Cortech Engineering is your resource for air operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps. When you need to handle sensitive media such as acid transfer, food processing, paint, oils and other viscous products, the gentle pumping action of an AODD pump will give you ideal results. Cortech can help you find the right AODD pump for your specific application.
What is an Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump?
AODD pumps are uniquely designed to transfer highly abrasive or viscous media, which is what makes them so popular in certain industries that deal with sensitive liquids and materials. They are reliable and generally quite easy to maintain thanks to a simplistic, yet very effective design that uses classic diaphragm technology with modern advances. The diaphragm approach to pumping is one of the oldest in the world. It has been refined and mastered throughout the decades, leading to the cutting-edge air operated double diaphragm pumps we have today.
How Does an AODD Pump Work?
An air operated double diaphragm pumps is a type of positive displacement pump. It utilizes compressed air to provide the power. The compressed air shifts from one chamber to the next, connected by a linked shaft that enables the chambers to move in unison. Ultimately, a strong back-and-forth motion is created to force the liquid through the pump. As liquid gets forced out of one chamber into the discharge piping, the other chamber is being filled simultaneously with more liquid.
Components of Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps
AODD pumps are ingenious designs that apply the power of compressed air and use the reciprocating diaphragms to keep liquid continuously pulsating from one chamber to another. They are made up of several primary components:
- Diaphragms
As the name would suggest, there are two diaphragms. Each air chamber is separated by a diaphragm that controls the suction and discharge from one chamber to the other. - Suction and Discharge Manifolds
As one chamber is filled with compressed air, the diaphragm expands and directs the fluid into the discharge manifold. - Suction and Discharge Valves
As the discharge fluid is pulled into the manifold, a vacuum is created. This pulls the fluid past the suction valve and into the pump chamber. Once the chamber has reached its maximum capacity, the whole process reverses and a repetitive pumping action is created. - Liquid and Air Chambers
Liquid and air chambers draw in, hold and then release the process liquid and compressed air respectively during the pumping action.
Advantages of AODD Pumps
Air operated double diaphragm pumps offer many advantages:
- Versatility – AODD pumps can handle a wide variety of process materials, from high-viscosity fluids and corrosive/abrasive liquids to low-density powders and large solids.
- Flexibility – AODD pumps can run dry without the need for added lubricants. They do not get clogged or stalled, and the fully sealed units allow for complete submersion in liquid. They can even run without electrical power.
- Ease of Maintenance – Simple designs make AODD pumps relatively simple to install and maintain. Many engineers refer to them as “plug and play” pumps.
- Safety – AODD pumps use compressed air for power rather than fuel or electricity, which makes them much safer to operate.
- Convenience – AODD pumps are generally very lightweight and portable, so they can easily be moved from one location to the next with minimal downtime.
Applications for Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps
AODD pumps are used in a wide variety of industrial applications because they are highly dependable and easy to maintain. In addition, they are very adaptable to different process media and provide predictable metering results thanks to the repeating diaphragm pumping action.
The best applications for air operated double diaphragm pumps are:
- Food Processing
- Chemical Transfer
- Oil and Gas
- Paint
- Acid Transfer Metering
- Abrasive/Corrosive/Viscous Materials
- Low-Density Powders
- Large Solids
Which Manufacturers Make AODD Pumps?
Cortech Engineering offers top-quality air operated double diaphragm pumps from the world’s leading manufacturers, including:
- Nomad
- Warren Rupp
- Wilden
How to Select Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps
When selecting an AODD for your industrial, commercial, agricultural or municipal application, there are several factors to keep in mind. AODD pumps are available in different sizes and diaphragm configurations, so it is important to select the right one for your needs. The primary factors to consider are 1. The process media is that’s being pumped and 2. The amount that you’ll need to pump. Understanding your needs and goals will help you find the ideal AODD pump for your situation.
Cortech’s pump experts will guide you through your options and take the time to understand what you are looking for in an air operated double diaphragm pump. We’ll give you the guidance and support you need in finding the best AODD pump—one that is within your budget and ideally suited to your application.
Contact Cortech Engineering today to learn more about air operated double diaphragm pumps and to purchase the right AODD pump for your application.