Benefits of Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps

Understanding the Benefits and Applications of Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps

An air operated double diaphragm pump (AODD) is a type of positive displacement pump that uses compressed air as the source of energy to move liquids. It consists of two flexible diaphragms that separate the pumping chamber from the air inlet and outlet. The air pressure causes the diaphragms to expand and contract, creating suction and discharge strokes that move the liquid through the pump.

One of the key benefits of AODD pumps is that they are self-priming and can operate in both wet and dry conditions. They are also capable of handling liquids with high viscosities and solids, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Additionally, they are simple in design and require minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective solution for many industrial applications.

AODD pumps are commonly used in a variety of industries, including chemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and water treatment. They are also used in applications where there is a need for continuous, reliable pumping, such as paint and ink transfer, sludge and slurry handling, and transfer of viscous liquids.

What are the Key Factors of AODD pumps?

AODD pumps are very reliable since they have very few moving parts and components that can wear. They compare very favourably with pumps that have close-fitting sliding or rotating mechanisms, where the passage of abrasive slurries, for example, can cause excessive wear to the moving parts of the pump.

This can lead to significant down-time and repair costs. These problems do not arise with AODD pumps since large internal volumes and flow through prevent clogging, with the size of solid particles that can be pumped related to the pump size.

Key factors to consider for preventative maintenance are:

• Diaphragm lifetime
• Compressed air quality
• Flushing of pumps after use.

One of the challenges of using AODD pumps is that the compressed air source must be properly regulated in order to maintain consistent pump performance. This can be accomplished by using a control system that monitors the air pressure and adjusts it as needed to ensure optimal pump performance.

What are the AODD Basic pump components?

AODD pumps benefit from their simplicity of operation. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an AODD pump, where A & B are the diaphragms, 1-4 the ball valves and I and O the inlet and outlet ports respectively. The air valve is usually a shuttle valve to route the compressed air alternatively to each diaphragm. The movement of diaphragm A towards the middle of the pump generates a partial vacuum in the chamber.

This makes ball valve 1 close, while ball valve 2 opens as air pressure moves liquid from the inlet into the chamber. At the same time, diaphragm B compresses the volume in its chamber, which closes valve 3 and forces fluid past valve 4 and out through the outlet port. When the air valve drives back the movement of the diaphragms, fluid is pumped through the left hand side of the pump.

AODD pumps are available in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic, to meet the specific needs of different applications. The choice of material will depend on the type of liquid being pumped, the operating conditions, and the desired lifespan of the pump.

In conclusion, AODD pumps are a versatile and reliable solution for many industrial applications where continuous, consistent pumping is required. Their ability to handle a wide range of liquids and solids, as well as their simple design and low maintenance requirements, make them a cost-effective choice for many businesses.

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