Why can diaphragm pumps handle liquids containing solid particles?

Diaphragm pumps are well-suited for handling liquids that contain solid particles because they utilize a flexible, pulsating diaphragm rather than traditional piston packings that would otherwise be in contact with the fluid. By replacing the piston with this flexible component, the pump avoids the mechanical wear and potential sealing issues that solid particles would cause in pumps relying on tight-fitting piston packings.1

Additionally, these pumps operate using check valves to manage the flow of fluid, which allows them to effectively transport mixtures of liquids and solids without the clogging risks associated with other pump designs, such as gear pumps.1