Product Introduction
This Series Air Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pump is a highly versatile and reliable positive displacement pump powered entirely by compressed air. It is engineered to be a simple, robust, and intrinsically safe solution for transferring a vast range of fluids, from clean, light liquids to viscous, abrasive, and chemically aggressive slurries. With no complex electrical motors, seals, or rotating parts in contact with the fluid, the pump is a true industrial workhorse, prized for its ability to handle difficult applications where other pumps fail.
Design Philosophy & Construction
The genius of the pump lies in its simple yet effective reciprocating design.
- Dual Diaphragm Engine: The pump features two flexible diaphragms connected by a central shaft. An air distribution valve directs compressed air to the back of one diaphragm, pushing it forward to discharge the fluid from its chamber. This motion simultaneously pulls the other diaphragm inward, drawing fluid into the opposite chamber. The air valve then automatically shifts, reversing the movement and creating a continuous, steady pumping action.
- Positive Seal Ball Valves: Four check valves (two suction, two discharge) operate in tandem with the diaphragms. These simple ball or flap valves ensure that the fluid moves in only one direction through the pump, preventing backflow and enabling the pump to self-prime from a dry start.
- Material Versatility: The performance and application of the pump are defined by its materials. The series is available in a wide array of body materials including Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Polypropylene. Diaphragms and ball valves are available in materials like Nitrile, Neoprene, PTFE (Teflon), and Santoprene to provide compatibility with nearly any chemical or temperature requirement.
- Seal-less Design: The fluid is completely contained within the pump’s wetted path, isolated by the diaphragms. This seal-less design eliminates the leaks and maintenance associated with traditional shaft seals.
Key Features & Benefits
- Intrinsically Safe Operation: Being powered by compressed air, the pump is inherently explosion-proof (ATEX rated), making it the ideal choice for flammable and hazardous environments.
- Can Run Dry Indefinitely: The pump can operate without any fluid for extended periods without overheating or suffering any mechanical damage.
- Excellent Self-Priming: The pump can start dry and create a powerful suction lift to prime itself, drawing fluid from drums, tanks, or sumps located below the pump.
- Handles Solids & High Viscosity: The unobstructed flow path and gentle pumping action allow it to easily transfer viscous liquids, slurries, and fluids with suspended solids without damage.
- Gentle, Low-Shear Action: The pump does not use high-speed rotating impellers, making it perfect for shear-sensitive products like latex, food products, and polymers that can be damaged by other pump types.
- Variable Flow Control: The discharge flow rate and pressure are easily and accurately controlled by simply adjusting the pressure and volume of the incoming air supply with a simple valve.
- Dead-Head Capability: If the discharge line is closed, the pump will stall under pressure and stop operating. It will not be damaged and will automatically restart once the discharge line is opened, consuming zero power while stalled.
Common Applications
The pump’s versatility makes it a problem-solver across countless industries:
- Chemical Manufacturing: Safely transferring acids, solvents, alcohols, and other volatile or corrosive chemicals.
- Paint, Inks & Coatings: Pumping and circulating paints, inks, resins, and adhesives without shearing.
- Wastewater Treatment: Moving sludge, slurries, and filter-press feeding.
- Oil & Gas: Sump and tank clean-out, fuel transfer, and utility pumping in hazardous areas.
- Mining & Construction: Dewatering mines and construction sites, and transferring abrasive slurries.
- Ceramics: Pumping abrasive ceramic slip and glazes.
- General Industry: Unloading drums and Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), general fluid transfer, and sump evacuation.
