Positive displacement pumps serve a purpose in nearly every market, and every application. We've covered many other positive displacement pumps in our "Quick and Dirty Guides", including external gear, internal gear, peristaltic, and rotary lobe pumps, this week we'll discuss the Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pump. We'll uncover how they work, what they're great for, disadvantages, and some of their best applications. Read on!
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AIR-OPERATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP OVERVIEW
AODD pumps are a type of positive displacement pump that uses the reciprocating action of elastomeric diaphragms and check valves to pump a fluid. Ball or flap check valves are commonly used, and the solids passing requirements of the application will determine which one to use.
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HOW IT WORKS
These pumps use a simple air-valve system to move the diaphragm rod. Flexible diaphragms are round discs (shown in white) attached at each end of the diaphragm rod. The pilot spool (middle of the three horizontal rods) is pushed back and forth whenever the diaphragm rod reaches the end of its throw. This action allows air to move the air distribution valve (top rod in the drawing) back and forth. The air distribution rod controls air flow to the left or right air chamber, reversing on each stroke. The four ball (or flap) valves are operated by pressure differences in the pumped liquid.
WHAT THEY'RE GREAT FOR
These pumps are an excellent choice for applications found in a variety of industries, such as food, chemical, and general industry. Their unique design allows them to transfer highly abrasive or viscous products, semi-solid, and shear sensitive materials. They're best known for ease of maintenance and replacement, self-priming ability, seal-less design, and their ability to "run dry" without causing damage to the pump.
What else makes the AODD pump so versatile? They're manufactured in a variety of pump materials, including cast iron, stainless steel,
special alloys,
and various diaphragm and valve elastomers making them ideal for just about any market.
DISADVANTAGES
Another important thing to remember is the AODD pump may be less costly up front, but does cost about 4-5 times more to operate than an electric powered pump because it is powered by air.
AODD pumps do generate a pulsating flow that could cause "water hammer" if proper pulsation dampening devices aren't used. Water hammer is a pressure surge, or wave, created when a fluid in motion is forced to stop or suddenly change direction causing significant damage to the pump and/or process piping (as discussed in our eBook 36 Ways to Kill Your Pump ).Another important thing to remember is the AODD pump may be less costly up front, but does cost about 4-5 times more to operate than an electric powered pump because it is powered by air.
BEST APPLICATIONS
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Below is a short list of the best applications for this pump:
It's obvious that AODD pumps could be a great solution for just about any application. Think it might be right for yours? Make sure you get the right pump for the job by talking to an experienced engineer.
If you need help selecting the right pump for your application, ask us about it! We gladly provide technical assistance to businesses in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
Many industries across the world depend on pumps to keep their processes running smoothly. A malfunctioning pump can lead to unplanned downtime, which leads to lost revenue.
When selecting a pump for your plant or job site, the possibilities are virtually endless. You need a pump that is:
- Reliable: Offering continuous, trouble-free performance
- Versatile: Effective at handling a wide range of fluid types, from clean water to viscous, abrasive product
- Easy to Maintain:
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, making for easy, cost-effective maintenance
With so many pumps on the market, including centrifugal, lobe, gear, screw, hose and piston/plunger, it can be tough to find the information you need to make the right choice.
One type of pump, however, has proven itself as a market leader when it comes to reliability, versatility and ease of maintenance: the air-operated double diaphragm pump (AODD). Use our Signature Series Pump Selection Guide to help you choose which diaphragm pump will work best for your application.
Why AIR-OPERATED DIAPHRAGM PUMPS?
AODD pumps deliver unique benefits that are unrivaled by other pump technologies, which is why a wide range of industries rely on them to keep their operations running smoothly. These pumps require little maintenance and are cost-effective solutions for transferring almost any viscous fluid safely. Here are some additional benefits of selecting AODD pumps for your application:
- Can run dry without damaging the pump or system
- Can pump solid-laden fluids without pump or product damage
- Are self-priming and work in suction lift applications
- Deadhead safely with no pump or product damage
- Are shear sensitive and don't separate the product being pumped
- Require no electricity and can be fully grounded
- Low initial purchase price compared to other technologies
- Are submersible (some models) with no safety or performance issues
- Seal-less design without expensive mechanical seals or packing
- Variable flow and head pressures without sophisticated controls
Industry-Leading Durability and Performance
For more than 55 years, SANDPIPER has provided best-in-class pumping and engineering innovations for your most difficult and demanding challenges.
Even in the most severe applications and environments, SANDPIPER’s Signature Series™ of AODD pumps are engineered to provide industry-leading durability and performance. These pumps include:
- Heavy-Duty Flap Valve: For fluids containing up to line-size solids
- Heavy-Duty Ball Valve: For fluids containing settling, suspended and floating solids
- Containment-Duty Ball Valve: For highly corrosive and hazardous chemical applications
There’s a lot that goes into choosing the right pump, but the process can be simplified if you know your application, environment, sizing/porting requirements, maintenance capabilities and budget.
You can count on consistency, reliability and trouble-free operation of SANDPIPER pumps to meet your most challenging application needs. Have questions about whether SANDPIPER can provide the pumping solutions for your next project? Reach out today, find a local distributor, or leave your question as a comment below.
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