
MQD2HA/3HA DIAPHRAGM PUMP • OPERATION MANUAL — REV. # 1 (10/08/20) — PAGE 9
Elevation
Higher elevations will effect the performance of the pump.
Due to less atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes,
pumps do not have the priming ability that they have at
sea level. This is due to the “thinner air” or lack of oxygen
at higher altitudes.
A general rule of thumb is that for every 1,000 feet of
elevation above sea level a pump will lose one foot of
priming ability.
For example, in Flagstaff, Arizona where the elevation is
approximately 7,000 feet, the pump would have a suction
lift of only 18 feet rather than the 25 feet at sea level.Table 4
shows suction lift at various elevations.
Table 4. Suction Lift at Various Elevations
Altitude
Feet
(Meters)
Suction Lift in Feet (Meters)
Sea Level 10.0 (3.048) 15.0 (4.572) 20.0 (6.096) 25.0 (7.620)
2,000 (610) 8.80 (2.680) 13.2 (4.023) 17.6 (5.364) 22.0 (6.705)
4,000 (1,219) 7.80 (2.377) 11.7 (3.566) 15.6 (4.754) 19.5 (5.943)
6,000 (1,829) 6.90 (2.103) 10.4 (3.169) 13.8 (4.206) 17.3 (5.273)
8,000 (2,438) 6.20 (1.889) 9.30 (2.834) 12.4 (3.779) 15.5 (4.724)
10,000 (3,048) 5.70 (1.737) 8.60 (2.621) 11.4 (3.474) 14.3 (4.358)
Table 5 shows percentage drops in performance as
elevation increases.
Table 5. Performance Loss at Various Elevations
Altitude
Feet (Meters) Discharge Flow Discharge Head
Sea Level 100% 100%
2,000 (610) 97% 95%
4,000 (1,219) 95% 91%
6,000 (1,829) 93% 87%
8,000 (2,438) 91% 83%
10,000 (3,048) 88% 78%
GENERAL INFORMATION
APPLICATION
The MQD2H The models MQD2HA & MQD3HA diaphragm
pumps are designed to be used on selected dewatering
applications. The suction and discharge ports are NPT
threaded and are 2” diameter for the MQD2HA and 3” in
diameter for the MQD3HA.
The pumping flow rates (GPM) are dependent on the
application, hose lengths, operating elevation, and fluid
viscosity.
Power Plant
These diaphragm pumps are powered by a 4.0 horsepower
air cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder HONDA GX120 gasoline
engine that incorporates a low “Oil Alert Feature”. The drive
shaft of the engine is coupled to an offset connecting rod
that is coupled to a flexible diaphragm.The connecting rod
alternately raises (expands) and lowers (contracts) the
diaphragm at a rate of 60 cycles per minute at maximum
engine RPM (2,750).
Oil Alert Feature
In the event of low oil or no oil, the HONDA GX120 engine
has a built-in oil alarm engine shut-down feature. In the
event the oil level is low the engine will automatically shut
down.
Suction Lift
This pump is intended to be used for dewatering applications
and is capable of suction lifts up to 25 feet at sea level. For
optimal suction lift performance keep the suction hose or
line as short as possible. In general, always place the pump
as close to the water as possible.
Pump Support
The pump should always be placed on solid stationary
ground in a level position.
NEVER place the pump on soft soil. The suction hose or
pipe connection should always be checked for tightness
and leaks. A small suction leak in the hose or fittings could
prevent the pump from priming.