the environment in which the pump operates.

Clean water and standard groundwater: Rubber or neoprene may be appropriate depending on run time, outdoor exposure, and operating conditions.

Construction slurry and sediment-laden water: Neoprene is commonly selected where abrasion, flexing, and outdoor use are important considerations.

Oily wastewater and petroleum-contaminated fluids: Buna/nitrile is commonly selected where greater resistance to petroleum oils and fuels is required.

Continuous-duty and demanding environments: TPE may be appropriate for selected high-cycle applications where fatigue resistance and longer service intervals are priorities.

Specialty chemical or temperature applications: A specialty diaphragm compound may be required depending on the specific fluid, concentration, temperature, and pump model.

For applications outside normal construction and dewatering conditions, contact Ken’s Distributing with the pump manufacturer, model number, fluid details, and operating environment before ordering.

How to Identify the Correct Replacement Diaphragm

Do not select a diaphragm based on nominal pump size alone. Two pumps with the same nominal inlet or discharge size may require different diaphragms.

Use the following information when identifying a replacement:

• Pump manufacturer
• Complete pump model number
• Existing diaphragm part number, if available
• Nominal pump size
• Existing diaphragm material
• Physical diaphragm measurements
• Fluid being pumped
• Operating conditions

If you cannot identify the pump from the model plate, provide photographs of the pump and existing diaphragm to Ken’s Distributing.

Common Applications for Diaphragm Pumps

CH&E and Magnum diaphragm pumps are used in a variety of applications where dependable positive-displacement pumping is required.

Construction dewatering: Removing groundwater, rainwater, sediment-laden water, and slurry from excavations, trenches, foundations, and active jobsites.

Municipal utility work: Supporting temporary dewatering, stormwater management, sewer maintenance, and water infrastructure projects.

Agricultural water transfer: Moving irrigation water, drainage water, and other water-based fluids in agricultural operations.

Industrial fluid transfer: Handling process water, slurry, wastewater, and selected industrial fluids according to the pump and diaphragm material requirements.

Flood and emergency water removal: Supporting temporary high-volume water removal during flood response, storm cleanup, and emergency dewatering operations.

Signs a Diaphragm May Need Replacement

Diaphragm wear often appears as gradual performance loss before a complete failure occurs. Routine inspection can help identify wear early and reduce the risk of damage to other pump components.

Inspect the diaphragm if you notice any of the following:

• The pump takes longer than normal to prime
• Discharge flow decreases under otherwise normal operating conditions
• Pump cycling becomes irregular or labored
• Visible cracking, cuts, surface stiffening, fabric exposure, or deformation
• Fluid appears where it should not be within the pump assembly
• Leakage develops around the diaphragm housing
• Pump vibration changes noticeably during normal operation

Do not continue operating a pump with a visibly damaged diaphragm. Continued use may allow fluid or debris to reach other pump components and increase repair costs.

Diaphragm Installation and Maintenance

Installation

• Confirm the pump manufacturer, model number, replacement diaphragm specifications, and selected material before installation.
• Clean the diaphragm housing and mounting surfaces before installing the replacement.
• Confirm the replacement diaphragm dimensions and mounting arrangement against the original part for that pump.
• Tighten mounting hardware evenly according to the service procedure for the specific pump model.
• Inspect flappers, valves, seats, plates, and related wear components while the pump is disassembled.

Maintenance

• Inspect diaphragms regularly according to operating hours and application conditions.
• Increase inspection frequency when pumping abrasive slurry or operating continuously.
• Flush the pump after handling mud, slurry, petroleum-contaminated fluids, or other materials that may remain inside the housing.
• Inspect valves and other wear components whenever diaphragm service is performed.
• Follow the pump manufacturer’s storage and maintenance recommendations during extended periods of inactivity.

Bulk Pricing and Blanket Orders

Contractors, rental companies, municipalities, distributors, and industrial operations that maintain multiple diaphragm pumps can benefit from keeping frequently used replacement parts in inventory.

Ken’s Distributing offers bulk pricing and blanket order programs for qualifying diaphragm orders. These programs can help simplify recurring purchasing, maintain planned inventory levels, and reduce the risk of unexpected parts shortages.

Contact Ken’s Distributing with the pump manufacturer, model number, diaphragm requirements, and estimated annual quantity for pricing information.

Learn More About Blanket Orders

Related Pump Repair Parts

Diaphragms are one of several wear components that should be inspected during pump service. Depending on the pump model, related maintenance items may include flappers, valve assemblies, seats, plates, fasteners, seals, and other repair components.

Flappers and Valve Assemblies

One-way flow components should be inspected whenever diaphragm service is performed. Worn, damaged, or debris-fouled valves can reduce pump efficiency, contribute to difficult priming, and cause irregular flow.

Complete Repair Kits

Ken’s Distributing supplies repair kits and individual pump components for selected pump models. Kit contents and availability depend on the pump manufacturer and model.

Contact Ken’s Distributing with the complete pump model number to identify the appropriate repair parts.

Frequently Asked Questions About CH&E and Magnum Replacement Diaphragms

How do I identify the correct diaphragm for a CH&E pump?

Start with the complete CH&E model number and existing diaphragm part number if available. Ken’s Distributing can use the CH&E model, pump size, diaphragm specifications, and application details to identify the appropriate replacement.

How do I identify the correct diaphragm for a Magnum pump?

Use the complete Magnum pump model number and any available part information from the existing diaphragm or pump identification plate. Contact Ken’s Distributing with these details before ordering.

Is Ken’s Distributing an authorized CH&E dealer?

Yes. Ken’s Distributing is an authorized CH&E dealer and can assist with CH&E replacement diaphragms, pump parts, model identification, material selection, and availability for current and legacy CH&E pumps.

Which diaphragm material should I choose?

The material should be selected according to the fluid being pumped and the operating environment. Rubber and neoprene are commonly used for water and general dewatering, Buna/nitrile for petroleum-contaminated fluids, and TPE for selected demanding or high-cycle applications. Specialty materials may be required for unusual chemical or temperature conditions.

Can I change the diaphragm material in my pump?

The replacement material should be selected according to the requirements of the specific pump and application. Do not choose a different material based solely on dimensions. Confirm the pump manufacturer, model, diaphragm specifications, fluid, and operating conditions before ordering.

How do I know whether I need a 2 inch, 3 inch, or 4 inch diaphragm?

Nominal pump size is only one part of diaphragm identification. Confirm the manufacturer and complete pump model before ordering because pumps with the same nominal size may require different diaphragm dimensions or mounting configurations.

How long does a replacement diaphragm last?

Service life depends on diaphragm material, fluid conditions, operating hours, abrasion, temperature, pump condition, and maintenance practices. Regular inspection is more reliable than applying one replacement interval to every pump.

Do you ship replacement diaphragms to Canada?

Yes. Ken’s Distributing ships replacement diaphragms throughout the United States and Canada. Contact Ken’s Distributing for shipping information on larger, bulk, or recurring orders.