AODD Pumps

What is an AODD Pump?

An air operated double diaphragm pump (AODD) is a type of reciprocating positive displacement pump that is powered by compressed air. Sometimes this pump type is referred to as an air operated diaphragm (AOD) pump. Like any diaphragm pump, they are designed to move liquid by using reciprocating diaphragms to expand and contract a pumping chamber. They're safe, easy to use, and can be used even where electrical power is not available.

How do they work?

There are two pumping chambers within the pump, each with its own diaphragm and set of inlet and outlet check valves. Air enters the non-product side of one diaphragm, and then the other, with the alternating air flow path being created by a shuttle valve on the air supply. As the diaphragms move in one direction, this pushes liquid on the product side of one of the diaphragms out the discharge check valve and into the discharge manifold. At the same time, the movement of the other diaphragm causes liquid to be drawn from the suction manifold, through the inlet check valve, and into the pumping chamber. Then the air shuttle valve reverses, causing both diaphragms to move in the opposite direction. This creates a double acting effect, and what had been the suction side now becomes the discharge side, and vice versa.

Where are they used?

AODD pumps are useful in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications, including pumping of viscous or difficult fluids such as fuels, glues, paints, resins, and inks. They're also used in the processing of food-based or cosmetic liquids.

These pumps are built to handle liquids containing solids, and they come in a variety of materials to handle corrosive liquids. Since this pump type creates a vacuum in the inlet when it is pumping, it can be mounted above the liquid it is pumping.

Other related Pump Types include: Industrial pump, chemical pump, process pump, booster pump, sludge pump, gear pump.