When starting a new industrial project that involves moving liquids, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right pump. If your project needs to handle thick fluids, chemicals, or even solids in the liquid, an AODD pump might be exactly what you need.
But what is an air-operated double diaphragm pump? And how do you choose the right one for your project? This article will walk you through everything you need to know in simple terms so you can choose the right AODD pump with confidence.
What Is an AODD Pump?
AODD stands for Air-Operated Double Diaphragm. It’s a type of pump that uses compressed air to move liquids. Inside the pump, two flexible diaphragms move back and forth, pushing the liquid from one side to the other.
What makes double diaphragm pumps special is that they can handle a wide variety of liquids, including
Thick sludges
Abrasive fluids
Chemicals
Slurries
Water with solid particles
A diaphragm pump may be used in almost any application as long as it can handle the pressure and flow of the system. Additionally, AODD pumps can handle abrasives, slurries, and solids. They are submersible and may run empty without causing damage, unlike mechanical pumps.
Although air-operated double diaphragm pumps are simple to use, no two facilities or systems are alike, and there are several possibilities, so selecting the best pump for your next project takes some basic knowledge.
Let's look at the process of determining which sort of AODD pump is best for your project. You'll need to understand many fundamental concepts, such as chemical compatibility, flow, and friction loss. In other circumstances, market-specific factors may also influence your pump selection.
Chemical compatibility
When specifying a pump, the first step is to ensure that the liquid being pumped is chemically compatible with the materials used in the pump. In other words, chemical compatibility should guide the materials you choose for your pump.
If the substance you're pumping isn't chemically compatible with the pump's structure (metallic vs. non-metallic) or elastomer materials, it may fail prematurely, corrode, or cause other annoying and sometimes dangerous maintenance concerns.
Flow
After determining the compatibility of your liquid and AODD pump materials, consider flow. Your flow demand (in gallons per minute) can assist you in determining the size of your pump—whether you can start small with a 1/4" pump or if you need to go all the way up to a 3". A 1/4" unit can pump 7 gpm at its maximum, while a 3" type can pump 280 gpm.
Frictional loss
When selecting a pump, you must also consider friction loss. Friction loss produces a reduction in pressure at the end of the line as a result of the liquid's contact with the inside walls of the pipe being pushed through. For example, a 3" pump with a 3" pipe will have less friction loss than a 1" pump with a 1" pipe.
AODD pumps generally reach a maximum pressure of 125 psi. Before choosing a pump, analyze all of the components that contribute to friction loss (measured in feet of liquid) to guarantee you don't go above 125 psi. These variables include the number of elbows, valves, pipe diameter, and pipe length. After gathering that information and estimating friction loss, compare it to the performance curve of the pump you're contemplating to confirm you're in range. Remember, if your pump is running quickly, you may want to consider upgrading to the next size to extend the life of the pump's components.
Pump Size
AODD pumps come in many sizes—from ¼ inch to 3 inches and even larger. The size affects how much fluid the pump can move. Larger pumps are used for heavy-duty tasks, while smaller ones are good for light-duty or small-space applications.
Material of Construction
The material of the AODD pump body, valves, and diaphragms matters a lot, especially if you are working with chemicals or abrasive fluids. Common materials include
Polypropylene—Great for chemical resistance and affordability.
Aluminum—Good for general-purpose use with oils and water.
Stainless Steel—Ideal for hygiene and chemical resistance.
Teflon (PTFE)—Excellent for harsh chemicals, but more expensive.
Market-specific concerns.
Aside from chemical resistance, flow, and friction loss, there may be market-specific factors to consider when deciding on the type of pump for your next project.
AODD Pump Cost
In addition to the usual decision-making process and market-specific criteria discussed above, pricing is most certainly a consideration when selecting an air-operated double diaphragm pump or making any investment in your facility. However, the most cost-effective strategy is to carefully choose the appropriate pump for your application; otherwise, your maintenance staff may be forced to spend unnecessary time and energy servicing an inadequately specified pump.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right AODD pump doesn’t have to be complicated. Think about what you’ll be pumping, how fast you need to move it, and the environment where the pump will be used. Matching the pump to the fluid and the job is key. If you're still unsure, talk to a pump supplier or technician. They can help you find the perfect AODD pump based on your specific needs.
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