The Quick and Dirty Guide to the Diaphragm Pump

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!

1. 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. 

2. 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. 
   
   
3. 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. 
   
   
4. DISADVANTAGES
   
   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.
   
   
5. BEST APPLICATIONS
   
   Below is a short list of the best applications for this pump:

• Chemical or hazardous liquid transfer
• Abrasive or viscous product transfer
• Portable spill clean-up applications
• Explosion-proof environments if properly grounded

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.